Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
AirPods Max 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and AirPods Max 2 at 92. That puts AirPods Max 2 ahead by 3 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 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max 2ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 92).
Comfort
AirPods Max 2Long-session wearability
AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 80).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| ANC | Hybrid 9-mic | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | — |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless USB-C | — |
| Battery | 20 hr (with ANC) | Up to 20 hours with ANC |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Chip | — | Apple H2 headphone chip |
| Audio | — | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) |
| Amplifier | — | High dynamic range |
| Charging port | — | USB-C |
| Spatial audio | — | Personalized with dynamic head tracking |
| Colors | — | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue |
| Features | — | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation |
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
- +Best-in-class build quality
- +Apple ecosystem integration
- +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
- −No new chip vs original
- −Heavy at 384g
- −No fold-flat design
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs AirPods Max 2
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max 2 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 noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 92). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on comfort (90 vs 80). Long-session wearability.