Home

 › 

Vs.

 › 

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: What’s the Better Buy?

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: What’s the Better Buy?

There’s no question that Apple has become one of the leading names in the audio tech industry as of late. Since the introduction of the first-generation AirPods in 2016, Apple has managed to rise to the same triumphant heights as rivals Bose, Beats, and beyond. But which of their audio products is the better buy? Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2?

Let’s compare and contrast the two top-of-the-line Apple audio tech products below, paying close attention to the pros and cons of each. In the end, what makes for a better product?

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: Side-by-Side Comparison

Apple AirPods MaxApple AirPods Pro 2
ReleasedDecember 15th, 2020September 23rd, 2022
Battery LifeUp to 20 hoursUp to 6 hours
Charge TimeFully charged in around two hoursFully charged in around an hour
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.3
Compatible DevicesBluetooth, iOS, and Android devicesBluetooth, iOS, and Android devices
Size6.64 in. x 7.37 in. x 3.28 in.One AirPod: 1.22 in. x 0.86 in. x 0.94 in.
Charging Case: 1.78 in. x 2.39 in. x 0.85 in.
Weight13.6 oz.One AirPod: 0.19 oz.
Charging Case: 1.79 oz.
ColorsSilver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, GreenWhite
MSRP$549.00$249.00

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: What’s the Difference?

Now that we understand a little more about the physicality of the Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2, it’s worth taking some time to explore their key differences. Based on the table above, we can clearly see that there are some significant distinctions between the two.

However, we aren’t entirely sure what these differences mean and how they impact performance and quality. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the key differences between the Apple AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 below. Which Apple audio product comes out on top?

Battery and Charge Time

First and foremost, we have a major difference in battery and charge time between the Apple AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2. When looking at the numbers alone, the AirPods Max battery lasts more than three times as long as the AirPods Pro 2 battery. It’s a difference of 14 additional hours for the AirPods Max over the AirPods Pro 2.

This matters quite a bit, as it makes the AirPods Pro 2 battery life look almost comically short. 20 hours for the AirPods Max vs only 6 for the AirPods Pro 2? It’s no question: the AirPods Max battery is better.

Best for Apple Users/ Over-Ear
Apple AirPods Max (Space Gray)
$479.99
  • Apple-designed dynamic driver for high-fidelity audio
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Transparency mode
  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
  • Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/10/2024 08:11 pm GMT

The opposite can be said for their charging time. In this regard, the AirPods Pro 2 have the far preferable charge time over the AirPods Max. This has everything to do with the size of the battery itself.

Because the AirPods Pro 2’s battery is tinier, it’s obviously going to charge faster. This is one advantage to having a shorter battery life, it seems: much faster charging times. The AirPods Max’s charge time is well over two and a half hours, which can be quite inconvenient — even with that 20-hour battery life to consider.

Size and Weight

Secondly, there’s a massive difference in both size and weight between the AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Max are full-sized headphones, measuring 6.64 inches by 7.37 inches by 3.28 inches. Their weight is just as significant: 13.6 ounces, or 0.85 pounds.

That’s pretty big and heavy, especially for something that’s supposed to rest comfortably on your head and over your ears. The AirPods Pro 2, by comparison, are much smaller and lighter. Each AirPod measures just 1.22 in. by 0.86 in. by 0.94 in. Plus, they only weigh 0.19 oz. per earbud.

Pricing

Lastly, we have a difference in pricing between these two Apple audio products. The AirPods Max represent not only Apple’s most expensive audio tech but also some of the most expensive headphones on the market. They’re priced at $549.

The AirPods Pro 2 are much cheaper than the AirPods Max, but they’re still expensive for wireless Bluetooth earbuds. They’re priced at $249. When all is said and done, neither one is exactly cheap — especially considering the fact that second-generation AirPods are only $129 (and frequently appear on sale for even less than that).

The History of Apple AirPods Max

While Apple has been in the audio industry since the introduction of the very first iPod, it wasn’t until the release of the AirPods in 2016 that Apple truly entered the future of wireless audio tech. Furthermore, it wasn’t until 2020 that they entered the headphones space.

Prior to the announcement of the AirPods Max in December 2020, Apple had always put the focus on earbuds over headphones. Now, with this new and attention-grabbing product, Apple had officially entered uncharted territory for the brand.

The Apple AirPods Max was immediately appealing for their sleek design, their impressive noise cancelation abilities, and their professional audio quality features. Though they weren’t announced until 2020, development began as far back as 2018. At this time, the AirPods were already a major success.

However, competitors in the audio space — such as Bose and Sony — still had a leg up over Apple because of their wireless Bluetooth headphone offerings. Apple knew they had to come up with something to compete. And so, development began on the Apple AirPods Max.

After two years of work and a number of delays and holdups, Apple officially unveiled the AirPods Max in December 2020. Their price tag of $549 lets people know just how advanced this product was. (Very few Bluetooth headphone competitors even come near this price point, let alone exceed it.)

With a stainless steel frame, breathable mesh canopy, and memory foam ear cushions — not to mention active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio — the AirPods Max received more positive praise than negative. Overall, their biggest drawbacks remain pricing and weight.

How Apple AirPods Pro 2 Compare

Apple announced its second-generation AirPods Pro in September of 2022. This announcement came just under three years after the first-generation product was announced and released in October 2019.

Sitting conformably between the base model Apple AirPods and the high-end model AirPods Max, the AirPods Pro brought a number of new features to the AirPods family.

These features included transparency mode, water resistance with a rating of IPX4, active noise cancelation, automated frequency profiles, numerous silicone tips, and a wireless charging case.

