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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 8
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
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
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 leads on sound (96 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

AirPods Max

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods Max more score per dollar ($549 vs $4,999).

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

AirPods Max versus Focal Utopia 2022 — full spec comparison
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.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max or Focal Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Focal Utopia 2022? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.