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Compare all AirPods and AirPods Max models

Anouk25 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.

AirPods and AirPods Max mainly differ in how you use them and how you experience sound. Do you prefer compact earbuds that are easy to take with you wherever you go, or a pair of headphones that shut you off more from your surroundings and offer a deeper sound experience? Here you can find out which model matches your way of listening and what those differences actually mean for you.

AirPods vs AirPods Max: short overview of the differences

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 offers several models in the AirPods range that let you listen comfortably to music and podcasts, stream films and make calls via your iPhone, iPad or Mac. AirPods and AirPods Pro are compact in-ear earbuds, while AirPods Max are over-ear headphones. These are the main differences between them:

  • Design: AirPods and AirPods Pro are small in-ear earbuds. AirPods Max are over-ear headphones with large ear cups that fully enclose your ears.
  • Sound experience: AirPods deliver good sound in a compact format. AirPods Max use larger drivers for a more spacious sound.
  • Active noise cancellation: AirPods Pro models reduce distracting sounds thanks to noise cancellation. AirPods Max combine the over-ear design with noise cancelling to block out ambient noise even more effectively.
  • Battery and charging: you charge AirPods via a charging case that provides extra battery life. AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 come with a MagSafe case that you can also charge wirelessly. AirPods Max are charged directly via a cable and last up to 20 hours on a single charge.
  • Use: AirPods are lightweight, compact and often water and sweat resistant, making them suitable for sport and use in all weather conditions. AirPods Max are less suitable for workouts, but offer a more spacious sound, stronger noise cancelling and greater wearing comfort.

All current AirPods and AirPods Max models

A sleek over ear headset stands behind several pairs of white wireless earbuds in open charging cases, arranged neatly on a light background.

Apple offers several models within the AirPods range. Depending on how and where you listen, a different type may suit your needs better. Compact in-ear earbuds are convenient for use on the go and during workouts, while over-ear headphones offer more comfort and better sound quality.

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

AirPods and AirPods Pro: in-ear earbuds

Thanks to their compact size, you can easily take AirPods with you everywhere and carry them in your pocket. As in-ear earbuds, they sit directly in your ear rather than covering your entire ears like headphones do. You store them in a small charging case that protects the earbuds and charges them when you’re not using them. With their lightweight design and dust, sweat and water resistance, AirPods are very convenient for listening to music while exercising.

There are 2 in-ear lines within the AirPods range: the standard version and the AirPods Pro, which offer the same comfortable listening experience as AirPods, but with more powerful noise cancelling, silicone ear tips in sizes from XXS to L, and additional health features. The latest models are the AirPods 4, available with or without active noise cancelling, and the AirPods Pro 3, which stand out with up to 4 times stronger noise cancelling and extra features such as Adaptive Audio.

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

AirPods Max: over-ear headphones

AirPods Max are over-ear headphones: the ear cups sit comfortably over your ears and help enhance the noise cancelling. Unlike the white in-ear AirPods, the Max models are available in several colours. You charge AirPods Max directly rather than via a charging case, but the battery lasts for up to 20 hours with noise cancelling enabled. Although you can still take AirPods Max with you easily wherever you go, they are less suitable for intense exercise because they are not water-resistant.

There is one AirPods Max line. In 2026, Apple released the AirPods Max 2, which replace the original model. The biggest innovations in this second generation are the H2 chip for more powerful audio, stronger noise cancelling and AI features via Apple Intelligence, such as live translation of your phone calls.

AirPods Max and Max 2: which one suits you best?

The key differences between AirPods and AirPods Max models

Image showing white Apple AirPods with charging case on the left and blue Apple AirPods Max 2 over-ear headphones on a light grey background.

