AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max: how to choose? In my opinion after a month of use

Apple’s high-end headset is supposed to represent the manufacturer’s ultimate. But the latest AirPods Pro are also doing very well… So how do you make your choice?

These days, wireless headphones have made tremendous progress to reach an impressive level of sound quality. Offered at all prices, not all references are equal, of course. But, since 2019 and the release of the AirPods Pro, Apple has developed a certain expertise which it has since confirmed in 2020 with the AirPods Max headphones , and again this year with the second generation AirPods Pro.

I have been using both daily for a little over a month, and I will help you see things more clearly if your heart is torn between these two very good references.

Some prerequisites

First of all, it must be said that if I choose these two models, it is because my home is largely equipped with Apple products. Therefore, I make the most of the interactions between devices and the continuity features specific to the Apple ecosystem.

Then, we obviously have to point out the obvious: the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max are not sold at the same price at all. The first are sold at €299 while the second is officially priced at €629 (in fact, it can easily be found around €400 during promotional periods).

The AirPods Max is very comfortable and will be more suitable for those who cannot tolerate in-ear headphones.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation White with MagSafe Lightning Charging Case True Wireless Earbuds

This guide is therefore aimed at people who have the necessary budget, but who ask themselves a simple question: why bother with bulky headphones if headphones can do the trick?

What are the differences between AirPods Pro and AirPods Max?

The most notable difference is also the most obvious: the first are wireless in-ear headphones and the second is a circum-aural type headset – that is to say which completely encompasses the user’s ears or of the user.

These design differences encourage you to ask yourself some practical questions: am I having trouble supporting in-ear headphones ? Do I wear prescription glasses whose temples could be crushed by the cushions of a helmet?

AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro 2

It must also be said that in terms of autonomy, the ball is clearly in the court of the AirPods Max. It can offer around twenty hours of listening time, but will take quite a long time to recharge with the Lightning cable. The headphones can receive seven hours of listening time on a single charge, and be fully recharged three times thanks to their case.

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Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Canceling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray

The big draw of sound?

Let’s move on to the main course. What I wanted to know, and what you probably want to know too, is whether Apple’s ultra-premium headphones offer better sound than its noise-canceling headphones. At the risk of cutting my reasoning short: the answer is no. At least not to mind-blowing proportions.

If the question could have been raised more by contrasting the first generation of AirPods Pro with the AirPods Max, that is no longer really the case here. The new generation transducers used by Apple in the new AirPods Pro 2, as well as the addition of the H2 chip, mean that the audio performance is impressive to say the least for such small devices.

AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Pro 2 delivers unsuspected power.

If we refer to our Lab’s tests, we also see that the frequency response curve follows the same pattern, both on the second generation AirPods Pro and on the AirPods Max.

On the left, the frequency response of the AirPods Max, on the right that of the AirPods Pro 2. Of course, some important differences emerge when reading these curves. Apple’s headphones are much more comfortable on the high mids, particularly between 2 kHz and 3.1 kHz. Low frequencies are also better reproduced in their richness on the high-end headphones. Still, we notice that these are two devices that are very focused on bass. An emphasis which necessarily enhances a little everything that we can listen to, and which means that in use we only notice slight differences (as long as the headphones are correctly inserted into our headphones).

It should also be remembered that Apple devices use numerous algorithms which adjust the equalizer according to the audio content currently playing (no manual adjustment is authorized). In this case, the H2 chip which the AirPods Pro 2 are equipped with is even more responsive and homogeneous than the H1 which still finds its place in the AirPods Max. The headphones are therefore even more surprising in terms of sound.

The spatial effects are even better rendered with the AirPods Max, which really encompasses the ears.

It must nevertheless be recognized that the AirPods Max does well in terms of audio spatialization. It’s true, even if the second generation AirPods Pro also offer this functionality – which greatly improves the stereo rendering of compatible content – the large size of the headphones’ transducers (and its circum-aural design) helps with immersion. in his favorite songs. Everything has more fullness and response, once the cushions are correctly positioned on his ears.

What about insulation?

Apple has built a solid reputation for active noise cancellation (ANC). This technology, invented by Bose in 1978, currently finds its place in practically all fairly serious headphones and earphones on the market. And, whether it is the AirPods Max or the AirPods Pro 2, the results are in all cases very, very positive.

AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro 2

It’s obvious: in-ear headphones offer better passive isolation (yes, they fit directly into our ears) than high-end headphones. But when it comes to active insulation, it’s a piece of cake.

The AirPods Max offers very homogeneous sound isolation, with some weaknesses however on the midrange spectrum and therefore human voices. On this point, the second generation AirPods Pro fare better.

In use, however, I must say that I feel more comfortable with the AirPods Pro 2. I don’t know if it’s their in-ear design or the better performance of the ANC on the midrange frequencies, but it is easier to find yourself “in your bubble” using Apple headphones. Even more so because their lightness means that they are quickly forgotten once they are properly inserted.

Another undeniable advantage of the AirPods Pro 2: Transparency mode, which has taken a real leap forward this year. Thanks to the headphones’ new processor, refreshed 48,000 times per second, it acts as a low-pass filter to effectively reduce high frequencies and make its environment less deafening. Particularly useful in crowded metropolitan streets. Also very practical for holding a conversation without having to remove your headphones.

The AirPods Max obviously offers the same type of features, but the H1 chip shows its limits more here. The sound seems more artificial, more muffled and above all less reactive when compensating parasitic frequencies.

So, the verdict?

At first glance, I’m not going to make it easy for you. We are clearly facing two excellent audio products; among the best that we can currently afford. But if we really have to make a choice of reason, my heart leans in favor of the second generation AirPods Pro.

Having constantly gone back and forth with these headphones and the Apple headset for several weeks, the differences in sound quality seem almost anecdotal to me. And that’s what makes AirPods Pro so impressive. Realize, they compete without trembling with a real high-end headset, equipped with a 40 mm transducer!

If we add to this an even more responsive chip for the dynamic equalizer, prodigious active noise reduction in all respects and a stunning Transparency mode, the results are clear… While also keeping in mind that the headphones are sold (a lot less expensive.

However, should we look away from the AirPods Max? Not at all. Once again, the headset is great, but its size makes it less practical to take everywhere. Still, those who absolutely want the best sound possible should seriously consider this option. From my point of view, the practicality of AirPods Pro outweighs the (minimal) technical concessions in terms of audio. But that’s the whole point of feedback: it is ultimately only valid for those who have the same expectations and the same needs.

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