Can you use AirPods Max 2 with Android? Yes — but there's a catch

The AirPods Max 2 are the biggest audio release of 2026. There's no doubt about it — these Apple headphones are the headline of the year. I've been testing them for well over a week, and I'm so glad we waited almost six years for the upgraded version. It was well worth the wait.

With improved sound, super-strong ANC, and the same sleek, premium design as their predecessor, the AirPods Max 2 are well-positioned to be some of the best headphones you can get. But what about if you have an Android phone? Do the AirPods Max 2 work on something other than an iPhone?

The short answer: yes. Yes, the AirPods Max 2 do work on Android. However, the long answer has some caveats, footnotes, and asterisks, so let me get into it now.

Apple AirPods Max 2: $549 at Apple

The AirPods Max 2 are Apple's latest flagship over-ears, with hi-res audio playback via USB-C and Bluetooth, seamless Siri integration and smart features like Live Translation, intuitive controls, and a sleek, iconic design.

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Yes, the AirPods Max 2 work on Android

Connecting my AirPods Max 2 to my Samsung Galaxy S25+ was very easy. I held the ANC button until the light flashed white, selected the AirPods Max 2 from the devices list, and I was good to go.

I then played music on Spotify, Qobuz, and Apple Music, which was as easy as it sounds. I was able to play/pause and cycle through ANC modes with the button controls on the right ear cup.

So, yes, you can use AirPods Max 2 on an Android. It's as easy as can be. However, you don't get access to all the features.

Features you get on Android

Although you don't get flagship AirPods Max features on Android — more on that later — you can still utilize a lot of premium features.

Apple-quality sound, even on Spotify

What separates the AirPods Max 2 from the rest of the overpopulated Bluetooth headphone landscape is the sound quality. At this price point — $450-$600 — you're not going to get better sound.

The only headphones that sound better are the $1,000 group — $799 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, $1,250 Dali IO-8, $1,199 Bang & Olufsen H95. For sub-$600, the AirPods Max 2 are the best.

The sound is rich, wide, high, and immersive. It's like all the best parts of Bose and Sony combined into one. You get impactful bass, but also unbeatable detail. This doesn't disappear when you use the AirPods Max 2 on Android.

Hi-res USB-C playback

You can get Apple Music on the Google Play Store. Even on Android, Apple Music plays in ALAC, so you can take advantage of superior quality, hi-res streaming.

Of course, you can use the AirPods Max 2 as your normal Bluetooth headphones using Spotify, Qobuz, and Tidal with your Android device, too. You don't have to use Apple Music to get great sound quality — the AirPods Max 2 just sound that good. Check out my full review of the AirPods Max 2 for in-depth sound analysis.

Samsung Galaxy ecosystem users get their own proprietary hi-res codec. Samsung's newest flagship earbuds, Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, unlock "UHQ". This is great for audiophiles on the go who want awesome sound quality without lugging around wired headphones and a DAC.

If this sounds like you and you're an Android user, I'd recommend checking out said earbuds. Unfortunately, over-ear fans look elsewhere — Samsung has yet to release any cans.

Incredible ANC

As ANC capabilities are built into the headphone firmware rather than operating systems, you still get strong ANC on Android. I listened to music on my Samsung Galaxy S25+ while walking around the city, and I was in my own little bubble. Just like when I was listening on my iPhone 16 Pro, I couldn't hear kids screaming around me, traffic noise, or construction.

Features you don't get on Android

Unfortunately, a non-iOS device locks you out of a considerable number of features. Everything "smart-tech" or "ecosystem-integration" is not on the table.

No Apple Intelligence features

As you may have guessed, you don't get Apple Intelligence features on an Android phone. At first, I wasn't too put off by this, especially as my favorite features on the AirPods Max 2 aren't virtual assistant-related, but more quality-of-life additions.

Take a look at everything you get on iOS vs Android.

Honestly, I could take or leave Apple Intelligence/Siri. But something I can't live without is Personalized Spatial Audio. This is a fantastic feature that analyzes the shape and size of your head and adjusts the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) to optimize sound for your ears. This makes music feel wider and more expansive.

When I was listening to the AirPods Max 2 on the Samsung phone, the sound quality was still miles better than your standard headphones. However, it was missing that extra oomph I get on my phone.

If you're listening on Android, you also don't get iOS-dependent smart features like Live Translation and Head Gestures. You need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone for most of the new H2-chip AirPods Max 2 features.

Although this didn't detract from my personal experience using the AirPods Max 2 on Android, I don't think the headphones are worth $549 without the Apple Intelligence features. I don't even think the AirPods Max 2 are worth $549 with all the features.

So while you can use the AirPods Max 2 on Android, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. What do you think?

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