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Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Max (Lightning)AppleAirPods Pro 3
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020September 2025
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; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the MagSafe Charging Case
Noise cancelling detailEight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency modeActive Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and Loud Sound Reduction; foam-infused ear tips for passive isolation
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; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid (with automatic Conversation Boost) and Hearing Protection
Health sensors–Heart rate sensor for workouts
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 8 hours
With the case–Up to 24 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 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature
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 g5.55 g
Water and sweat resistance–IP57
Bluetooth5.05.3
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsDigital Crown for volume, playback, calls and Siri; listening mode button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”Force sensor with volume swipe on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); camera remote; “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 cupsFoam-infused silicone ear tips in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)43.99 g
Water resistance detail–IP57 (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 3, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XXS, XS, S, M, L), documentation; USB-C cable sold separately

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