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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
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) wins by 3
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. That puts Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) 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 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) 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

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

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 70).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (90 vs 80).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $549).

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
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
—
Gaming headset
Variant
—
PS5 Edition
Release year
—
2022

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

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

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: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) 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 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) 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 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on comfort (90 vs 80). Long-session wearability.