After five years of waiting, Apple finally launches the AirPods Max 2 with the H2 chip. The tests published today paint a precise portrait of this premium headset at 579 euros and opinions converge: it’s a solid update, but there remain defects of the original headset.
H2 chip, the real change in AirPods Max 2
The H2 chip replaces the old H1 and plays a central role in almost all of the model’s improvements. Apple is also integrating a new high dynamic range amplifier, inspired by that of the AirPods Pro 3, coupled with 40 mm drivers. 9to5Mac points out that the H2 chip also speeds up the connection between devices, stabilizes the Bluetooth connection and makes interactions with Siri significantly faster. Also, there is also Bluetooth 5.3, which improves wireless stability and latency.
In addition, Apple announces active noise reduction (ANC) 1.5 times more efficient than the previous generation thanks to new audio processing algorithms. Gizmodo goes further in its test: the AirPods Max 2 directly compete with the 2nd generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and even surpass them at times. In the New York subway, the Gizmodo tester describes an “absolute” headset: passengers’ voices inaudible, squeaks of the rails almost erased and station announcements difficult to perceive. TechRadar confirms that the difference is gradually becoming evident: by simulating aircraft noise via speakers, the headset reduces the rumble to a “Low, manageable buzz”.
Sound quality: richness and improved soundstage
The new amplifier improves the clarity and dynamics of the audio without altering the characteristic sound signature of AirPods Max. TechRadar reports a wider soundstage, with impressive instrument separation. He quotes Born to Run de Springsteen et Down On the Corner of CCR as convincing examples, where each element remains distinct even in the densest passages. Gizmodo appreciates the management of the low end: the bass of the AirPods Max 2 is present and punchy without crushing the mids. The Verge points out that the serious bury a friend by Billie Eilish hits hard and stays defined, while the mids are very distinct. 9to5Mac remains more measured: he notices a slight improvement on certain songs, notably in the separation of layers, but judges that the sound quality alone does not justify a purchase or an update.
On the other hand, adaptive audio represents arguably the most significant feature of this generation. The function merges ANC and Transparency mode in real time depending on the surrounding sound context: in a cafe, it blocks ambient noise while letting nearby voices pass through. Gizmodo points out that the function works very well in the metro: the headset adjusts the noise cancellation according to the stops and starts of the train with fluidity. At home, it adapts the transparency to allow you to hear the keyboard or a nearby conversation. The Verge also lists the Conversation Detection feature which lowers the volume whenever you speak and Voice Isolation which isolates your voice during calls to reduce background noise. Live translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, allows you to converse in real time between two different languages: Gizmodo tested it in English-Spanish and found it to be fast, fluid and usable when traveling.
Battery life: 20 hours, a divisive figure
Apple maintains battery life at 20 hours with ANC enabled (same as the original 2020 headset). What HiFi points to this decision as “the great disappointment” of the model: Sony and Bose offer 30 hours on their current headphones and the Sennheiser HDB 630 goes up to 60 hours with ANC. Gizmodo conducted its own tests: after an hour at 60% volume with ANC active, the battery went from 100% to 94%, which roughly validates Apple’s promises. With the ANC turned off, the drop is only 2% over one hour. Fast charging remains available: 5 minutes of charging is enough for 1 hour 30 minutes of reading.
Weight and comfort: the problems persist
The AirPods Max 2 weigh 386 grams, the equivalent of more than two iPhone 17s placed on your head, as Gizmodo ironically notes. The Verge compares with the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose Ultra, displaying around 254 grams. TechRadar puts this point into perspective: the breathable mesh headband distributes pressure well and the memory foam cushions remain comfortable. The Verge, however, reports that some users feel discomfort after 30 minutes and the site’s tester himself began to feel the pressure after a few hours of wear. What HiFi also regrets that Apple has not widened the adjustment of the headband to accommodate a greater variety of body types.
Furthermore, Apple is keeping the aluminum structure, the stainless steel frame and the Smart Case (heavily criticized for its protection considered insufficient) identical. The five colors reflect those of the 2024 USB-C model, without a new shade. MacRumors calls the lack of redesign a “Greatest product frustration”. The ear cushions remain magnetically removable and washable. No water resistance certification accompanies this model, despite the widespread practice of wearing it outdoors.
Upon arrival, TechRadar concludes that the AirPods Max 2 represent “an update that was worth the five-year wait†and pushes first-generation owners to seriously consider upgrading. Gizmodo sums it up in one sentence: “always ridiculously expensive, always ridiculously good”to the point that the site ranks them among the best wireless headsets currently available, provided you accept the price. The Verge talks about a “nice sequel, but not a revampâ€. 9to5Mac adopts the most nuanced position: the headset improves without convincing users who didn’t like the original, but it remains objectively better. AppleInsider points to an incremental update rather than a big leap, while maintaining that the AirPods Max 2 remain the first choice for those who want high-end headphones in the Apple ecosystem.
Price and release date
The AirPods Max 2 are available for purchase with a release on April 1 for 579 euros from Apple, as well as from resellers of which here are the direct links:
