Apple
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
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 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 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
AirPods Max 88
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
AirPods Max
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Open-back |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
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
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 vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, AirPods Max 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 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
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 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.