Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2 comparison, as someone who has purchased each of these headphones with my own money.
I’ve conducted thorough testing of these headphones, and I will break down a winner for each category including:
- Comfort and Fit
- Features
- Battery Life
- Noise Cancelling Performance
- Sound Quality
- Value
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist. I also run the RecordingNOW YouTube channel with over 20,000+ subscribers and over 4 million+ views, where you can watch the video versions of all of our reviews and comparisons.
Let’s dive right in!
AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2 Comparison in Short
The AirPods Max 2 is pretty much 90% identical to the AirPods Max 1, but does have 50% better noise cancelling and slightly refined sound quality due to Apple’s H2 chip and a newly upgraded headphone amp. The physical design, premium materials, driver hardware, and disappointing 20 hour battery life remains the same.
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Sound Quality
What’s Different with the AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max 1?
Before we dive into the sound profiles, I want to share some technical info about what’s actually different from a hardware perspective from the AirPods Max 1 to the newer AirPods Max 2.
Both generations of AirPods Max 1 and 2 share the same physical acoustic design and custom 40mm drivers. This means that the AirPods Max is virtually identical from a physical hardware standpoint from 1st gen to 2nd gen.
What’s actually different and new is that the AirPods Max 2 now has the upgraded Apple H2 chip, along with an upgraded high dynamic range headphone amp.
Unfortunately, there is still no high-res codec support like aptX or LDAC, but they both support Lossless Audio via Wired USB-C mode up to 24-bit / 48kHz.
(Wired Lossless Audio is not available on the original Lightning model of the AirPods Max 1, just the USB-C refresh.)
With that out of the way, let me explain how this manifests in sound quality differences, if any at all…
Sound Profile Comparison
- AirPods Max 1: Slightly more V-shaped, boomier bass, slightly recessed mids, and forward treble.
- AirPods Max 2: Neutral bright, tighter bass, fuller mids, forward treble. More refined and better balanced tonally.
I had to exaggerate a little bit about the AirPods Max 1 being “V-shaped” to emphasize the subtle differences with the AirPods Max 2.
Make no mistake, with the same driver architecture and acoustics, both AirPods Max’s sound profiles and tuning are within 90% of each other in similarity.
The differences do seem to align with what an upgraded headphone amp typically results in, which is an overall slight improvement in headroom, clarity, open soundstage, and dynamics.
Full Sound Test
I’ll admit, it took me some time to really appreciate the subtle improvements in sound quality from the AirPods Max 1 to the AirPods Max 2.
I’m typically able to pickup on differences during A/B tests of headphones by now, having reviewing well over 40+ pairs at this point, but the AirPods Max 1 and 2 are so similar in sound that it was more challenging.
But after spending more listening time with the AirPods Max 2, I highly appreciate the more refined sound and better tonal balance over the original 1st Gen.
Let me walk you through these refinements through the frequency range.
Bass
Bass is one of the more noticeable differences between the AirPods Max 1 and 2.
I highly prefer the cleaner, tighter, more focused bass of the AirPods Max 2 over the boomier bass in the 1st gen.
It’s likely that the new headphone amp has had a hand in cleaning up the bass response, resulting in a more satisfying bass and sub-bass note.
In contrast, the 1st Gen’s bass is boomier and has less bass quality.
Neither are particularly “bass cannons” for this class, but they have a nice punchiness to them that is satisfying in a “clean” way.
Mids
Now this is where the AirPods Max 2 improves really nicely upon the 1st Gen, and it’s likely that the cleaned up bass response has allowed the mids to be more forward without muddiness.
The mids were a bit recessed on the AirPods Max 1 for me, resulting in a very detailed and bright sound that was more bass and treble forward.
With the mids being fuller and more forward on the AirPods Max 2, it improves the timbre of vocals and instruments to sound more realistic.
This really helps the tonal balance of the rather “thin” sounding AirPods Max 1, and is a welcome improvement for the 2nd Gen.
Treble
I think treble was always the strength of the AirPods Max 1, and that carries over into the AirPods Max 2.
Both headphones are very detailed and open-sounding, with slightly improved separation and layering on the AirPods Max 2.
The treble is pretty forward on both generations, but it is smoother in the right regions to avoid sibilance while still sounding airy.
This is not an easy feat, as there are other headphones that are also bright but harsh and strident at times.
Overall
If I had to put a number to it, I’d say the sound quality improvement from AirPods Max 1 to AirPods Max 2 is about 10% once you add up all the small refinements I mentioned.
If anyone is expecting either a dramatic departure or quantum leap from the 1st Gen in terms of sound profile or sound quality, you will be disappointed.
After all, these are physically identical aside from an upgraded headphone amp and a new processing H2 chip.
Basically, if you loved the AirPods Max 1, then the AirPods Max 2 should be a nice subtle improvement.
But if you didn’t get along with the 1st Gen, I wouldn’t bank that Gen 2 would change your mind.
AirPods Max 1 Score: 8.6 out of 10
AirPods Max 2 Score: 8.8 out of 10
Winner: AirPods Max 2
Comfort
Here are the weights of these 2 headphones compared to some competitors, using our in-house scale:
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 – 262.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max – 385.0 grams
As I mentioned earlier, the AirPods Max 1 and 2 are physically identical in terms of their design and dimensions.
Which means they’re both still the heaviest wireless noise cancelling headphones I’ve tested to date.
On my scale, the AirPods Max 2 weighed within 1 gram of the AirPods Max 1, perhaps due to that new headphone amp or H2 chip.
Now before you judge them based on their weight, Apple did a great job to mitigate that weight with the AirPods Max’s design.
First off, the mesh headband results in virtually zero top-of-head pressure.
