Apple AirPods Max 2
Yamaha HPH-MT5W
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
Yamaha HPH-MT5W
The Yamaha HPH-MT5 headphones are widely praised for their exceptional sound quality, comfort, and value for money, especially for studio monitoring and mixing. Users highlight crisp, balanced audio with good noise isolation, though some note a slightly snug fit and concerns about build durability. A few reviewers mention the need for pad replacement to improve comfort and treble clarity, but overall sentiment is very positive, with many considering them a budget-friendly alternative to pricier models.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price
- Crisp, balanced audio with low distortion
- Excellent noise isolation
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Slightly snug fit for some users
- Build quality feels lightweight/less rugged
- Ear pads may need replacement for comfort
- Mids can be shouty/harsh out of the box
- Limited bass for bass-heavy listeners
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Yamaha HPH-MT5W | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 0.83 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Smooth synthetic leather and low-resistance cushions |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | — | 51 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 – Purple with AppleCare+ (2 years) | Yamaha HPH-MT5 Closed-Back Circumaural Over Ear Studio Monitor Headphones, White |
| 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)
Yamaha HPH-MT5W
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong sound (66th percentile)
- Below average comfort (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Yamaha HPH-MT5W offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 38 specs.
