Apple AirPods Max 2
Best headphones for iPhone
Best headphones for iPhone
Headphones

AirPods Max 2Price, Specs, Battery & Noise Cancelling

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Released Guide updated

AirPods Max are Apple's over-ear headphones. AirPods Max 2 keep the knit mesh canopy, aluminum cups and Digital Crown, and move to the H2 chip, which brings Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation to the Max for the first time.

Latest on Apple AirPods Max 2

More newsAll AirPods news

What AirPods Max 2 does best

  1. Travel

    The H2 chip runs the noise cancelling and Adaptive Audio that make a long trip quiet.

  2. Translation

    Live Translation now works on AirPods Max with an Apple Intelligence iPhone on iOS 26 or later.

  3. Music

    Plug in the USB-C cable for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, driven by a new high dynamic range amplifier.

Comparison

Compare headphones

How it compares

Price

$549

What it costs to buy. None of these need a subscription.

Weight

386g

Grams on your head. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

~20 hrs

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Price

AirPods Max 2
$549
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro
$399
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
$449
Sony WH-1000XM6
$459.99

Current list prices.

The headphones as worn, without the case.

Hours on one charge with noise cancelling on, where that figure is officially stated; otherwise the official headline figure. Prices are each product's lowest version. Battery life varies with use, settings and firmware.

If not this one

  • If noise cancelling decides itBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

    Six microphones keep noise cancelling working even when glasses or a hat break the seal, and city traffic rumble fades away.

    $359
  • If battery life decides itBeats Solo 4

    One charge lasted 63 hours with Spatial Audio on, and the 3.5 mm cable keeps music playing with no battery at all.

    $199.99

Most paired with

Everything it works with

What the Apple AirPods Max 2 works with

Works with iPhone. It also works with Android, with some limits.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with iPhone?

Works

AirPods Max 2 are made for iPhone. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness need iOS 26.4 or later, and Live Translation needs an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.

What you need
iPhone with the latest version of iOS; iOS 26.4 or later for Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with the Apple Watch Series 12?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 12 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Series 12 Guide

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Mac?

Works

AirPods Max 2 work with Mac models running the latest macOS, and switch automatically between your Mac and iPhone.

What you need
Mac with the latest version of macOS.

Some features need an Apple device

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Android?

Some features missing

AirPods Max 2 work as Bluetooth headphones with an Android phone for listening and calls. Apple-only features need an Apple device.

What works
Listening and calls as standard Bluetooth headphones.
Good to know
Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Personalized Spatial Audio need an Apple device.

Quick answers

All FAQs

Quick answers

How much do AirPods Max 2 cost?
$549 at Apple's US store, in midnight, starlight, orange, purple and blue. That is the same price the first AirPods Max launched at in 2020.
What is new in AirPods Max 2?
The H2 chip. Apple rates the noise cancelling up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, adds a new high dynamic range amplifier, and brings Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation to AirPods Max for the first time. Camera remote and studio-quality audio recording are new too.
How long does the AirPods Max 2 battery last?
Apple rates AirPods Max 2 at up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge with noise cancelling on. A 5-minute charge gives around 1.5 hours of listening.

Get Apple AirPods Max 2 updates

Email me when there's news.

Works with

Does it work with…?

Some features missing

AirPods Max 2 work as Bluetooth headphones with an Android phone for listening and calls. Apple-only features need an Apple device.

What works
Listening and calls as standard Bluetooth headphones.
Good to know
Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Personalized Spatial Audio need an Apple device.
Works

AirPods Max 2 work with iPad models running the latest iPadOS.

What you need
iPad with the latest version of iPadOS.
Works

AirPods Max 2 are made for iPhone. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness need iOS 26.4 or later, and Live Translation needs an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.

What you need
iPhone with the latest version of iOS; iOS 26.4 or later for Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
WorksWorked out from the official minimum

It works with every iPhone that runs iOS 26.4 or later, from the iPhone 11 on.

  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation): yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • iPhone Air: yes, on iOS 26.4 or later
  • Any iPhone not listed: no, it cannot run that iOS version

Worked out from the official minimum ("iOS 26.4 or later") and Apple's list of the iPhones that run it, not a separate test. See the sources.

