Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
88 Overall Score
vs
Sony WH1000XM4C/B
Sony
61 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max 2
78 out of 100 high confidence 159 reviews
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
Sound quality 35
Noise cancellation 28
Battery life 12
Build quality 15
Weight and comfort 10
Connectivity 8
Sony WH1000XM4C/B
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Work
Commute
Gaming
Calls
Music
Studio
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH1000XM4C/B | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | — |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Midnight | LDAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Digital Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 6.0 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 27 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | up to 1 hour of playback from a 3-minute charge |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3 | 4★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | iOS Only | Sony | Sound Connect |
| 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)
Sony WH1000XM4C/B
- Strong connectivity (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong mic (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong anc (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong battery (74th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 36 specs.