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Focal Clear MG · Arctic White — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
AirPods Max 2 — H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Apple

AirPods Max 2

H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless

92
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White lands at 92 and AirPods Max 2 at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Focal Clear MG · Arctic White if…

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

Pick AirPods Max 2 if…

  • ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
  • ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
  • ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max 2

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 0).

Comfort

AirPods Max 2

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).

Value for money

AirPods Max 2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods Max 2 more score per dollar ($549 vs $1,499).

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White 92
vs
92 AirPods Max 2

Score breakdown

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
AirPods Max 2
92
anc 95
sound 93
comfort 90
battery 84
features 94

Specs side-by-side

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White versus AirPods Max 2 — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Clear MG · Arctic White AirPods Max 2
Type
Open-back
—
Chip
—
Apple H2 headphone chip
ANC
—
Up to 1.5× more effective vs original
Audio
—
24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired)
Amplifier
—
High dynamic range
Battery
—
Up to 20 hours with ANC
Charging port
—
USB-C
Spatial audio
—
Personalized with dynamic head tracking
Colors
—
Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue
Features
—
Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

AirPods Max 2

Pros
  • +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
  • +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
  • +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Cons
  • −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
  • −Same exterior design as 2020 original
  • −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection

FAQ: Focal Clear MG · Arctic White vs AirPods Max 2

Which is better, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or AirPods Max 2? +

Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Clear MG · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $1,499, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.

Does Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or AirPods Max 2 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 noise cancelling, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or AirPods Max 2? +

AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or AirPods Max 2? +

AirPods Max 2 — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Long-session wearability.