Works

AirPods Max 2 work with Mac models running the latest macOS, and switch automatically between your Mac and iPhone.

What you need
Mac with the latest version of macOS.

Most paired with

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with iPhone?

Works

AirPods Max 2 are made for iPhone. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness need iOS 26.4 or later, and Live Translation needs an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.

What you need
iPhone with the latest version of iOS; iOS 26.4 or later for Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with the Apple Watch Series 12?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 12 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Series 12 Guide

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Mac?

Works

AirPods Max 2 work with Mac models running the latest macOS, and switch automatically between your Mac and iPhone.

What you need
Mac with the latest version of macOS.

Some features need an Apple device

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Android?

Some features missing

AirPods Max 2 work as Bluetooth headphones with an Android phone for listening and calls. Apple-only features need an Apple device.

What works
Listening and calls as standard Bluetooth headphones.
Good to know
Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Personalized Spatial Audio need an Apple device.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with the Apple Watch Ultra 4?

Yes. Apple Watch Ultra 4 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Ultra 4 Guide

What you need

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Android?

Some features missing

AirPods Max 2 work as Bluetooth headphones with an Android phone for listening and calls. Apple-only features need an Apple device.

What works
Listening and calls as standard Bluetooth headphones.
Good to know
Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Personalized Spatial Audio need an Apple device.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with iPhone?

Works

AirPods Max 2 are made for iPhone. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness need iOS 26.4 or later, and Live Translation needs an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.

What you need
iPhone with the latest version of iOS; iOS 26.4 or later for Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Mac?

Works

AirPods Max 2 work with Mac models running the latest macOS, and switch automatically between your Mac and iPhone.

What you need
Mac with the latest version of macOS.

Supports

Some features missing

Lossless audio works over the included USB-C cable, at 24-bit, 48 kHz. It needs a wired USB-C connection and supported content, so not over Bluetooth.

What you need
A wired USB-C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
What works
24-bit, 48 kHz lossless and ultra-low latency audio over USB-C.
Good to know
Lossless and ultra-low latency audio require a wired USB-C connection.
Works

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Making a personal profile needs an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.

What you need
An iPhone with a TrueDepth camera to create the personal profile.
Works

Say "Siri" or "Hey Siri" hands-free, and answer Siri announcements by nodding or shaking your head.

How it works

Works

They charge over USB-C, with the same cable that charges an iPhone, iPad or Mac. A USB-C charge cable is in the box.

This review has no score, so there is no average yet. It takes two scored reviews from two different publishers.

1 expert review, none with a score

  1. SoundGuys
    Harley MarananMay 27, 2026About the Apple AirPods Max 2
    No score
    Read review
Dec 8, 2020 · Announced
Apple introduces AirPods Max
Apple announced its first over-ear headphones, AirPods Max, with the H1 chip, noise cancelling and spatial audio, at $549.
Dec 15, 2020 · Went on sale
AirPods Max start shipping
The first AirPods Max began shipping on December 15, 2020.
Sep 9, 2024 · Announced
AirPods Max get USB-C and five new colors
Apple moved AirPods Max to USB-C charging in midnight, starlight, blue, purple and orange, still at $549.
Mar 24, 2025 · New feature
Lossless audio comes to AirPods Max over USB-C
Apple announced a free firmware update that added lossless and ultra-low latency audio over USB-C to AirPods Max.
Mar 16, 2026 · Announced
Apple announces AirPods Max 2
Apple announced AirPods Max 2 on the H2 chip, with stronger noise cancelling, Adaptive Audio and Live Translation, at $549.
Apr 2026 · Went on sale
AirPods Max 2 reach customers
Orders opened on March 25, 2026, and Apple put AirPods Max 2 in customers' hands and Apple Stores from early April.

