Apple AirPods Max 2
Shure SRH440-E
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
Shure SRH440-E
The Shure SRH440 headphones are praised for their neutral, balanced sound and excellent isolation, making them ideal for studio monitoring and music production. However, comfort is a significant drawback, with many users finding the ear pads shallow and the headband pressure uncomfortable for long sessions. The removable cable and durable build are appreciated, but the headphones require an amplifier to perform at their best and lack bass impact for casual listeners.
Pros
- Neutral and balanced sound
- Excellent noise isolation
- Removable locking cable
- Solid and durable build
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Uncomfortable for long sessions
- Shallow ear pads
- Tight headband pressure
- Requires amplifier for best sound
- Lacks bass impact
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Shure SRH440-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | — |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 22 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 44 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 107 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 – Orange with AppleCare+ (2 years) | Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones, Enhanced Frequency Response and Extended Range for Home and Studio Recording, with Detachable Coiled Cable, Carrying Bag and 1/4" Adapter (SRH440) |
| 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)
Shure SRH440-E
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong sound (77th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Shure SRH440-E offers 2.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 39 specs.
