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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 4
Grado SR325x · Navy Blue — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x · Navy Blue

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Grado SR325x · Navy Blue at 84. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 4 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 Grado SR325x · Navy Blue 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

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 84).

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

Grado SR325x · Navy Blue

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Grado SR325x · Navy Blue more score per dollar ($349 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
84 Grado SR325x · Navy Blue

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Grado SR325x · Navy Blue
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Grado SR325x · Navy Blue — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Grado SR325x · Navy Blue
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

Grado SR325x · Navy Blue

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 Grado SR325x · Navy Blue

Which is better, AirPods Max or Grado SR325x · Navy Blue? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 Grado SR325x · Navy Blue worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x · Navy Blue delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max or Grado SR325x · Navy Blue 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 Grado SR325x · Navy Blue? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Grado SR325x · Navy Blue? +

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