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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 6
Moondrop Aria — IEM
Moondrop

Moondrop Aria

IEM

82
/ 100
From $80
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Moondrop Aria at 82. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 6 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 Moondrop Aria 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 82).

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

Moondrop Aria

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Moondrop Aria more score per dollar ($80 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
82 Moondrop Aria

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Moondrop Aria
82
anc 0
sound 82
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Moondrop Aria — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Moondrop Aria
Type
Over-ear
IEM
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

Moondrop Aria

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 Moondrop Aria

Which is better, AirPods Max or Moondrop Aria? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. 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 Moondrop Aria worth the price? +

At $80, Moondrop Aria delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max or Moondrop Aria 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 Moondrop Aria? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Moondrop Aria? +

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