Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Same great style with the tiniest of upgrades
When Apple announces new products, there's always a buzz, especially when it comes to beloved accessories like their headphones. This time, we're looking at the latest iteration of their premium over-ear offering: the AirPods Max 2. But the question many are asking is, how "new" are they, really?
The original AirPods Max made a splash when they first arrived in 2020, marking Apple's first serious venture into the high-end over-ear headphone market. They quickly became known for their distinctive design, premium materials, and deep integration into the Apple ecosystem. Since then, we've seen a minor refresh in 2024 that primarily swapped the Lightning charging port for a more universal USB-C port, but Apple kept the name simply AirPods Max, which caused a bit of confusion.
Now, the AirPods Max 2 are officially here, promising a second generation of Apple's flagship headphones. As a reviewer, I've had the chance to spend about a week with these new headphones, putting them through their paces to uncover what's truly new and whether these upgrades justify their premium price tag. Let's dive into what I discovered.
Familiar Look and Feel: Design, Colors, and Battery Remain Unchanged
It's rare for me to group design, colors, and battery life together in a headphone review, but for the AirPods Max 2, it's unavoidable. The simple truth is: absolutely nothing has changed in these fundamental areas. From their elegant shape to their substantial weight and physical dimensions, the new AirPods Max 2 are identical to their predecessors. Even the available color options — Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange — remain exactly the same as the original lineup.
To give you an idea of just how identical they are, I've had an older pair of Midnight AirPods Max with the USB-C port (which I covered in my full review of that interim model). For this review, Apple sent me a new pair in Blue. Placing them side-by-side, it's virtually impossible to distinguish the "new" model from the "old" one based on appearance alone. There's no subtle branding change, no tweaked earcups, or refreshed headband. They look like they could have been purchased on the same day, despite being two years apart in their release cycle.
A Design That Still Stands Out
To be fair to Apple, the original design of the AirPods Max was — and still is — exceptional. They boast a premium, minimalist aesthetic with anodized aluminum earcups and a stainless steel frame, giving them a distinctly high-end feel. The mesh headband is designed for breathability and to distribute weight evenly, enhancing comfort. The physical controls, a digital crown for volume and playback, and a noise control button, located on the right earcup, are intuitive and responsive, providing a tactile experience that many users prefer over touch controls. From a purely aesthetic and functional standpoint, there wasn't much to "fix" in the design.
The Weight Debate Continues
However, one aspect of the AirPods Max design that has always been a point of contention for some users is their weight. At 386.2 grams (just under 0.85 pounds), they are indeed quite hefty for a pair of over-ear headphones. To put that into perspective, leading competitors like Sony's WH-1000XM6 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones – both renowned for their wireless capabilities, over-ear comfort, and active noise cancellation – typically weigh around 130 grams less. This difference is noticeable for some, particularly during long listening sessions or if you're prone to neck strain.
Personally, I don't find the weight to be a major issue, as the mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions do an excellent job of distributing the load and providing a comfortable fit. The robust build also contributes to a feeling of durability. However, if you found the original AirPods Max too heavy, be aware that the AirPods Max 2 bring no changes in this regard. The comfort is still excellent, but the bulk remains.
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The Persistent Problem of the Smart Case
While the headphones themselves are largely impressive, my significant gripe remains with the Smart Case. The AirPods Max can only fold flat inwards, which exposes the earcups to potential scratches and scuffs when jostled in a bag. The Smart Case is almost a necessity to protect them, yet it's still the same poorly designed accessory as before. It covers only the earcups, leaving the headband exposed, and offers minimal impact protection. Its unusual shape also makes it less convenient to pack than traditional folding headphone cases. For a product that screams premium, the case feels like an afterthought, and the lack of improvement here is disappointing.
Color Consistency and Battery Performance
The "Blue" color of my review unit was actually quite appealing, leaning more towards a sophisticated silver with blue undertones rather than a vibrant, in-your-face blue. It's definitely more eye-catching than the understated Midnight, so if you prefer a subtle look, this might not be your pick. However, it's genuinely surprising that Apple didn't seize the opportunity to introduce even one fresh color option with this new generation, which could have helped differentiate it from the previous models.
Battery life also remains constant, rated at 20 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) or Transparency mode engaged. In my testing, I found no discernible difference in endurance between the new AirPods Max 2 and the older version. For most users, 20 hours is ample for daily commuting, a long flight, or several days of casual listening. However, in an age where some competitors are pushing 30-40 hours of playback, 20 hours is merely competitive, not groundbreaking.
The Sound Experience: Excellent, But Unchanged
When investing in high-end headphones, sound quality is naturally a top priority. With the AirPods Max 2, Apple has kept most of the core audio hardware the same, with the most significant internal difference being the introduction of the new H2 chip. In theory, this advanced chip should enhance sound processing, leading to improved audio quality. Apple's marketing materials do indeed state that the new model offers "elevated sound quality."
