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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C)AppleAirPods Pro 3
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024September 2025
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CYesNo
ChipH1H2
DriversApple-designed dynamic driverCustom 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 detailActive Noise Cancellation and 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; Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C; analogue sources need Apple's USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, sold separatelyPersonalised 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 ANC and Spatial Audio on; storing them in the Smart Case puts them in an ultra-low-power stateUp 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 charging5 minutes of charging gives around 1.5 hours of listening5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight386.2 g5.55 g
Water and sweat resistance–IP57
Bluetooth5.05.3
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsDigital Crown (turn for volume; press once to play, pause or answer a call; twice to end a call or skip forward; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri); noise control button to switch between ANC and 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 in total, eight for Active Noise Cancellation and three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC)Dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tips–Foam-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
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 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
ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeWhite
In the boxAirPods Max, Smart Case, USB-C Charge 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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