Apple AirPods Max 2
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max 2
The Apple AirPods Max 2 receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, powerful noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Many users praise the clear, immersive audio and the effective ANC that can block out most background noise. However, significant complaints include high weight causing neck discomfort, poor battery life with rapid drain, and connectivity issues like frequent disconnections. A few users also report defective units that stop working within weeks, and the lack of a power-off button is a common frustration.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Powerful noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Premium build quality
- Comfortable for extended use
Cons
- Heavy weight causes neck discomfort
- Poor battery life with rapid drain
- Frequent disconnection issues
- No power-off button
- Defective units stop working early
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.22 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | — |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | Metal |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 35 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 45 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 98 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation, Bluetooth Headphones – Starlight with AppleCare+ (2 years) | — |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 3 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | iOS Only | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✓★ |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sound (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong mic (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average social proof (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK offers 2.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 39 specs.
