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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 3
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — Over-ear · 2022
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Over-ear · 2022

85
/ 100
From $199
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 at 85. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 83).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 84).

Value for money

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 more score per dollar ($199 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
85 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
85
anc 83
sound 85
comfort 84
battery 82
features 81

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2020
2022

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: AirPods Max vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Which is better, AirPods Max or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 worth the price? +

At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 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 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 83). ANC strength for commute and travel.