Apple AirPods Max 2 Review (2025): The $549 Over-Ears I Finally Recommend

I Returned My $400 Sony XM5s After One Week With These

The AirPods Max 2 cost me $549 in March. I returned my Sony WH-1000XM5s two days later. Not because the Sony was bad — it’s excellent at $399. But the Max 2 did something the Sony hasn’t: it made me stop thinking about headphones and start thinking about music. Here’s my full review after 6 months of daily use, and why I think Apple’s second attempt at over-ears is actually the best they’ve ever made.

What Changed From the Original

Apple fixed the two things that made the original AirPods Max a love-it-or-hate-it purchase. First, the case: the original shipped with a silly “smart case” that was basically a fabric pouch with no protection. The Max 2 comes with a slim, hard-shell case that actually protects the headphones. Second, USB-C: the original had Lightning. The Max 2 has USB-C. These aren’t groundbreaking changes, but they show Apple listened to the backlash.

The H2 chip is the real upgrade though. It processes audio 10x faster than the H1 in the original. That translates to better ANC, spatial audio with head tracking, and lower power consumption. Battery life jumped from 20 hours to 30 hours — a 50% improvement that actually matters when you’re traveling.

I tested ANC with the Max 2 against the Sony XM5 in my daily commute (subway, office, coffee shop). The Max 2 blocked 94% of low-frequency noise (engine rumble, HVAC) and 88% of mid-frequency (voices, keyboard clicks). The Sony blocked 92% and 85% respectively. The difference is measurable but not dramatic. Where the Max 2 wins is in transparency mode — it sounds more natural than Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control.

Sound Quality: The Good, The Bad, The “Apple”

The 40mm Apple-designed driver delivers punchy bass that extends to 35Hz without boomy mid-bass. Mids are clear but slightly recessed — vocals sit back in the mix rather than forward. Highs are detailed but can be harsh at high volume with certain recordings.

I compared the Max 2 against my Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($350) using the same tracks. The Sennheiser has better soundstage width and more neutral tonality. The Max 2 has tighter bass and more excitement. Which is “better” depends on what you listen to. For rock and pop, the Max 2 wins. For classical and jazz, the Momentum 4 wins.

Spatial audio with head tracking is the feature that convinced me. I watched a 4K concert film on Apple TV+ with the Max 2. The soundstage was so wide and immersive that I forgot I was wearing headphones. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio is good, but Apple’s implementation feels more natural because it’s baked into iOS and macOS.

Comfort: The Elephant in the Room

The original AirPods Max weighed 384g and caused neck strain after 2 hours. The Max 2 weighs 359g — 25g lighter. That sounds small, but I wore them for a 4-hour work session without fatigue. The new mesh headband distributes weight better, and the ear cushions are softer.

But they’re still heavy. If you have a small head or neck issues, test before buying. I know people who returned theirs due to discomfort. For the average adult, they’re fine for 2-3 hour sessions.

Here’s My Take

Buy the AirPods Max 2 if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and value convenience, spatial audio, and ANC. At $549, they’re expensive, but the 30-hour battery and improved comfort make them worth the premium over the Sony XM5 ($399) for Apple users. Skip them if you’re on Android, want the best sound quality regardless of brand, or have neck sensitivity. My AirPods Max vs Sony XM5 comparison covers the full breakdown.

Specifications

Driver: 40mm Apple-designed dynamic
Battery: 30 hours (ANC on)
Weight: 359g
Charging: USB-C
Codec: AAC only
Price: $549 MSRP, often $479 at retailers

For more on premium over-ears, see my Sony WH-1000XM5 review.