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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
Meze Audio 109 Pro wins by 1
Meze Audio 109 Pro — Open-back
Meze Audio

Meze Audio 109 Pro

Open-back

90
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict

Meze Audio 109 Pro takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Meze Audio 109 Pro at 90. That puts Meze Audio 109 Pro 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 Meze Audio 109 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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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 90).

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 0).

Comfort

Meze Audio 109 Pro

Long-session wearability

Meze Audio 109 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 80).

Value for money

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) more score per dollar ($549 vs $799).

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs
90 Meze Audio 109 Pro

Score breakdown

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Meze Audio 109 Pro
90
anc 0
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus Meze Audio 109 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Meze Audio 109 Pro
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

Meze Audio 109 Pro

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 Meze Audio 109 Pro

Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Meze Audio 109 Pro? +

Meze Audio 109 Pro scores 90 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 Meze Audio 109 Pro worth the price? +

At $799, Meze Audio 109 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.

Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Meze Audio 109 Pro 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 Meze Audio 109 Pro? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Meze Audio 109 Pro? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.