Apple AirPods Max 2
FiiO FT1
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
FiiO FT1
The FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones are widely praised for their exceptional value, offering a warm, bassy sound with clean mids and smooth treble that rivals far more expensive models. Users highlight the comfortable fit, solid build quality, and generous accessories including two cables and a carrying case. Minor complaints include microphonic cables, a headband that may cause discomfort on smaller heads, and some sound leakage if not perfectly sealed. Overall, these are considered one of the best budget audiophile headphones available.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Warm, bassy sound with clean mids
- Comfortable fit
- Solid build quality
- Generous accessories (two cables, case)
Cons
- Microphonic cables
- Uncomfortable headband for small heads
- Sound leakage without perfect seal
- Treble can be slightly harsh
- Wood cup popping noises
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | FiiO FT1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 0.99 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Fabric |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | suede fabric |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 60 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | — | 32 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 – Starlight with AppleCare+ (2 years) | FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Nanowood Fiber Composite Diaphragm Wired Hi-Fi Headphones, Detachable Cable, American Black Walnut Wood Ear Cups for Home, Studio, Recording (Beech) |
| 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 | — | 1.5 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 | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | Water-Resistant |
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)
FiiO FT1
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sound (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
FiiO FT1 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 39 specs.
