CNET91
The AirPods Max 2 offer meaningful improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and feature integration via the H2 chip, making them a top-tier choice for Apple users despite the high price and unchanged design.
Apple AirPods Max 2
6 expert reviews#4 in noise-cancelling headphonesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Apple AirPods Max 2 has a critic score of 84 out of 100 from 6 professional reviews, and 5 of them recommend it. It ranks #4 of 4 noise-cancelling headphones we score. Critics praise its sound quality and noise cancelling. The most common complaint is case and folding.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Image: AppleFor iPhone owners
Our verdict
The 2026 AirPods Max improve noise cancelling and sound, and critics see them as the best choice for people who use Apple devices. They are less happy that the heavy design, the weak case and the battery life barely changed. Android users lose many features.
The catch: Heavy, expensive, and the case still doesn't protect them.
Critic agreement: Medium
Scores run from 70 to 91
Scored as AirPods Max 2 (2026); first-gen reviews dropped.
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What do critics say about the Apple AirPods Max 2?
PCMag Middle East90
The AirPods Max 2 are the premier choice for Apple users, offering industry-leading noise cancellation and seamless ecosystem integration.
Good Housekeeping85est.
The AirPods Max 2 are highly praised for their exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and comfortable design, making them a top-tier choice for travelers despite their high price and lack of a protective case.
CNN Underscored85est.
The AirPods Max 2 offer excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency mode, and effective noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for Apple users.
ZDNET80
The AirPods Max 2 offer excellent sound quality and impressive spatial audio features, but they lack significant design or battery life improvements, making them a hard sell for existing owners or those seeking better value.
Macworld70
While the AirPods Max 2 retain excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, the update is disappointing because Apple failed to address long-standing issues like the heavy weight, poor case design, and frustrating battery management.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Sound quality6 of 6
Noise cancelling5 of 6
What critics dislike most
Case and folding4 of 6
Price4 of 6
Weight and fit2 of 6
Alternatives
Not sure about the Apple AirPods Max 2?
Common questions
Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 worth it?
Most critics think so: 5 of 6 recommend it. Heavy, expensive, and the case still doesn't protect them.
What do critics dislike about the Apple AirPods Max 2?
Case and folding (4 of 6 reviews), Price (4 of 6 reviews), Weight and fit (2 of 6 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple AirPods Max 2?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 (critic score 89), best overall.