Ask iDevice

AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Max 2: which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 11, 2026. Prices and the answer are worked out again every few minutes.

The answer

AirPods Max

NO RUSH

No need to rush.

$549 at Apple matches its lowest price in the last 90 days, and iDevice's price verdict still reads No rush.

$549 at Apple

Apple AirPods Max 2

NO RUSH

No need to rush.

$549 at Apple matches its lowest price in the last 90 days, and iDevice's price verdict still reads No rush.

$549 at Apple

Neither is ahead on the rules. Both read NO RUSH.

What reviewers say

ReportedNo outlet published a separate scored review of both, so reviews do not break the tie.

A pick needs at least 2 independent outlets that published a separate scored review of each product on the same scale, all of them favouring the same one, and an average lead of at least 5 points out of 100. Outlets with one owner count once. Scores are the outlets' own; iDevice did not test these products for them.

Side by side

What is comparedAirPods MaxApple AirPods Max 2
Best price today$549 at ApplePrice checked Oct. 11, 2026$549 at ApplePrice checked Oct. 11, 2026
Lowest in 90 days$549Seen Oct. 11, 2026$549Seen Oct. 11, 2026
Works withConfirmed Works with AirPods Max: iPhone: Works. Android: Works with a limit.Source: AppleConfirmed Works with Apple AirPods Max 2: iPhone: Works. Android: Works with a limit.Source: Apple
TimingOur read No newer model is expected in the next 90 days.Source: iDevice GuideOur read No newer model is expected in the next 90 days.Source: iDevice Guide
PriceOur read Nothing's forcing the decision right now, so there's no need to rush. The lowest price checked in the last 90 days is $549 (Oct 11, 2026).Source: iDevice GuideOur read Nothing's forcing the decision right now, so there's no need to rush. The lowest price checked in the last 90 days is $549 (Oct 11, 2026).Source: iDevice Guide
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