Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Better sound and ANC, same design
The Apple AirPods Max 2, priced at €579/$549, are now on the market, and consequently, the first reviews are slowly starting to appear. Here is the review from MacRumors editor Dan Barbera.
According to the Apple AirPods Max 2 review, the highs, mids, and lows are more clearly separated than in the predecessor Apple AirPods Max (2024). The bass is more powerful than before, but doesn’t sound overpowering. According to the test, fans of various music genres will appreciate the improved sound quality. The sound is similar to the AirPods Pro 3, however, with the over-ear design, which provides a wider soundstage and a fuller sound.
Spatial Audio makes it easier to distinguish individual instruments, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. USB-C delivers the clearest sound, as the Apple AirPods Max 2 support lossless 24-bit/48kHz audio. While the original AirPods Max with USB-C also offered lossless audio, the improved sound provides greater depth. There’s a slight difference in wireless connectivity between the AirPods Max 2 and the previous model, as the AirPods Max 2 utilize Bluetooth 5.3.
Apple AirPods Max 2 design
Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t redesigned the AirPods Max at all, which is a major drawback. At 385 grams, they’re still among the heaviest headphones on the market, and Apple hasn’t addressed any of the criticisms regarding the design. Neither the weight nor the headband has changed, and even the minimalist charging case, which nobody likes anyway, is still available. The battery life remains at 20 hours, there’s still no on/off switch, and no new colors are offered.
The H2 chip brings several features that the AirPods Max should have had long ago. Apple is thus bringing the headphones up to the same level as the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio combines ANC and Transparency mode to dynamically adjust the sound depending on the environment, and conversation detection pauses audio playback when you start talking to someone.
Real-time live translation is available on the AirPods Max 2, and there are other useful features such as personalized volume to adjust the volume to your listening habits and noise cancellation to reduce outside noise.
Phone calls sound better thanks to voice isolation and improved microphones, and Siri can be activated without saying “Hey.” Siri also supports interactions, so you can, for example, answer calls by nodding or reject them by shaking your head. Like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 can also be used as a camera shutter for iPhone or iPad.
Conclusion
Overall, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are currently among the best over-ear headphones money can buy. They sound fantastic and provide excellent noise isolation. However, Apple hasn’t improved the design of the headphones. Owners of the original AirPods Max from 2020 will find that apart from the sound profile, hardly anything has changed.
Whether the upgrade is worth €579/$549 is a matter of personal preference. While the sound quality is improved, the unchanged design is a matter of taste. Those seeking the best possible sound from Apple headphones will be well served by the Apple AirPods Max 2, provided the weight or charging case isn’t a concern.
