The AirPods Max made their debut at the end of 2020 and immediately set the standard in the world of wireless over-ear headphones with their luxurious design and excellent sound quality. More than five years later, Apple has finally presented a successor: the AirPods Max 2. Although the two versions are very similar, Apple has added several improvements and smart features.
In this article we compare the AirPods Max with the AirPods Max 2. We explore all the differences, including design, sound quality, battery life, features and price. This way you will get a clear insight into whether it is worth upgrading or whether it is better to stick with your current model.
New for the AirPods Max 2
In the overview below you immediately see the innovations of the AirPods Max 2 compared to the first generation AirPods Max with Lightning/USB-C. Later in the article we will discuss some details in detail, so that you get a clear idea of the new headphones.
- New amplifier that provides clear audio with the high sound quality
- Better bass response and natural-sounding mids and highs
- Spatial Audio sounds better due to improved instrument placement
- H2 chip added with new algorithms for computational audio
- 1.5x better Active Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive audio
- Call detection
- Personalized volume
- Adaptive EQ retuned
- Reduction of Loud Noise
- Voice isolation during calls
- Live Translate
- Camera controls for taking photos or videos
- Shake your head to respond to Siri
- Supports 24-bit, 48 kHz Lossless audio via the USB-C cable
- Gamers benefit from less audio delay when used wirelessly
AirPods Max differences: design
In terms of design, Apple has retained the same design as the first generation of the AirPods Max 2. The aluminum ear cups, stainless steel frame with breathable mesh headband and Digital Crown remain identical, delivering the same premium look and fit that many users love. The color choices are also unchanged: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Orange and Purple remain available, without new shades or special editions.
The Smart Case is also a recurring accessory that is included as standard. This smart case places the AirPods Max in an ultra-power-efficient position that conserves battery life. Unfortunately, this cover does offer limited protection. The AirPods Max are charged via USB-C.
New amplifier
AirPods Max 2 has a new amplifier that delivers clear audio with the high sound quality of AirPods Max. Spatial Audio sounds better with improved instrument placement, better bass response, and natural-sounding mids and highs.
H2 chip provides the most innovation
The H2 chip and new audio algorithms make the Active Noise Cancellation of the AirPods Max 2 up to 1.5 times better than the previous version. Sounds from, for example, an airplane or train are better dampened, so that you can enjoy your music, work or telephone conversation undisturbed.
The AirPods Max 2 uses a smart algorithm for digital sound processing, which makes Transparency mode sound even more natural and you hear clearly what you need to hear. In addition, the Adaptive EQ has been completely retuned especially for the H2 chip, and tailors the sound exactly to the specific fit of the ear cushions.
More smart features for AirPods Max
The H2 chip is faster, more energy efficient and can perform certain audio options better. Thanks to the new processor, music sounds better with more powerful bass and less distortion, and the AirPods Max 2 also benefits from the audio features below:
- Adaptive audio: Automatically adjusts Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency levels to suit your environment for optimal sound.
- Call Detection: Lowers the volume of your media and reduces background noise when you’re talking to someone.
- Personalized volume: Learns over time what your listening preferences are and automatically adjusts the sound accordingly.
- Reduction of Loud Noise prevents you from being exposed to loud ambient noise, while keeping everything you listen to sounding natural and vibrant.
- Voice Isolation During Calls: Uses the advanced computational audio in the H2 chip to isolate your voice and filter out ambient noise during phone calls.
- Live Translate: An Apple Intelligence feature that lets you communicate live with people who speak another language.
- Camera control lets you remotely use the Camera app or a similar compatible third-party app on iPhone or iPad. Press the Digital Crown on your AirPods Max 2 to take a photo or start or stop filming.
- Shake your head to respond to Siri
Conclusion: Differences between AirPods Max models
The differences between the AirPods Max and the AirPods Max 2 can mainly be found under the hood. While the design and color choices remain the same, Apple has equipped the second generation with a new amplifier for clear, high-quality audio, a smart H2 chip, improved sound processing and additional audio options. With better bass response, natural-sounding mids and highs, as well as improved noise cancellation, the AirPods Max 2 are expected to offer a more refined listening experience.
For current users, the upgrade isn’t necessary unless battery life lags, as the headphones have been available for more than five years. Nevertheless, the new audio features offer a more comprehensive experience that was previously missing on the Max and has long been supported by other AirPods models. New buyers immediately get the best experience with the AirPods Max 2, but it does come with a high price tag.
Buy AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 can be ordered from March 25 in midnight, starlight, orange, purple and blue, with delivery in early April. The price remains €579. You can also buy the AirPods Max from MediaMarkt, Coolblue, Amazon, Azerty, InformatiqueYorcom or Bol.com. Are you going to sell your old AirPods Max? Nowadays you can also do this via our sales page.