Apple AirPods Max 2 Review

The AirPods Max 2 arrived earlier than even the most plugged-in Apple insiders predicted — and after spending real time with them, it's clear Apple didn't just slap a new chip on the original design and call it a day. This is a genuine upgrade, though not without the same trade-offs that have always come with Apple's most polarizing audio product.

The H2 Chip Changes Things

The jump from H1 to H2 brings the AirPods Max 2 in line with the AirPods Pro 2, and the difference in noise cancellation is noticeable. Real-world users report that the ANC holds up in demanding environments — airplane cabins, car rides, rooms full of crying kids — in a way that genuinely competes with and in some cases edges out the Sony XM6. One user who returned the XM6 after a 10-day trial specifically noted that the AirPods Max 2's noise cancellation "still holds up great," while the Sonys left background chatter and TV noise audible even at their best settings.

That's not a knock on Sony — the XM6 is a fantastic headphone. But for iPhone users, the seamless Apple ecosystem integration remains a decisive factor that no spec sheet can fully capture.

Sound Quality: Hard to Argue With

Out of the box, the AirPods Max 2 sound exceptional. Bass is tight and present without being overbearing, mids and highs are crystal clear, and instrument separation is impressive. The one legitimate complaint in this category is the absence of any built-in EQ — a frustration echoed by users who appreciated the Sony XM6's equalizer customization. If you're someone who fine-tunes your listening experience, that limitation will sting. If you trust Apple's tuning (which is very, very good), you'll be satisfied immediately.

Comfort: The Good and the Heavy

The weight is real. These are metal headphones, and they are heavier than virtually every plastic-framed competitor. But here's the thing — users who have actually worn both the AirPods Max 2 and the Sony XM6 consistently report that the Maxes are more comfortable for extended sessions. The XM6's clamping force drove at least one user to wrap the headphones around a wide book to try loosening them, with no success. The AirPods Max 2, despite their heft, distribute weight well enough that many users report no discomfort even during long listening sessions.

That said, they are not gym headphones. The combination of metal construction, mesh ear cushions, and weight makes them impractical for exercise. If fitness listening is part of your use case, look elsewhere.

Controls That Actually Work

The Digital Crown is genuinely satisfying to use — a subtle haptic response that feels more deliberate and premium than any touch gesture. Users who switched from the XM6 specifically called out the Sony's touch controls as a frustration point, especially for those with long hair triggering accidental gesture inputs. The dedicated ANC/Transparency toggle is physical and tactile, and the overall control scheme requires almost no learning curve.

The Case Is Still a Problem

Let's not pretend otherwise. The AirPods Max case has been a running joke since the first generation, and it hasn't been meaningfully improved. Users comparing it directly to the Sony XM6's case describe it as "the worst thing Apple's ever created." It's awkward, it provides questionable protection, and it's a genuine embarrassment for a product at this price point. If you're buying these, budget for a third-party case.

Who Should Buy This — and Who Shouldn't

Buy the AirPods Max 2 if:

• You're deep in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, iPad) and want effortless device switching
• You prioritize sound quality and ANC above customizability
• You find touch-gesture headphone controls frustrating or unreliable
• You have long hair or any other reason to dislike capacitive touch surfaces
• You've tried the Sony XM6 and found the clamping force uncomfortable

Skip the AirPods Max 2 if:

• You want EQ control or per-app audio profiles
• You're an Android user — the integration advantage disappears entirely
• You work out or listen on the go at pace
• The price requires serious justification relative to the XM6 or similar competition

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the AirPods Max 2 ANC compare to the Sony XM6?

A: Real-world users who tested both report the AirPods Max 2 ANC is competitive with and in some cases slightly better than the XM6, particularly for blocking background voices and ambient noise. Some users found the AirPods Pro 2 ANC marginally stronger than the XM6 in direct comparisons, which bodes well for the full-size Max.

Q: Is the AirPods Max 2 comfortable for long listening sessions?

A: Despite being heavier than most competitors due to the metal construction, the weight distribution is well-designed and most users report no discomfort over extended wear. Users who found the Sony XM6 uncomfortable due to clamping force specifically preferred the AirPods Max 2 for long-session comfort.

Q: Does the AirPods Max 2 have EQ support?

A: No built-in EQ customization is available, which is a noted limitation compared to the Sony XM6. Apple controls the sound tuning, and while it sounds excellent out of the box, you cannot adjust it to personal preference.

Q: Is the AirPods Max 2 worth it over the original AirPods Max?

A: The H2 chip brings upgraded noise cancellation that aligns it with the AirPods Pro 2 generation, which is a meaningful improvement. For existing original AirPods Max owners, the upgrade depends on how much you value improved ANC. For new buyers, the second generation is clearly the version to buy.

Q: Can you use AirPods Max 2 for workouts?

A: Not recommended. The metal frame makes them heavy, the mesh ear cushions absorb sweat, and the weight causes instability during movement. These are premium over-ear headphones designed for seated or light-activity listening — not exercise.

The AirPods Max 2 is the best version of this headphone Apple has made, and for iPhone users who value seamless integration, excellent out-of-box sound, and reliable physical controls, it remains one of the top over-ear options on the market. The missing EQ, the terrible case, and the weight are real limitations — but they're known quantities, and the things it does well, it does exceptionally. Just buy a better case on day one.

— Tech Lead Editor, CPrice