# Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Apple) and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Audio-Technica) among over ear headphones.

## Side by side

| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $549 | not published |
| Brand | Apple | Audio-Technica |
| Released | 2024-09 | 2022-04 |
| ANC | Yes | No |
| Driver (mm) | 40 | — |
| Battery hr | 20 | 64 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Wired option | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 386 | 307 |

## Key differences

- ANC: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) Yes vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 No
- Battery hr: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 20 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 64
- Bluetooth: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 5.3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 5.0
- Codecs: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) SBC, AAC vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Weight (g): Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 386 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 307

## What reviewers say

**Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)** — SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version. (1 sourced review.)

**Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2** — Three whitelisted outlets recommend the ATH-M50xBT2 as a strong no-ANC pick. Only SoundGuys published measurements: 64 hours 51 minutes of battery at 75dB(SPL) and an Isolation / Attenuation sub-score of 3.4. What Hi-Fi and MusicRadar are listening-based reviews with no published measurements, and both praise the sound, build and value. Note the age spread: What Hi-Fi's review dates from October 2021 and MusicRadar's from August 2023, so only the SoundGuys page has been revised recently. The panel splits on isolation, on comfort, and on how heavy the bass is. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/specs/ (apple.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2: https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/audio-technica-ath-m50xbt2 (headphonecheck.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-vs-audio-technica-ath-m50xbt2/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) ($549) vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-vs-audio-technica-ath-m50xbt2/
License: CC BY 4.0.