A Deep Dive into Audio Performance
Both the original AirPods Max and the new AirPods Max 2 deliver an undeniably excellent sound experience. They excel at creating a "wide soundstage," which means the audio doesn't feel confined to your head but rather expansive, as if instruments and vocals are coming from different points in space around you. This contributes to a more immersive listening experience. The headphones also render a wealth of "detail across all frequencies," meaning you can clearly discern subtle elements in the bass, mid-range, and treble.
The sound profile is generally tuned to be engaging, with "pronounced bass and treble" that add punch to genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, and sparkle to classical or jazz pieces. However, the "mid-range" — where vocals and many instruments typically reside — can sometimes feel a little "subdued" or less forward compared to the highs and lows. This V-shaped sound signature is popular with many listeners, but those who prefer a more neutral, uncolored sound might find it less ideal. For users who want to fine-tune this, Apple offers a useful trick on the iPhone: navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations. By turning this setting on and selecting "Tune audio for Balanced Tone," you can adjust the audio profile. I personally set it to "Moderate," which noticeably brightens the overall sound and brings vocals more to the forefront, making them more present and engaging.
Rigorous Listening Tests Yield Similar Results
Despite the promise of the new H2 chip, my extensive testing revealed no audible difference in pure sound quality between the old and new models. My initial setup involved removing all equalization settings, disabling Bluetooth, and connecting both headphone models to a MacBook Pro using a USB-C cable. I then played various hi-res lossless tracks from Apple Music, alternating between the two pairs. In this controlled, wired setup, the sound was indistinguishable – equally rich, detailed, and dynamic on both.
Given that the H2 chip's primary purpose is advanced digital signal processing (DSP), I theorized that the differences might manifest more clearly in wireless mode, where the chip handles Bluetooth codecs and real-time audio adjustments. I switched to wireless listening, toggling between different modes like Transparency and Noise Cancellation. Yet, even in these varied wireless scenarios, the core sound signature remained identical. The only noticeable audio-related improvement I detected was in the noise cancellation performance of the new model, which we'll discuss next.
The H2 Chip Advantage: Enhanced Noise Cancellation and Smart Features
A Notable Improvement in Noise Cancellation
Here's where the new H2 chip truly begins to show its worth. Apple claims a 1.5x improvement in noise cancellation compared to the previous model. While it's challenging to verify such a precise figure in real-world scenarios, the improvement is indeed "audibly" noticeable. I rigorously tested this by playing various challenging noises – from constant white noise to the distinct roar of a jet engine soundscape – through speakers placed around my house. The new AirPods Max 2 demonstrably blocked more ambient noise, creating a quieter listening environment. Furthermore, their ability to adapt and reduce noise based on head movements or environmental changes felt more refined, indicating more intelligent processing at play.
However, it's important to set realistic expectations. Despite this improvement, the AirPods Max 2 are still not the absolute best in class for active noise cancellation. Apple's own AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, for example, offer a more dramatic silencing effect, particularly in highly chaotic environments. While direct comparisons between over-ear headphones and earbuds are imperfect due to their inherent differences in passive isolation, the AirPods Pro 3 still manage to make outside noise "vanish in a spectacular fashion" on a busy street. The AirPods Max 2, by contrast, make the noise significantly more "tolerable," but the sense of complete isolation isn't as profound. They excel at reducing low-frequency hums (like airplane engines or HVAC systems) but are less effective at completely eliminating sudden, higher-pitched sounds or close-range voices.
Bringing Over-Ear Up to Speed: New Software Features
The AirPods Pro 3 are crucial to mention here because they were the first Apple audio product to feature the H2 chip. With this latest upgrade, the AirPods Max 2 are essentially catching up, integrating the suite of advanced software features previously exclusive to their in-ear siblings. This means that AirPods Max 2 users now gain access to a host of intelligent capabilities designed to enhance the listening experience and seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem.
These new features are all powered by the H2 chip's advanced computational audio capabilities. Importantly, they are mostly optional, allowing users to tailor their experience. Let's break down some of the key additions:
- Adaptive Audio: This intelligent feature dynamically blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode based on your surroundings. If you're walking down a street, it might let in just enough ambient sound for awareness, but then ramp up ANC when you step onto a noisy train. It aims to provide the perfect balance without you having to manually adjust settings, offering a truly hands-free experience for maintaining situational awareness while optimizing audio enjoyment.
- Conversation Awareness: When the headphones detect that you're speaking, or that someone near you is speaking directly to you, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of your audio and enhances the voices around you. This allows for quick, natural conversations without needing to remove your headphones, then seamlessly returns to your music once the conversation ends. It's incredibly convenient for quick interactions in public or in an office setting.
- Live Translation: Leveraging the H2 chip and deep integration with Apple devices, this feature enables real-time translation right through your headphones. Paired with your iPhone, it can translate spoken language and feed it to you directly, breaking down language barriers in travel or international communication.
