Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
$549
Released 2024-09
Best Over Ear Headphones · head-to-head
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is cheaper at $549. Every spec and price links to its source.
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
—
Released 2022-04
Which is better: the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $549 | — |
| 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 |
| Release | 2024-09 | 2022-04 |
Sources — Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): apple.com (verified 2026-06-15). Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2: headphonecheck.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- ANC: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) true vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 false
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Active noise canceling is fantastic; Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones; Tested battery life ~21 hours, beating Apple's claim.
Flagged: Overpriced for what it offers.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Sound quality is balanced and powerful enough for both studio monitoring and casual listening; Good value at the price; Long battery life — SoundGuys measured 64 hours 51 minutes, MusicRadar lists improved battery life as a pro.
Flagged: No active noise cancellation; Bass can feel heavy or thick — before run-in and over the cable per What Hi-Fi, "a bit too much" at times per MusicRadar; Wired mode is a pass-through that bypasses the onboard electronics, so EQ and the ear-cup controls do not work passively.