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Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Max 2AppleAirPods Pro (1st generation)
Overview
ReleasedApril 2026October 2019
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CYesNo
ChipH2H1
DriversApple-designed dynamic driver and custom high dynamic range amplifierCustom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifier
ChipH2 in each ear cup–
Noise cancelling detailUp to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the original AirPods Max; Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation AwarenessOutward- and inward-facing microphones; noise cancellation adjusts 200 times per second; pressure-equalising vents
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; 24-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C; analogue sources need Apple's USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, sold separatelyAdaptive EQ; Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking added after launch; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (What Hi-Fi?)
Hearing healthLoud Sound ReductionConversation Boost, Live Listen, headphone levels and Headphone Accommodations
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 4.5 hours
Wireless charging–Yes
Battery life detailStoring them in the Smart Case puts them in an ultra-low-power stateUp to 5 hours with ANC and Transparency off; more than 24 hours of listening with case recharges (Apple's claim)
Charging case–Original Wireless Charging Case supports Qi and Lightning; MagSafe Charging Case added in 2021 also supports MagSafe
Fast charging5 minutes of charging gives around 1.5 hours of listeningAround 1 hour of listening after 5 minutes in the case
Design
Weight386.2 g5.4 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.0
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsDigital Crown (turn for volume; press once to play, pause, answer a call or use camera remote; twice to end a call or skip forward; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri); listening mode button; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri InteractionsForce sensor for playback, calls and switching ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”; no stem volume adjustment
MicrophonesNine microphones in total, eight for Active Noise Cancellation and three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC)Dual beamforming and inward-facing microphones; dual optical sensors, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers
Fit and ear tips–Silicone tips in S, M and L; Ear Tip Fit Test
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)45.6 g
Dimensions–Each earbud 30.9 × 21.8 × 24.0 mm; original case 45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7 mm (height × width × depth)
Water resistance detail–IPX4 earbuds; Wireless Charging Case and MagSafe Charging Case are not sweat or water resistant
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited featuresApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited features
ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeWhite
In the boxAirPods Max 2, Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, documentationAirPods Pro, charging case, three sizes of silicone tips, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentation

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