Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
89
/ 100
From $549
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 7
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 7 points — a decisive 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 Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | Open-back |
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
Focal Utopia 2022
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. 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 Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Focal Utopia 2022 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.