Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 8
Audeze
Audeze LCD-5
Planar magnetic
96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict
Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
- ✓Premium aluminum build
- ✓Seamless Apple integration
- ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Score breakdown
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Audeze LCD-5
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
Spec
AirPods Max (USB-C)
Audeze LCD-5
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
Codecs
AAC, SBC
—
Battery
20 h
—
Weight
384 g
—
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
Type
—
Planar magnetic
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
Audeze LCD-5
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Audeze LCD-5
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Audeze LCD-5? +
Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. 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 Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Audeze LCD-5 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.