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Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Apple AirPods Pro 2

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Max (Lightning)AppleAirPods Pro 2
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020September 2023
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Driver size40 mm–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNoNo
ChipH1H2
DriversApple-designed dynamic drivers with dual neodymium ring magnet motorsCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier
ChipH1 in each ear cupH2 in each AirPod; U1 chip in the MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
Noise cancelling detailEight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency modeUp to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); analogue wired listening through a separately sold Lightning to 3.5 mm audio cablePersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; Live Translation (with iOS 26 and an Apple Intelligence iPhone); lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Loud Sound Reduction in the UK; active Hearing Protection is available only in selected regions, not the UK
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 30 hours
Wireless charging–Yes
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio; Smart Case puts headphones in an ultra-low-power state; charging via LightningUp to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; up to 4 hours of Lossless Audio listening with Apple Vision Pro
Charging case–MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My and lanyard loop; charges with MagSafe, Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargers or a USB-C cable
Fast chargingAround 1.5 hours of listening after 5 minutes of charging5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight384.8 g5.3 g
Water and sweat resistance–IP54
Bluetooth5.05.3
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsDigital Crown for volume, playback, calls and Siri; listening mode button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”Touch control on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions
MicrophonesNine microphones, three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC); optical, position and case-detect sensors and accelerometer in each cup, gyroscope in left cupDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsStainless steel frame, telescoping arms and knit mesh canopy; memory foam cushions; aluminium ear cupsSilicone ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)50.8 g
Water resistance detail–IP54 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case
Dimensions187.3 × 168.6 × 83.4 mm (height × width × depth), including cushions–
Works withApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited featuresFull 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 features
ColoursSpace Grey, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, PinkWhite
In the boxAirPods Max, Smart Case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentationAirPods Pro 2, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), USB-C Charge Cable, documentation

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