Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)
Gaming · 2023 · Black
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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) 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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) 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
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)Long-session wearability
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) leads on comfort (84 vs 80).
Value for money
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) more score per dollar ($199 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
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
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)
- +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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)? +
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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) worth the price? +
At $199, Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black) 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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)? +
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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (Black)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.