Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Apple AirPods Max 2 ($549) vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) ($74) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right over-ear.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max 2 | Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $74 |
| Weight | 386.2g | 56.4g |
| Battery | 20h | 4.5h ANC, 24h with case |
| Charging | USB-C | Lightning, wireless Qi |
| ANC | Yes | Active + Transparency |
| Weight | 385g | 56.4g (Apple published: 5.4g bud x2 + 45.6g case) |
| Chip | — | Apple H1 |
| Fit | — | 3 silicone tip sizes |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Incredible build
- Lossless wired
- Best-in-class ANC
- Heavy
- No aux included
Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)
- First sealed-fit AirPods with real ANC
- Three tip sizes for an actual acoustic seal
- Wireless charging case standard, not an upsell
- Still handles calls and Transparency mode well
- No Adaptive Transparency or force-sensor stem swipe
- ANC trails every AirPods Pro that followed it
- Ear tips wear out and need replacing on a used pair
- No IP rating beyond basic sweat resistance
Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) is the better value at $74. Both are part of our curated over-ear index — tap through to check current pricing.