AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: What's different?

Apple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2, which brings several upgrades over the original AirPods Max released in 2020 and could be one of the best headphones of the year. So what do you get after the 6-year wait?

The AirPods Max 2, like its predecessor, will set you back $549 — just like the original AirPods Max but $100 pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2.

While the AirPods Max 2 don't feature the heart rate monitor we saw with the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 get 1.5x more effective noise cancellation, some new-and-improved Siri functionality, a new processing chip and Live Translation. Our AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max comparison has all the key differences you need to know.

AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2: Specs compared

There are major differences between the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2, including Siri/AI features, processing power and wired playback.

So the key differences are: all AirPods Max 2 will ship with a USB-C port for charging and wired USB-C playback, expanded AI features like Live Translation, Voice Isolation for clear calls in busy areas, and Siri Head Gestures.

Our full review of the AirPods Max 2 is on the way, so keep your eyes peeled for a detailed analysis of sound quality, call quality, ANC, and everything in between.

What the H2 chip enables on AirPods Max 2

Alright, so technical specs are only half of the story. Understanding what things like "H2 Chip" and "1.5x improved ANC" is almost impossible without physically testing out the headphones.

In the AirPods Max 2's case, the H2 chip means "features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation come to AirPods Max for the first time."

Most of these features were introduced with the AirPods Pro 2 and expanded upon with the AirPods Pro 3, so this is the first time an Apple over-ear headphone has been fitted with flagship smart tech. So if you want your AirPods Max to automatically increase and decrease volume based on your surroundings, turn off ANC when you start speaking, and live-translate other languages, you're set.

Lossless audio via USB-C, iPhone camera remote

The new features don't end there. The AirPods Max 2 are the first headphones out of Cupertino to have native wired playback. With the AirPods Max, users had to buy an additional dongle to play music via the Lightning port. That's not the case with the successor — you can play hi-res 24-bit, 48 kHz music with the included USB-C cable now.

This is fantastic for music creators, as you'll now be able to use your AirPods Max 2 with music-making apps. You can also experience low-latency gaming on your iPad or Mac with the USB-C cable.

And perhaps the most wild-card feature I ever did see: a camera remote. Yes, like on Apple Watches, you can now control your iPhone or iPad camera using your AirPods Max 2. Not sure I'll ever use that, but, hey, it's nice to have, right?

What about AirPods Max 2 battery life?

Those looking for improved battery life will be disappointed. The AirPods Max 2 still tap out at a meager 20 hours — comparatively, the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 last for 30 hours each. This could be due to the AirPods Max 2 requiring more power than the competition, but I still think a 10-hour battery difference is a little extreme.

The TL;DR

The main differences between the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 are the smart/Siri features and improved noise cancellation.

With the AirPods Max 2, you get Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. There is no heart rate monitor.

You also get wired USB-C playback out of the box.

Apple's advertised improved sound, improved ANC, and improved call quality will be thoroughly tested and evaluated here at Tom's Guide, so be sure to check back for our in-depth review.

What do you think about the new AirPods Max 2? Which feature are you most looking forward to? Will you be upgrading? Do you think Apple waited too long between generations? Let me know in the comments!

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