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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Apple

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C

89
/ 100
From $549
VS
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) wins by 1
AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class build quality
  • ✓Apple ecosystem integration
  • ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on anc (92 vs 86).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 80).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs
88 AirPods Max

Score breakdown

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus AirPods Max — full spec comparison
Spec Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) AirPods Max
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
ANC
Hybrid 9-mic
—
Bluetooth
5.0
—
Codecs
AAC + Lossless USB-C
—
Battery
20 hr (with ANC)
—
Charging
USB-C
—
Weight
384 g
—
Type
—
Over-ear
Release year
—
2020

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Pros
  • +Best-in-class build quality
  • +Apple ecosystem integration
  • +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Cons
  • −No new chip vs original
  • −Heavy at 384g
  • −No fold-flat design

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

FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs AirPods Max

Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +

At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max 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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 86). ANC strength for commute and travel.