AirPods Max tests: an excellent headset, but too few developments?

A general observation: an expected update, but not very daring

Overall, the American media agree on one point: AirPods Max 2 were long-awaited, but it’s a measured evolution rather than a complete redesign. So The Verge sums up this feeling quite well by talking about a good development but without great ambition.

For this part, CNET said to have first been disappointed on paperbefore judging the improvements to be more significant than expected once the headset is used. Others evoke a necessary modernizationor even an update not very exciting. Chez MacRumorsthe judgment is quite close: the product is excellent, but Apple was mainly content to upgrade its headset compared to the rest of the AirPods range.

Design and ergonomics: zero changes

This is probably the theme that comes up most often in reviews. All emphasize that the AirPods Max 2 strictly have the same design as the previous generation. The Verge insists a lot on the fact thatthey are visually identical and therefore retain many of the faults of the original model.

MacRumors et CNET deplore that Cupertino has not responded to any of the criticisms made since 2020: the headset remains heavythe bandeau does not change,lack of power button remains, the minimalist case (with a design that is far from unanimous) is still therethe colors are unchanged.

From son côté, 9to5Mac drives the point home: AirPods Max still don’t fold completelywhich makes them bulky in a bag, especially when traveling. AppleInsidera little more lenient on the perceived quality, however continues to salute materials and finishingjudging the helmet as elegant and premium as ever thanks to the aluminum, steel and assembly quality.

Audio quality: a real improvement, especially in the bass

On the sound, the opinions are generally very positive, even if all speak of a measured rather than spectacular improvement. The Verge explains that 40mm transducers have not changed between generations, but that the new wide dynamic range amplifier significantly improves the rendering. Which offers more defined bass, capable of better rendering deep notes without a muddled effect.

MacRumors goes further by emphasizing better separation between treble, mids and bass, with more bass without excess. The media believes that fans who pay attention to mixing will clearly hear the gain in quality, with a wider soundstage thanks to the circum-aural format. CNET describes a sound signature that is still balanced and precise, but a little cleaner, more natural and almost distortion-free.

This site especially notes a tighter, cleaner and more natural bass, as well as a slight improvement in spatialization. 9to5Mac remain more cautious: yes, there is an improvement, especially at the bottom of the spectrum and in the readability of the different layers of a piece, but not to the point of justifying a purchase on its own. AppleInsider holds a comparable speechexplaining that the differences are especially noticeable at high volume, on bass-heavy tracks and with ANC activated.

Noise reduction and transparency mode: the real leap forward

If there is a point that has even more consensus than sound, this is the progression of active noise reduction. Apple announces an efficiency of up to 1.5 times greater, and even if several testers say that it is difficult to quantify this figure, all confirm a clear improvement.

Pour MacRumorsthe ANC is clairement amélioréeperformance once again rivals the best models from Sony and Bose on the The Verge. D’après CNETthey return to level of market referencesor even a little above in some cases. Its test in an urban environment, in the noisy streets of New York, highlights a particularly effective reduction of low frequencies.

9to5Mac he also reports a clear progress on continuous noiselike gardening equipment, even if the site qualifies by explaining that the generational leap seems less spectacular than that previously observed between the AirPods Pro H1 and H2. AppleInsider is also impressed, to the point of judging the ANC better than that of the AirPods Pro 3 in his tests.

On transparency mode, the comments are very complimentary. CNET recalls that Apple was already the reference in this area and considers that the rendering seems even more natural. AppleInsider even says he sometimes forgot he was still wearing the headset while talking to someone.

H2 chip and new functions: finally on par with the rest of the range

The other great contribution of the AirPods Max 2, according to all the tests, is the arrival of the H2 chip. For the five media, this chip mainly provides functions already known on recent AirPods Pro: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound ReductionSiri by gestures, studio-quality recording, Voice Isolationor even photo triggering via the Digital Crown.

But these new features have a taste of catch-up: Apple here is only bringing its premium headphones up to the level of cheaper headphones from its own range. 9to5Mac considère néanmoins que this modernization really changes daily use, in particular thanks to Adaptive Audio and better connection stability. CNET also considers these additions useful, highlighting their positive effect on calls, transparency mode and creative uses.

Calls, microphones and autonomy

Media reports better on call qualityespecially thanks to Voice Isolation. MacRumors speaks clearer calls, CNET confirms very good reduction of ambient noise, even if the voice can sometimes seem irregular in noisy environments. AppleInsiderfor its part, praises recording and call performances, including in restaurants or outdoors.

On the other hand, in terms of autonomy, no one notices any revolution: it remains fixed at 8 p.m. CNET et MacRumors also regret the absence of an included 3.5mm audio cable for in-flight entertainment systems. Here again, the dominant feeling is that of an excellent, but conservative product.