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Apple AirPods vs AirPods Max: a comparison of the different models

Femke24 MARCH 2026
On a pale blue backdrop, white wireless earbuds face a dark over-ear headset, with a grey “VS” icon centred between both products.

The range of wireless Apple headphones and earphones is very extensive, so you will always find a model that suits you. On this page, we compare the AirPods Pro 2 and 3, the AirPods 4 with ANC, and the AirPods Max 1 and 2; from design and sound quality to the strength of the noise cancelling and wearing comfort.

AirPods vs AirPods Max: all the key differences at a glance

The picture shows AirPods emerging from a charging case on the left and a blue AirPods Max 2 headset on the right, both labelled.
  • Apple AirPods (Pro): in-ear earbuds for everyday use, working out or on the go. They are light, compact and offer good sound quality for music. If you choose AirPods 4 with ANC, you also benefit from active noise cancellation, just like with the AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3.
  • Apple AirPods Max: over-ear headphones for music lovers and longer listening sessions. You get premium sound quality and a comfortable fit. With AirPods Max 2, you get additional features that are particularly useful for musicians, podcasters and content creators.

Overview of all AirPods and AirPods Max models

A person wearing light blue over-ear headphones tilts their head with eyes closed against a dark blue backdrop, absorbed in sound.

Apple offers several AirPods models that all work wirelessly and offer a range of features. You can choose between compact in-ear earbuds (AirPods and AirPods Pro) and large over-ear headphones (AirPods Max). Within these 2 groups there are different generations with improved sound quality, noise cancelling and battery life.

Do you choose earbuds or headphones?

AirPods and AirPods Pro: in-ear earbuds

On a white background, AirPods Pro 2 float on the left, while AirPods Pro 3 rise from an open charging case on the right, labelled.

AirPods and AirPods Pro are small, lightweight wireless earbuds that sit directly in your ear. They are ideal for everyday use, on the go and during exercise. The most popular models are the AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 are aimed at users who want premium sound and active noise cancellation in the smallest possible form factor. They have silicone ear tips for a better fit and isolation, so you can wear them comfortably for long periods without being disturbed.

Indoors, a smiling person wears white wireless earbuds, with another person and a bright green outdoor view softly blurred in the background.

AirPods 4 with ANC
AirPods 4 with ANC combine the familiar AirPods design with improved sound features. Compared to AirPods Pro, they don’t have silicone ear tips but still offer active noise cancelling. These AirPods are more affordable than AirPods Pro and are a great entry-level option if you want to enjoy good audio quality with minimal background noise. In addition to the ANC model, Apple also offers a standard AirPods 4 model. These AirPods don’t have active noise cancellation and lack smart features such as Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio. Choose these earbuds if you simply want to listen to music wirelessly.

Compare all AirPods

AirPods Max: over-ear headphones

Several AirPods Max headphones in soft pastel colours form nested arches, creating a colourful tunnel-like effect on a bright white background.

AirPods Max are large over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that sit over your ears. They are designed for maximum sound quality and comfort during longer listening sessions; ideal for films, series and music. The AirPods Max range has 2 different models: AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max (1st generation)
AirPods Max is Apple’s first premium over-ear headphone. You enjoy powerful, clear sound with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode.

AirPods Max 2
The second generation has the same features as AirPods Max, but adds clever functions such as Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and Live Translations. The noise cancellation has also been further improved.

Compare the AirPods Max

What are the main differences between AirPods and AirPods Max?

In short, the main differences between AirPods (Pro) and AirPods Max are:

Property nameAirPods (Pro)AirPods Max
Size and designIn-earOver-ear
Comfort and fitLightweight and compactSoft and large
Sound qualityGood soundPremium sound
Noise cancellingStrongEven more powerful
Battery and chargingEarbuds charge in the caseHeadphones charge via cable
Typical useOn the go and during sportOn the go and during sport
View the best earbuds
On a pale backdrop, two charging cases with white AirPods are lined up on the left, while a cream over-ear headphone set stands to the right.

