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

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Why This Matters

The AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3 share the same powerful H2 chip and similar intelligent features, but their value varies based on user needs and ecosystems. While the Max 2 appeals to dedicated Apple over-ear enthusiasts, the Pro 3 offers more utility for iPhone users seeking portable, feature-rich earbuds. This highlights the importance of choosing audio devices tailored to specific usage scenarios and device ecosystems in the evolving premium audio market.

Key Takeaways

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

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