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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 8
Razer Barracuda X (Black) — Gaming · 2021 · Black
Razer

Razer Barracuda X (Black)

Gaming · 2021 · Black

80
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Razer Barracuda X (Black) at 80. That puts AirPods Max 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 Razer Barracuda X (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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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 80).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 78).

Value for money

Razer Barracuda X (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Razer Barracuda X (Black) more score per dollar ($99 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
80 Razer Barracuda X (Black)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Razer Barracuda X (Black)
80
anc 70
sound 80
comfort 78
battery 86
features 80

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Razer Barracuda X (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Razer Barracuda X (Black)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2021
Variant
—
Black

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

Razer Barracuda X (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: AirPods Max vs Razer Barracuda X (Black)

Which is better, AirPods Max or Razer Barracuda X (Black)? +

AirPods Max scores 88 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 Razer Barracuda X (Black) worth the price? +

At $99, Razer Barracuda X (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max or Razer Barracuda X (Black) 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 Razer Barracuda X (Black)? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 80). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Razer Barracuda X (Black)? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.