Amazon Prime Day is offering a significant discount on the Apple AirPods Max 2, bringing the noise-canceling headphones down to $399, a new lowest price point. This represents a $150 reduction from the usual $549 retail price.
The AirPods Max 2 are Apple's only over-ear headphone offering, distinguishing themselves from the more common in-ear AirPods models. This design prioritizes comfort for users who find earbuds less accommodating.
Crafted with premium materials, the AirPods Max 2 feature a predominantly metal construction, complemented by a lightweight TPU-wrapped headband and memory foam earcups upholstered in a soft knit mesh. These earcups are designed to provide effective passive noise isolation, a key component for optimal sound quality. The headphone's adjustment mechanisms are noted for their smooth operation.
Internally, the AirPods Max 2 are equipped with the Apple H2 chip, an upgrade from the previous H1 chip. This enhancement reportedly improves active noise cancellation, microphone quality, and transparency mode. While the original AirPods Max already offered good noise-canceling capabilities, the second generation aims to compete with other high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The sound reproduction remains largely consistent with the first generation, utilizing the same 40mm drivers, but with the addition of improved high dynamic amplifiers. The headphones also support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and spatial audio.
Historically, the AirPods Max have been considered a premium, splurge purchase due to their high retail price relative to competing headphones that offer similar performance. However, during sale events like Prime Day, the price reduction makes them a more competitive option, particularly for users within the Apple ecosystem.