Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
88 Overall Score
vs
PreSonus HD9
PreSonus
25 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
PreSonus HD9
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Work
Commute
Gaming
Calls
Music
Studio
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | PreSonus HD9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.23 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Pelle |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 26 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 96 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)
PreSonus HD9
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Below average social proof (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max 2
No current pricing available
PreSonus HD9
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 39 specs.
