Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
88 Overall Score
vs
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Audio-Technica
72 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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Work
Commute
Gaming
Calls
Music
Studio
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50X | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 0.45 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | professional-grade earpad |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | professional-grade headband material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 15 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 28 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 99 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) | AAC, LDAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 10.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 50 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 3.5 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | 10-Minute Charge for 3 Hours of Audio |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | iOS Only | A-T 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)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong battery (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average comfort (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max 2
No current pricing available
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2
Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 40 specs.