At a glance

AirPods Max 2THIS PRODUCTAirPods Max 2Sony WH-1000XM6COMPARE WITHSony WH-1000XM6
Noise cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation with 8 mics, up to 1.5x more effective than the first AirPods MaxAdaptive Audio and Transparency mode
Adaptive NC Optimizer with 12 microphonesAmbient Sound and Auto Ambient Sound modes
Works with
iPhone full (hands-free Siri) / Android basic Bluetooth
iPhone and Android, Sony | Sound Connect appGoogle Assistant on Android 6 or later
Price
From $549
$458 (regularly $459.99)
Spatial audio
YesPersonalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinemahead tracking with supported Android 13 phones
Weight
386.2g (Smart Case 134.5g)
254g
Technical specs
Processor
Apple H2 (each ear cup)
Sony HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3lossless and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C
Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint (2 devices)SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 (LE Audio); wired headphone cable
Status light
Status light (green or amber charge level)
Indicator on the headset (flashes orange when the battery is low)
Controls
Digital Crown (volume, play/pause, calls, Siri), listening mode button
Touch sensor panelbuttons for noise canceling/ambient sound and mic mute
Battery
Up to 20 hrs with Active Noise Cancellation ona 5-minute charge gives about 1.5 hrs
Up to 30 hrs ANC on / 40 hrs ANC off (AAC)26 / 36 hrs on LDAC; 3 min USB PD charge = about 3 hrs
Lossless audio
Yesover USB-C
Hi-Res Audio over Bluetooth with LDAC
Case
Smart Case
Carrying case with magnetic closurethe headphones fold
Buy
See prices
See prices
AirPods Max
Apple

Good to buy.

No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now.

AirPods Max

About Apple

Apple makes the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, and is known for hardware and software designed to work together.

Visit Apple
More from Apple we cover
AirPods 5AirPods Pro 3iPhone 17iPhone 17e

Where to buy

StorePriceIn stockAction
Amazon$449In stockBuy
Walmart$449Buy
Best Buy$549Buy
Apple$549Buy
Target$549.99Buy

Price history

No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now.

Lowest in 30 days
$449Oct 24
Highest in 30 days
$549Oct 11
Stores we check
5Amazon is cheapest
On sale since
Apr 1, 2026
Lowest known
$399Jun 22, 2026, from older published history
Price checks
48 over 20 days

All headphones prices

30%20%10%0%30%20%10%0%

Three sales since March. The best was $399 in July, 27% off $549.

Returns and warranty

Returns
14-day returns· the clock starts the day it arrives
Warranty
1-year warranty· starts the day you buy it
Returns and warranty details

Returns

  • Send it back like new

    Return it in its original condition with all included parts, accessories and packaging.

  • How you get your money back

    Card refunds go to your bank within five business days after Apple receives the item. Returns may be inspected; approved refunds or exchanges are issued within 10 business days. Cash returns over $750 are paid by check within 10 business days.

Warranty

Covered

  • Bands and accessories

    AirPods are covered by Apple's accessory warranty: defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original retail purchase.

  • Battery covered only for defects

    The standard warranty covers a battery only if it fails from a defect. The 80 percent rule belongs to AppleCare, not to the free warranty: AppleCare plans cover batteries that keep less than 80% of their original capacity.

Not covered

  • Accidents and misuse

    Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, earthquake or other external cause is not covered (iPhone, Vision Pro, Apple Watch). The AirPods warranty excludes damage from abuse, accident, modifications or unauthorized repairs.

  • Scratches and dents

    Cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports is not covered unless it comes from a defect.

  • Normal wear and aging

    Defects caused by normal wear and tear or normal aging are not covered.

  • Repairs by other shops

    Damage from service by anyone who is not Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider is not covered.

  • How it gets fixed

    Apple chooses to repair, replace with the same model (or a similar one with your consent), or refund the purchase price. For mail-in service Apple sends prepaid waybills and pays shipping both ways if you follow its packing instructions.

Good to know

  • Engraved or personalized items

    Engraved items (Apple names AirPods and iPad) cannot be exchanged in store. They can only be returned for a refund.

  • Activation Lock / Find My

    If the security features are on and cannot be turned off by the person returning it, Apple may refuse the return.

  • Opened software

    Opened software, software downloads and gift cards cannot be returned.

What's in the box

What comes in the box with the AirPods Max?

Here is what you get when you open it.

AirPods Max 2 headphones
Smart Case
USB-C charge cable
Documentation

From Apple. Checked Oct 25, 2026.