- Voice Isolation: This feature significantly improves call quality by isolating your voice from background noise. Whether you're in a bustling café or on a windy street, the H2 chip works to filter out distractions, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly to the person on the other end of the call. This is a huge benefit for anyone who takes calls frequently on the go.
- Personalized Volume: Over time, the AirPods Max 2 can learn your listening preferences and environmental conditions, then automatically adjust the volume to suit your individual habits and surroundings. If you consistently listen at a lower volume in quiet spaces and higher in noisy ones, the headphones can predict and adjust for you, reducing the need for constant manual fiddling.
- Loud Sound Reduction: An important health feature, Loud Sound Reduction helps protect your hearing by automatically reducing the volume of excessively loud environmental sounds. This can be particularly useful in unexpected loud situations, like a sudden siren or construction noise, preventing potential hearing damage.
- Siri Interactions: The H2 chip also enhances Siri's responsiveness and capabilities with the AirPods Max 2. You can more easily activate Siri with your voice, and it can perform a wider range of tasks, from controlling music to reading notifications, all without needing to reach for your iPhone.
These features, driven by the H2 chip, represent the most significant and tangible upgrades in the AirPods Max 2. They transform the listening experience by adding layers of intelligence and convenience, making the headphones even more useful for daily life, especially for those fully embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Still a Premium Choice, But Not a Must-Upgrade
The AirPods Max 2 are, without a doubt, an excellent pair of headphones. They continue to represent Apple's sole entry into the premium over-the-ear segment (excluding Beats, which Apple also owns, but operates as a separate brand). Their strengths are numerous: a truly engaging sound profile, seamless integration with other Apple devices (making device switching effortless), an iconic and aesthetically pleasing design, and exceptional comfort for extended wear (provided you don't mind their weight). They are a cohesive product that delivers a uniquely "Apple" experience.
However, this premium experience comes at a premium price. At $549, the AirPods Max 2 sit at the very top of the consumer headphone market. You can certainly find headphones that offer objectively "better" sound quality from audiophile brands for a similar or even lower price. Similarly, some competitors might offer superior active noise cancellation. What sets the AirPods Max 2 apart is not excelling in one specific area, but rather combining all these elements – solid audio, respectable ANC, premium design, comfort, and most importantly, the entire suite of intelligent Apple ecosystem features – into one polished package. No other single product currently offers this exact combination.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
As a "second-generation" product, however, the AirPods Max 2 feel more like a refinement than a revolutionary leap. They are, for all intents and purposes, largely the same excellent headphones as the original. The primary and most meaningful upgrade is the integration of the new H2 chip. This chip significantly enhances the active noise cancellation and unlocks a host of smart software features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, bringing the AirPods Max up to par with the capabilities of the AirPods Pro 3. Beyond these H2-powered improvements, the list of changes is remarkably short – essentially limited to the switch to a USB-C port, which was already introduced in an earlier quiet revision.
And yes, the price remains unchanged at $549, a figure that places them above many of their direct competitors from brands like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser, which often hover in the $350-$450 range. This high price point requires careful consideration of the value proposition.
Who Should Buy the AirPods Max 2?
Given all these factors, my recommendation for the new AirPods Max 2 is quite specific. They are an ideal choice for:
- Avid Apple Users: If you are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch), the seamless connectivity, automatic switching, and exclusive H2-powered features will greatly enhance your daily experience. The convenience and integration are unmatched.
- First-Time Over-Ear Headphone Shoppers: If you're entering the premium over-ear headphone market for the first time and want a device that offers a balanced blend of great sound, strong ANC, superb build quality, and cutting-edge smart features, the AirPods Max 2 are a compelling, albeit expensive, option.
Who Might Want to Skip?
On the other hand, there are distinct groups for whom the AirPods Max 2 might not be the best investment:
- Existing AirPods Max Owners: If you already own a pair of the original AirPods Max, especially the USB-C version, there is simply no compelling reason to upgrade. The improvements in sound quality are imperceptible, and while the enhanced ANC and new smart features are good, they don't justify the full cost of a new pair. Your existing headphones still offer nearly the same core experience.
- Those Prioritizing Pure Noise Cancellation: If your absolute top priority is the most effective noise cancellation available, especially for travel or extremely noisy environments, you might find that Apple's own AirPods Pro 3 earbuds (which are also considerably less expensive) offer a more profound silencing effect. Alternatively, competitors from Bose and Sony continue to lead the pack in pure ANC performance for over-ear models.
- Audiophiles Seeking Pure Sound Fidelity: While the AirPods Max 2 sound excellent, dedicated audiophile headphones can offer a more neutral, detailed, or expansive soundstage for the same or even less money, though often at the expense of features like ANC, wireless convenience, or smart integrations.
In conclusion, the AirPods Max 2 are a fantastic product for the right user – someone deeply embedded in the Apple world, looking for a premium, feature-rich over-ear experience. However, they are not a revolutionary upgrade, and for many, especially existing owners, the "new" simply isn't enough to warrant the hefty price tag.
from Mashable
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