Apple AirPods Max 2
Sennheiser HD 550
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
Sennheiser HD 550
The Sennheiser HD 550 open-back wired headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, lightweight design, and long-term comfort. Users praise the clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass, noting that the audio performance rivals more expensive models. The included accessories like the carrying pouch and dual adapters add value, while the sturdy build and breathable cloth earpads are frequently highlighted. A few users mention the lack of wireless connectivity and a companion app as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is highly favorable.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail
- Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Breathable cloth earpads
- Sturdy build quality
- Includes carrying pouch and dual adapters
Cons
- Strictly wired connectivity
- No companion app for audio customization
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sennheiser HD 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.24 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | velour |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 6 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 150 Ω |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — | 1.7999999523162842 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)
Sennheiser HD 550
- Strong social proof (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max 2
No current pricing available
Sennheiser HD 550
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 38 specs.
