Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2003
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black at 90. That puts Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black 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 Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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 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 88).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight BlackLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black leads on comfort (89 vs 80).
Value for money
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight BlackSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($499 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight 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 | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2003 |
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
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black? +
Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black 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 Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $499, Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight 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 Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black? +
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 Sennheiser HD 650 · Midnight Black? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 88). ANC strength for commute and travel.