Best for iPhones
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
$170.32
  • Apple-designed H2 chip
  • Low-distortion, custom-built driver
  • Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous AirPods Pro
  • Personalized spatial audio
  • Up to 6 hours of battery life or 30 hours with the charging case
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 01:31 am GMT

While the AirPods Pro were highly sought after at launch, there were a number of specs and features in need of improvement in the second generation. (For instance, battery life, noise cancelation, and transparency mode were all in need of some major upgrades.)

Thankfully for Apple audio product enthusiasts, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 knew exactly how to fix these things. Upon their announcement in the fall of 2022, the AirPods Pro 2 boasted a better battery, improved noise cancelation and transparency mode, and other alluring features to boot.

In the product’s press release, Apple spoke of the product’s superior sound quality over its first generation, its improved Personalized Spatial Audio, and its revolutionary new Adaptive Transparency.

Plus, the AirPods Pro 2 came equipped with twice as much noise-canceling power as the first generation — a major draw for anyone looking to bring the ANC of a pair of headphones to something as conveniently sized as a pair of earbuds. Battery life was a little better, but nevertheless remained a concern for this second-generation product.

5 Must-Know Facts About Apple Audio Tech

  1. Apple’s H1 chip is at the heart of a number of its audio products. Interestingly enough, this includes both Apple and Beats products. (Apple purchased Beats by Dre for $3 billion in 2014.) Some of the most notable H1 features include seamless device pairing, automatic Bluetooth device switching, low wireless latency, and hands-free voice assistant activation.
  2. Apple’s Spatial Audio is found in the AirPods Max and the AirPods Pro 2. Spatial exists to create a more immersive listening experience by delivering replicated surround sound audio. Apple accomplishes this via directional audio filters that automatically adjust as the listener moves their head.
  3. Another feature included in both the AirPods Max and the AirPods Pro 2 is Adaptive EQ. This feature automatically adjusts sound quality based on the listener’s unique ear shape (and, in the case of the AirPods Pro 2, the fit of the ear tips). Adaptive EQ uses built-in microphones to measure sound levels in the ear and then makes adjustments based on that.
  4. While one might assume Apple’s first audio product was the iPod or the earbuds included in the box, their first foray into audio was actually the Apple IIGS Sound Card. Released in 1986, the Apple IIGS Sound Card was an optional accessory for the Apple II that allowed for stereo sound.
  5. According to rumors, Apple is expected to make a number of important AirPods announcements in 2024 and 2015. Among the crop of rumored releases is a cheaper AirPods offering, priced under $100, second-generation AirPods Max, and various other improvements to current products in the AirPods line.

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: Pros and Cons

Pros of Apple AirPods MaxCons of Apple AirPods Max
Great sound qualityPremium pricing
Active noise cancelationHeavyweight
Memory foam ear cushionsLacks physical controls
Spatial audio technologyNo wired listening option
Pros of Apple AirPods Pro 2Cons of Apple AirPods Pro 2
Better connectivity than AirPods MaxMost expensive AirPods earbuds
Improved audio quality over first genBattery life is not great
Four different silicone tipsNot well suited for non-Apple devices
Wireless chargingWireless charging takes longer

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2: Which Ones Are Better?

So, with all of this in mind, can it be said for certain which Apple audio product is best? The Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Pro 2? Judging by the battery life and the sound quality of the AirPods Max, one would be tempted to crown this product the winner.

However, judging by the lower price, the smaller size, the lighter weight, and the increased comfort of the AirPods Pro 2, it makes much more sense to name this product the true winner. Both deliver high-quality audio, but the AirPods Pro 2 does it more comfortably and for less money.

  1. Apple AirPods Max (Space Gray)
    $479.99
    • Apple-designed dynamic driver for high-fidelity audio
    • Active Noise Cancellation
    • Transparency mode
    • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
    • Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions
    Buy Now on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/10/2024 08:11 pm GMT
  2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
    $170.32
    • Apple-designed H2 chip
    • Low-distortion, custom-built driver
    • Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous AirPods Pro
    • Personalized spatial audio
    • Up to 6 hours of battery life or 30 hours with the charging case
    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/12/2024 01:31 am GMT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pair AirPods with an iPhone?

To pair your new AirPods with your iPhone, all you need to do is place the AirPods in their case and open the lid near your phone. With this action, a setup animation should appear on your iPhone’s screen.

Follow the on-screen instructions, which will walk you through the pairing process. Once your AirPods have paired, the product will automatically connect to your iPhone anytime they’re in range.

How do you check your AirPods battery life?

To check the battery life on a pair of AirPods, merely open the AirPods case near your iPhone or iPad. Once opened, an animation will appear on the screen displaying the battery life of both the AirPods and the charging case. This won’t work on a Mac, an Android device, or other non-Apple tech.

How do you control volume on AirPods?

The best method to control the playback and volume on your AirPods is to adjust the volume using the controls on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This is also the easiest way to pause, play, or skip to the next track.

Additionally, you can double-tap either AirPod to play or pause audio, triple-tap to skip to the next track, or, when available, tap and hold to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes.

Do AirPods work with Android devices?

While AirPods will work with any compatible non-Apple Bluetooth device, overall functionality will be extremely limited. Many of the most innovative features of the product — such as automatic ear detection and Siri functionality — won’t be available when paired with non-Apple devices.

How do you clean AirPods?

Cleaning AirPods is a delicate process, as you don’t want to harm the product. It’s best to use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe them down, then use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris from the speaker grilles or the charging port. Even with water-resistant models, using water, cleaning solutions, or even compressed air can cause serious damage to the product.

To top