Apple
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
88
/ 100
From $549
VS
HiFiMan
HiFiMan Edition XS
Planar magnetic
88
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and HiFiMan Edition XS at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Max if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
AirPods Max 88
vs 88 HiFiMan Edition XS
Score breakdown
AirPods Max
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
HiFiMan Edition XS
88 anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max | HiFiMan Edition XS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Planar magnetic |
| 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
HiFiMan Edition XS
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 HiFiMan Edition XS
Which is better, AirPods Max or HiFiMan Edition XS? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +
At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max or HiFiMan Edition XS 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.