Apple AirPods Max 2
Sony PULSE Elite
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
Sony PULSE Elite
The PULSE Elite headset receives largely positive feedback for its sound quality, comfort, and battery life, especially from users who appreciate the planar magnetic drivers. However, several reviews note durability concerns with the hinge area and a cheap plastic wall mount, while the charging method (wall-mounted hanger) is considered inconvenient by some. Connectivity issues were reported but resolved by moving the USB adapter.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with planar magnetic drivers
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Great battery life
- Easy connectivity
- Good built-in microphone
Cons
- Durability concerns with hinge area
- Cheap plastic wall mount piece
- Inconvenient charging method (wall hanger)
- Audio input not best for audiophiles
- Initial connectivity disconnection issues
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony PULSE Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | — |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | plush |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC | — |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | active |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs | 0.17000000178813934 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | 10 min for 2 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Apple Home |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | iOS Only | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average affordability (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Sony PULSE Elite
- Strong mic (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong connectivity (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong anc (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong battery (78th percentile)
- Below average affordability (21st percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Pricing
Sony PULSE Elite offers 2.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 11 of 37 specs.
