Apple AirPods Max 2 review

AirPods Max 2 fixes the biggest complaint about the original by moving to Apple's H2 chip, which Apple says brings up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation. It adds Adaptive Audio, which blends noise cancelling and Transparency based on your surroundings, along with Loud Sound Reduction, Voice Isolation for calls, Live Translation and a Custom EQ with three controls. Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio are available over USB-C, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking anchors sound to your screen. For Apple users, setup and switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac are the smoothest here. The drawbacks are clear. At $549 it is the most expensive pick, the rated battery is up to 20 hours with noise cancelling and Spatial Audio enabled, and Android users lose many features. For pure noise cancelling per dollar, Sony and Bose are ahead.

Who it is for

iPhone, iPad and Mac users who want deep Apple integration and premium build.

Price

$549 at Apple US.

Buy AirPods Max 2 Blue $549.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• H2 chip with up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the original AirPods Max
• Adaptive Audio and Transparency
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio over USB-C
• Up to 20 hours of battery with ANC and Spatial Audio on

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Apple says ANC is up to 1.5x stronger than the first generation
• Strength: Tight pairing and switching across Apple devices
• Strength: Voice Isolation and Live Translation features
• Weakness: $549 is the most expensive in this list
• Weakness: 20-hour battery is the shortest here
• Weakness: Many features are tied to Apple devices

Key facts

• Chip: Apple H2
• Battery: Up to 20 hours with ANC
• Case: Smart Case
• Spatial audio: Personalized, dynamic head tracking
• Price: $549

Where it ranks

Apple AirPods Max 2 is No. 7 in our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones verdict and No. 7 in Best Wireless Headphones.