AirPods Max 2 have finally caught up with AirPods Pro 3 in features and received the H2 chip, but they cost more than twice as much. At the same time, the difference in sound over Bluetooth is virtually imperceptible, and the design of the AirPods Max 2 received no changes whatsoever. Let’s figure out who actually needs Apple’s full-size headphones and who can get by with the compact Pros.
Choosing Apple headphones
What AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3 Have in Common
The main update in AirPods Max 2 is the H2 chip, which was previously only available in the AirPods Pro 3. Now both models run on the same platform, which means they get the same set of smart features:
How AirPods Max 2 and Pro 3 differ, and which to choose
- Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Adaptive audio — the headphones automatically adjust the noise cancellation level based on surroundings
- Conversation awareness — music dims when you start talking to someone
- Voice isolation during calls
- Personalized spatial audio
- Live speech translation
Previously, many of these features were only available on Pro 3, and Max owners felt left out. Now the gap between the models in smart features has been completely closed — everything works equally well on both devices.
Differences Between AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3
Despite the shared chip, the models differ significantly in form factor — and that determines everything else.
AirPods Max 2 offer:
Full-size headphones won’t suit everyone
- Full-size over-ear cups with larger drivers
- About 20 hours of continuous playback
- Physical controls — Digital Crown wheel and button
- Wired lossless audio support (uncompressed audio) via USB-C
- Premium materials — aluminum and steel
AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, win in other areas:
Some people don’t like in-ear buds
- Compact in-ear format — easier to carry and store
- IP57 water and sweat resistance
- Built-in heart rate sensor
- Hearing aid features
- MagSafe charging and wireless charging
- Up to 30 hours with the case (6–8 hours of continuous listening)
Simply put, Max 2 are about sound and a premium feel, while Pro 3 are about versatility and health.
AirPods Max 2 Bluetooth Sound Quality
This is perhaps the most unexpected takeaway from the comparison. A 9to5Mac reviewer tested both models under identical conditions — with the same music, same volume, and same settings. The result: when connected via Bluetooth, the difference in sound between Max 2 and Pro 3 is virtually imperceptible. The bass is equally solid, the vocals are equally clear, and the overall character of the sound is very similar.
The transparency mode on Max 2 is impressive: when activated, it feels as if there are no headphones on your head at all. Voice isolation during calls is also excellent — in testing, a clap near the microphone wasn’t even heard by the person on the other end.
But none of this makes the Max 2 noticeably better in sound than the twice-cheaper Pro 3 — at least over a wireless connection. And Bluetooth is exactly how the vast majority of users listen to music.
Lossless on AirPods Max 2 via USB-C
The only scenario in which Max 2 sound noticeably better than Pro 3 is a wired USB-C connection with lossless (uncompressed) audio transmission. In this mode, there are more details, better instrument separation, and overall greater sound accuracy.
The Max support Lossless, but only over a cable
But this is a very narrow use case. Wired lossless audio makes sense for audiophiles who listen to mastered recordings from Apple Music or FLAC files while sitting at a computer. If you listen to music on the go via Bluetooth — as the vast majority does — this feature won’t give you anything.
AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3 Prices in Russia
The official price of AirPods Max 2 in the US is $549. The price remained the same — $549, approximately starting from 50,000 ₽ in Russia. In practice, the price for the USB-C model in Russian stores ranges from 50,000 to 65,000 rubles — depending on the seller and color.
AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, which by conversion is approximately starting from 24,000 ₽ in Russia. In stores and on marketplaces, the current price ranges from 20,000 to 29,000 rubles.
The difference is 30,000 to 45,000 rubles depending on the seller. The question of whether the sound of full-size headphones justifies that premium is for each person to decide. But in terms of pure feature-to-price ratio, Pro 3 win by a wide margin.
Who Should Buy AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 are well suited for long sessions at the desk
Despite everything said above, Max 2 have a clear target audience. These headphones make sense if:
- You specifically need full-size headphones within the Apple ecosystem
- You listen to music for 8 or more hours without a break — the Pro 3 case will need recharging
- You value tactile controls — the Digital Crown wheel is more convenient than gestures
- You want to listen to lossless audio over a cable
- You like the product as an object — the materials, design, and status
The last point shouldn’t be dismissed. AirPods Max 2 are partly an image product, and Apple doesn’t hide that. For some people, the aluminum cups and the feeling of weight on the head are part of the listening pleasure.
Advantages of AirPods Pro 3 Over AirPods Max 2
For most users, Pro 3 are the more sensible choice. Here’s why:
