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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition
Astro

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition

88
/ 100
From $379
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max (USB-C)

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 70).

Comfort

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (86 vs 82).

Value for money

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($379 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
88 Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
88
anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
Codecs
AAC, SBC
—
Battery
20 h
—
Weight
384 g
—
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
Type
—
Gaming headset
Variant
—
PS5 Edition
Release year
—
2024

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.

Is Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $379, Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.