Beats 360$349.99Available nowGuide News
Beats Solo 4$199.99Available nowGuide News
Beats Studio Pro$299.99Available nowGuide News
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)$359Available nowGuide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about AirPods Max 2

Top questions

How much do AirPods Max 2 cost?
$549 at Apple's US store, in midnight, starlight, orange, purple and blue. That is the same price the first AirPods Max launched at in 2020.
What is new in AirPods Max 2?
The H2 chip. Apple rates the noise cancelling up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, adds a new high dynamic range amplifier, and brings Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation to AirPods Max for the first time. Camera remote and studio-quality audio recording are new too.
How long does the AirPods Max 2 battery last?
Apple rates AirPods Max 2 at up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge with noise cancelling on. A 5-minute charge gives around 1.5 hours of listening.
What do I need for Live Translation on AirPods Max 2?
An iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, running iOS 26 or later, with the latest AirPods firmware. Apple notes that Live Translation may not be available in every region or language.
Can AirPods Max 2 play lossless audio?
Yes, over a cable. With the included USB-C cable, AirPods Max 2 play 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. Over Bluetooth they do not.
How heavy are AirPods Max 2?
386.2 grams (13.6 ounces) including the cushions. The Smart Case adds 134.5 grams (4.74 ounces).
What comes in the AirPods Max 2 box?
The headphones, the Smart Case, a USB-C charge cable and documentation. Storing them in the Smart Case puts them into an ultra-low-power state that preserves the charge.
How do AirPods Max 2 compare with the first AirPods Max?
Both launched at $549. The first AirPods Max arrived in December 2020 with the H1 chip. AirPods Max 2 use H2, with noise cancelling Apple rates up to 1.5x more effective, and add Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. Apple rates both at up to 20 hours with noise cancelling on.
Can I use Siri hands-free on AirPods Max 2?
Yes. Say "Siri" or "Hey Siri" to play a song, make a call or get directions. You can also answer Siri announcements by nodding your head yes or shaking it no.
Do AirPods Max 2 have spatial audio?
Yes. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, using gyroscopes and accelerometers to anchor sound to your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. Creating a personal profile needs an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.
Do AirPods Max 2 switch between my Apple devices?
Yes. With Automatic Switching, music playing on your Mac can give way to a call on your iPhone without switching devices by hand. They also pause when you take them off your head.

Using it

What does it cost?
It costs $549. That is the list price.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 386.2g.
Does it have noise cancelling?
Yes, it cancels noise.
How does it connect?
It connects over Bluetooth 5.3.
What chip is inside?
It runs on Apple H2.
Does it do spatial audio?
Yes, it does spatial audio.

Price and models

Is there a newer one?
No. The Apple AirPods Max 2 is the current model.
How much does the Apple AirPods Max 2 cost?
List price: $549. Current price we last read at Walmart: $449, October 30, 2026.

Returns and warranty

How long do I have to return it?
14-day returns The clock starts the day it arrives.
Is there a restocking fee?
Restocking fee: not stated by Apple
Who pays return shipping?
Who pays return shipping: not stated by Apple Start the return online and print a return label, then schedule a carrier pickup or drop it at the carrier. You can also return it at any U.S. Apple Store.
Can I return it if I opened or wore it?
Send it back like new Return it in its original condition with all included parts, accessories and packaging.
How do I get my money back?
How you get your money back Card refunds go to your bank within five business days after Apple receives the item. Returns may be inspected; approved refunds or exchanges are issued within 10 business days. Cash returns over $750 are paid by check within 10 business days.
How long is the warranty?
1-year warranty Starts the day you buy it.
Is the battery covered?
Battery covered only for defects The standard warranty covers a battery only if it fails from a defect. The 80 percent rule belongs to AppleCare, not to the free warranty: AppleCare plans cover batteries that keep less than 80% of their original capacity.

In the box

What's in the box?
AirPods Max 2 headphones, Smart Case, USB-C charge cable, Documentation.

Works with

Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 work with Mac?
Yes. AirPods Max 2 work with Mac models running the latest macOS, and switch automatically between your Mac and iPhone. Works
Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 support Spatial audio / head tracking?
Yes. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Making a personal profile needs an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera. Works
Does the Apple AirPods Max 2 support Voice assistant / AI?
Yes. Say "Siri" or "Hey Siri" hands-free, and answer Siri announcements by nodding or shaking your head. Works

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