Do Apple's new AirPods Max 2 beat the Airpods Pro 3? I've tried both, here's my take

## Summary
Users with only an iPhone will find more utility in the AirPods Pro 3. iPhone users with mixed-device ecosystems will find more value in Sony or Bose over-ears. What changed from generation to generation Jada Jones/ZDNET Apple upgraded the AirPods Pro 3's acoustic structure, implementing new 10.7mm high-excursion drivers for deeper bass, a high-dynamic-range amplifier for vibrancy, and additional ports for a wider soundstage. Who I recommend the AirPods Max 2 for Jada Jones/ZDNET On the other hand, the AirPods Max 2 are best for people who have an expansive Apple device ecosystem. Which other over-ears to consider Jada Jones/ZDNET If you'd benefit from investing in the AirPods Pro 3 instead of the AirPods Max 2, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as your over-ear headphones.

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Do Apple's new AirPods Max 2 beat the Airpods Pro 3? I've tried both, here's my take
The AirPods Max 2 are Apple's most premium over-ears headphones, but I wouldn't recommend them to everyone.
Written by
Jada Jones,
Editor
Editor
April 3, 2026 at 12:16 a.m. PT
The AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3 share the same H2 audio chip.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
The AirPods Max 2 are best-suited for Apple power users.
Users with only an iPhone will find more utility in the AirPods Pro 3.
iPhone users with mixed-device ecosystems will find more value in Sony or Bose over-ears.
The
AirPods Max 2
are here, and I'm confident several people are weighing whether to buy their first pair of Apple over-ears, but a $549 asking price isn't one to sneeze at. If it's solely Apple's intelligent features like Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and Conversation Awareness that excite you, I'd say you would most benefit by investing in the AirPods Pro 3, and another brand of over-ears instead. Here's why.
Software-wise, they're very similar
The AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods Max 2 share Apple's premium H2 audio chip, meaning they offer the same
software features
and audio processing. Both offer Apple's host of intelligent features including Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, exceptional noise cancellation and Transparency Mode, Personalized Volume, Camera Remote, Voice Isolation, and Siri Interactions.
Review:
AirPods Max 2
Both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 support Apple's studio-quality voice recording for enhanced voice clarity across phone calls, FaceTime, Voice Memos, the Camera app, and compatible third-party applications. Additionally, both support Audio Sharing with another pair of AirPods or Beats headphones and connect to an Apple TV 4K in Spatial Audio.
What changed from generation to generation
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Apple upgraded the AirPods Pro 3's acoustic structure, implementing new 10.7mm high-excursion drivers for deeper bass, a high-dynamic-range amplifier for vibrancy, and additional ports for a wider soundstage. The Pro 3's upgraded microphones, audio processing algorithms, eartips, and acoustic structure result in improved audio performance, noise cancellation, and Transparency Mode.
They also received Apple's second-gen U2 ultra wideband chip for more precise device location, a new shape for enhanced fit, an IP57 waterproofing upgrade, and infrared sensors to track heart rate and calories burned during a workout.
Also:
AirPods Pro 3 fitness feature surprises triathlete tester - here's what he found
The AirPods Max 2 received Apple's advanced H2 chip, the same chip inside the AirPods Pro 3, bringing improved audio quality and a high-dynamic-range amplifier. The Max 2's enhanced audio performance is most evident when listening to music, gaming on Apple devices, and watching with an Apple TV 4K.
Like the
2024 USB-C version
, AirPods Max 2 also supports ultra-low latency and 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio via a wired connection, comes with a Smart Case, offers the same weight distribution and fit, promises 20 hours of battery life, and comes in the same colors.
Why I advocate for the AirPods Pro 3
Jada Jones/ZDNET
With just an iPhone, you can access almost everything the AirPods Pro 3 have to offer. If it's the only Apple device you use regularly,

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- If it's solely Apple's intelligent features like Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and Conversation Awareness that excite you, I'd say you would most benefit by investing in the AirPods Pro 3, and another brand of over-ears instead.
- Which other over-ears to consider Jada Jones/ZDNET If you'd benefit from investing in the AirPods Pro 3 instead of the AirPods Max 2, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as your over-ear headphones.

### Areas for Consideration
N/A

### Implications
- When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
- When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
- This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers airpods, apple, max topics. Notable strengths include discussion of airpods. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1662.