More than 5 years after the first generation, AirPods Max 2 has been launched with many improvements in sound and technology, but has not yet created a significant breakthrough as expected.
The new headphones are equipped with H2 chip instead of H1, accompanied by an integrated amplifier that significantly improves sound quality. Active noise cancellation is considered competitive with top competitors.
Deep, clear bass, while the medium and high ranges maintain balance, bringing a detailed listening experience. The device also supports 24-bit/48kHz lossless sound via USB-C connection.
AirPods Max 2 continues to promote its advantages when deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem with fast connection, automatic device switching, Siri control and spatial audio. New features such as adaptive audio, voice recognition, personalized volume adjustment or direct translation are added thanks to the H2 chip.
However, this product still retains the same design as the previous version, leading to many unremedied limitations. The weight of 385 grams makes the headphones significantly heavier than competitors, causing discomfort when used for a long time. The large clamp force also affects the user experience.
Another drawback is that the product still does not have a separate power button, forcing users to rely on sleep mode when placed in a box. The box design continues to be underestimated when it only acts as a soft cover, not capable of protecting the device during movement.
Despite its high finishing quality with high-quality metal materials and ear cushions, AirPods Max 2 is still considered less practical than its lighter and more convenient competitors. When used with devices not belonging to the Apple ecosystem, many important features cannot be exploited.
The price of 549 USD makes the product less competitive when it is about 100 USD higher than the headphones in the same segment. Despite bringing impressive sound quality and high-end experience, AirPods Max 2 is considered a good upgrade but not enough to become the optimal choice for the majority of users.