The design

AirPods and AirPods Pro have a compact in-ear design with a short stem. They are lightweight, discreet and fit easily in your pocket. AirPods Pro come with silicone tips in different sizes, while AirPods 4 with ANC have a fixed, universal fit. All models are only available in white.

AirPods Max are clearly over-ear headphones with large ear cups and a wide headband. They are heavier than earbuds but, as a result, provide a stable and comfortable fit around the ear. AirPods Max and Max 2 are available in 5 colours.

A person in sportswear leans forward, sweating and concentrated, wearing white wireless earbuds against a warm orange-coloured background.

Audio quality

AirPods and AirPods Pro offer clear, balanced sound that is excellent for all your listening moments on the go and during exercise. The AirPods Pro 2 and 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC deliver crisp tones, solid bass and benefit from features such as Spatial Audio.

AirPods Max go a step further towards a hi-fi experience. The larger drivers and over-ear design provide a more spacious soundstage, deeper bass and more detail in the mid and high frequencies. AirPods Max 2 add extra features such as stronger noise cancelling, Live Translations, Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio.

Against deep blue shades, a person’s silhouette gently touches a glowing white earbud, creating a calm and focused listening atmosphere.

Active Noise Cancellation

With AirPods Pro 2 and 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC, you get powerful noise cancellation in a compact design. They filter out ambient noise, such as the hum of a train. Transparency Mode deliberately lets outside sound in, so you can hear traffic and voices more clearly. AirPods Pro 2 and 3 offer slightly stronger ANC than AirPods 4 thanks to the silicone ear tips on the earbuds.

AirPods Max 1 and 2 generally offer the most advanced noise cancellation. The larger ear cups already provide better physical isolation, and the additional microphones and chips ensure even more effective suppression of mainly low and constant noises.

A glossy white AirPods charging case stands upright, connected by a cable, with a tiny green status light glowing on the front.

Battery life and charging

You charge AirPods and AirPods Pro via the supplied charging case. The earbuds offer between 5 and 8 hours of listening time per charge (depending on the model). When you put them back in the case, it recharges them again within a few minutes. After a while, you will need to charge the case itself using a cable. AirPods Max have a larger, integrated battery in the headphones themselves, which you charge with a cable. The battery life of both models is 20 hours with ANC switched on.

Compare all AirPods and AirPods Max models

Property nameAirPods 4 with ANCAirPods Pro 2AirPods Pro 3AirPods MaxAirPods Max 2
ChipH2H2H2H1H2
Active Noise Cancellation
Available 		Up to twice as much as the first-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with ANCUp to 4x as much as the first-generation AirPods ProPro-level ANCUp to 1.5x as much as the first-generation AirPods Max
Adaptive Audio*
Available
Available
Available
Unavailable
Available
Transparency mode**
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Conversation Awareness***
Available
Available
Available
Unavailable
Available
Bluetooth version5.35.35.35.05.3
ColoursWhiteWhiteWhiteMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange
Battery life5 hours6 hours8 hours20 hours20 hours
ControlsForce sensorTouch controlsTouch controlsDigital Crown & buttonDigital Crown & button
Software compatibilityiOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26
Number of microphones22299
Intended useEveryday use, on the go and during exerciseEveryday use, on the go and during exerciseEveryday use, on the go and during exerciseLonger listening sessions, music loversLonger listening sessions, music lovers, podcasters, content creators

*Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation to suit your surroundings.
**Transparency mode lets in ambient sounds so you stay aware in traffic.
***Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of your content and amplifies the voices of the people you’re talking to.

Our advice on comparing the AirPods and AirPods Max range

A person with short orange hair wears peach-coloured over-ear headphones, eyes closed in enjoyment against a soft apricot-toned background.

Apple AirPods (Pro) and AirPods Max both perform well in their own way. If you listen to music every day while exercising or on the go and want something small and lightweight, choose AirPods. With AirPods Pro, you also get stronger active noise cancelling and extra comfort thanks to the silicone ear tips. If you want to enjoy premium sound that comes close to studio quality, go for AirPods Max. With AirPods Max 2, you get additional features that are particularly useful for podcasters, musicians and content creators, such as camera control.

View the best headphones

Frequently asked questions

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