Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 8
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max (USB-C) | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Battery | 20 h | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Connectivity | BT 5.0, USB-C lossless | — |
| Type | — | Open-back |
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
Focal Utopia 2022
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 Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Focal Utopia 2022 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.