The deciding factor when choosing between AirPods and AirPods Max is how you want to use them. AirPods and AirPods Max mainly differ in:

  • Design and size: AirPods are small, white in-ear earbuds. AirPods Max are larger over-ear headphones and are available in several colours.
  • Use: AirPods are easy to use while exercising. AirPods Max are less suitable for sport and are more focused on providing a comfortable listening experience.
  • Battery: you charge AirPods Max directly via USB-C. They offer a longer battery life than AirPods, but you can charge AirPods anywhere via the case, which has its own built-in battery.
  • Audio: AirPods deliver high-quality audio with deep bass and clear vocals. AirPods Max offer the same audio quality but with even deeper bass for a more cinematic sound.
  • Active noise cancellation: both AirPods and AirPods Max offer powerful noise cancelling, but AirPods Max suppress outside noise even more thanks to their enclosing over-ear design.

What are the best wireless 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 are compact, wireless in-ear earbuds with a small stem that sit directly in your ear. You store them in a case, and they fit easily in your pocket. AirPods have a minimalist design and are only available in white. AirPods Max are larger over-ear headphones with a mesh headband and aluminium ear cups. AirPods Max are available in the colours midnight, starlight, blue, purple and orange.

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

Audio quality

AirPods and AirPods Max both deliver great audio, but they differ in how immersive the sound feels. AirPods offer clear, well-balanced sound that works well for everyday use. Thanks to features such as Adaptive Audio and Spatial Audio, you can enjoy music, podcasts and video with clear voices and deep bass.

AirPods Max go a step further thanks to the over-ear design that fully encloses your ears and the larger drivers, which make music sound fuller and more spacious. AirPods Max also support lossless audio via USB‑C.

The best headphones with noise cancellation
Against deep blue shades, a person’s silhouette gently touches a glowing white earbud, creating a calm and focused listening atmosphere.

Active noisecancelling (ANC)

AirPods and AirPods Max both feature noise cancelling, but the difference lies in how powerful it is. AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 use the H2 chip to effectively reduce ambient noise. The Pro models are slightly better at blocking sound thanks to the custom-fit silicone ear tips. Like the in-ear AirPods, AirPods Max also offer active noise cancelling. This is further enhanced by the over-ear ear cups, which shield your ears even more from your surroundings.

What is noise cancelling?
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 options

AirPods Max last for up to 20 hours on a full charge. This is much longer than the in-ear models, which last up to 8 hours. However, you can charge the AirPods Pro via the case, which itself has a battery life of 24 to 30 hours, depending on the version.

Apple AirPods vs AirPods Max: overview of the differences

AirPods 4 with ANCAirPods Pro 2AirPods Pro 3AirPods MaxAirPods Max 2
Chipset

H2

H2

H2

H1

H2

ANC
Available

Yes, up to 2x more than AirPods 4 with ANC

Yes, up to 2x more than AirPods 4 with ANC

Available

Yes, up to 1.5x more than 1st generation

Adaptive Audio
Available
Available
Available
Unavailable
Available
Transparency mode
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Conversation Awareness
Available
Available
Available
Unavailable
Available
Bluetooth

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.0

5.3

Colours

White

White

White

Midnight, starlight, blue, purple, orange

Midnight, starlight, blue, purple, orange

Battery

5 hours

6 hours

8 hours

20 hours

20 hours

Controls

Touch, Siri & head gestures

Touch, Siri & head gestures

Touch, Siri & head gestures

Digital Crown (button) & Siri

Digital Crown (button) & Siri

Compatibility with operating systems

iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26

iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26

iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26

iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26

iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, tvOS 26

Choose the AirPods or AirPods Max

Advice on the AirPods and AirPods Max range at MediaMarkt Belgium

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

Your choice between AirPods and AirPods Max mainly depends on how you listen. AirPods are compact, fit in your pocket and, thanks to their sweat and water resistance, are suitable for sport and use in all weather conditions. AirPods Max offer a deeper sound experience and stronger noise cancellation thanks to the over-ear design that fully encloses your ears. If you often use your earbuds on the go, both are a good choice, with AirPods offering a bit more portability. If you mostly listen while exercising or in changing conditions, AirPods are likely to suit you better. If you frequently stream films or series and want to get the most out of your audio, AirPods Max are a better match for your expectations.

Frequently asked questions about AirPods and AirPods Max