Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
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 EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) at 86. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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 EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)Tuning, detail, and staging
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 86).
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
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)Long-session wearability
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (84 vs 80).
Value for money
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($279 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (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)
- +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
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 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 EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $279, EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (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 sound quality, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (PS5 Edition)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.