Next, the earcups are quite large in terms of interior space, so my ears are mostly free inside of them versus the shallower Sony XM6, where my ears press against the fabric inside. The acoustic foam earpad cushions are also decently supportive, but not the softest.
Lastly, the clamping force is firm but not overly strong, which helps comfort as well.
Overall, the AirPods Max is more comfortable than its weight suggests, but it is not “elite” in comfort like the 120g lighter Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
AirPods Max 1 Score: 8.0 out of 10
AirPods Max 2 Score: 8.0 out of 10
Winner: Tie
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Features
The main feature difference is the upgraded Apple H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2 that is responsible for real-time processing of noise cancelling, adaptive audio, microphones, and more.
Secondly, the microphone quality has been improved with new “studio grade” microphones built into the AirPods Max 2.
Some niftier modern features include “Live Translation” that provides real-time audio translation of foreign languages, head gestures for answering calls, and conversation awareness to lower volume while you are speaking.
Both AirPods Max’s have that unique Apple ecosystem connectivity, which allows seamless switching across multiple Apple devices.
Battery Life
Both headphones have 20 hours of battery life on a single charge:
- AirPods Max 1 – 20 hours
- AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
Unfortunately, this is the lowest rating of all headphones we’ve tested in this class, and I would’ve liked to see an improvement from Gen 1 to Gen 2 of about 30 hours, which is the new average these days.
Build Quality
Build quality and premium materials has always been a strength of the AirPods Max 1, and that is unchanged with the newer AirPods Max 2 that shares the same design.
Both headphones feature a stainless steel headband core and hinges, with aluminum earcups to give it that satin metal finish.
Aside from the metals, the AirPods Max is wrapped in a TPU material with acoustic foam earpad cushions.
There are slightly more premium headphones with leather, but the AirPods Max stands out against its plasticky competition from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser.
Practicality
Despite its weight, the AirPods Max is a great daily driver due to its solid construction and excellent noise cancelling, which we’ll discuss next.
I’ve tested some luxury headphones but I’d rather have the AirPods Max as a daily driver, as it is more sleek and fashionable to wear.
I’ve also used the AirPods Max in the gym and they get the job done without any issues. I just wouldn’t prefer them for running as I’d rather use earbuds in that scenario.
AirPods Max 1 Score: 8.0 out of 10
AirPods Max 2 Score: 8.0 out of 10
Winner: Tie
Noise Cancelling Performance
This is one of the biggest reasons you should upgrade from the AirPods Max 1 to the AirPods Max 2, as it has up to 50% more noise cancelling now.
I always thought the AirPods Max 1 was an above-average performer for noise cancelling, enough to put it in the “elite” tier alongside the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, and Sonos Ace, but perhaps at the bottom of that tier.
Make no mistake, the AirPods Max 2 is noticeably improved in noise cancelling over the 1st Gen, and it is seriously impressive in its silence without side effects like hiss or white noise.
The H2 Chip is probably the most responsible for this significant ANC improvement, and it’s also featured in their earbuds like the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 ANC.
In addition to better noise cancelling, the transparency mode has also been improved to sound more natural.
Overall, the AirPods Max 1 is still very good in noise cancelling today, but the AirPods Max 2 is now best-in-class.
AirPods Max 1 Score: 9.0 out of 10
AirPods Max 2 Score: 10 out of 10
Winner: AirPods Max 2
Value
Although both headphones retail at $549 USD, the newer AirPods Max 2 is currently $529, while the market price of the AirPods Max 1 is around $449.
I have already seen the AirPods Max 1 go on sale down to about $399 during last year’s Black Friday.
In a bit of a full circle moment, the AirPods Max was initially considered “ridiculously” expensive upon launch, but I actually think their value is a bit more justified today than back in 2020.
Now boasting best-in-class noise cancelling, with slightly improved sound quality, and the same premium build quality, I think the AirPods Max 2 is priced fairly.
Ironically, the cheaper AirPods Max 1 starts to become a better value as well, since it’s 90% the same headphone as the Max 2.
Overall, neither headphone is a particularly fantastic value for the dollar as the competition has heated up a ton in the last year, but they’re both at least worth their current pricetags.
AirPods Max 1 Score: 7.5 out of 10
AirPods Max 2 Score: 7.5 out of 10
Winner: Tie
Overall Scoring Breakdown
- Above average noise cancelling
- Decent sound quality
- Premium build quality
- Apple ecosystem connectivity
- 20 hour battery life
- There’s better sound quality
- No high-res codec support
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Premium build quality
- Very good sound quality
- Apple ecosystem connectivity
- 20 hour battery life
- There’s better sound quality
- No high-res codec support
Our Verdict: AirPods Max 2
Part of me is slightly disappointed that the AirPods Max 2 didn’t take as much of a leap as I was hoping for with regard to battery life, sound quality, and just overall design being identical to the AirPods Max 1.
But with 1.5x better noise cancelling performance and that newly-refined sound, I’ve gotta say that I would also never go back to the AirPods Max 1 if I have the chance to get the AirPods Max 2 instead.
Still, the AirPods Max 1 is basically 90% the same exact headphone as the AirPods Max 2, and if it continues to go on sale, then it can even become the superior value.
Now if I already had the USB-C version of the AirPods Max 1, I likely wouldn’t feel the need to upgrade to the 2nd Gen unless I could sell my 1st Gen for a decent price.
Lastly, if you’d like to save some money and keep supporting RecordingNOW.com’s 100% independent, unbiased reviews, do consider using some of our affiliate links below to shop and even just compare prices. We purchase all products we review with our own money to maintain the highest level of integrity, and your support goes into that plus a continuously improving site experience.
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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