Apple AirPods Max 2
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
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 Signature Series MDRZ1R
The Sony MDR-Z1R is widely praised as a flagship closed-back headphone with exceptional build quality, comfort, and a unique sound signature that combines wide soundstage, controlled bass, and airy layering. Reviewers emphasize the need for a high-quality DAC/amp and balanced connection to unlock its full potential, and note that while expensive, it offers reference-level performance that rivals or exceeds competitors. A few mention a tight fit initially, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a masterpiece in headphone history.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Wide soundstage for closed-back
- Controlled, deep bass
- High comfort with deep earpads
- Reference-level sound quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires high-quality DAC/amp
- Tight fit initially for some
- Needs balanced cable for full potential
- Heavier than some open-back models
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 1.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | genuine sheepskin |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | genuine leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 70 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 120 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 64 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 – Orange with AppleCare+ (2 years) | Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black |
| 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)
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
- Strong user sentiment (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average comfort (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 38 specs.
