AirPods

AirPods Max 2

Apple's over-ear headphones, updated with the H2 chip in 2026, $549.

87Buy nowBuy-now score 87/100

It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.

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$549at Apple · checked Nov 12, 2026

See it at apple.com ↗ Ways to pay less

AirPods Max 2 (image: Apple)
Image: Apple

At a glance

Price from$549
ReleasedMar 25, 2026
ChipH2
BatteryUp to 20 h with ANC
Weight386 g
Noise cancellingYes

Our take

Updated in spring 2026 with the H2 chip. Over-ear AirPods are refreshed rarely, so there's no timing reason to wait.

Research-based: we haven't tested this model ourselves. It's built from Apple's specs, published tests and owner reports.

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Over-ear comfort and sound
  • Lossless audio over USB-C
  • 20 h with noise cancelling

What's not

  • $549
  • Heavy at 386 g
Best for

Home and travel listeners who prefer over-ear

Skip it if

You want something pocketable

Prices

Model (Apple, US)Price
AirPods Max 2$549

Prices checked Nov 12, 2026. They can change at any time. How we get prices.

Ways to pay less

No cheaper options confirmed yet. We check prices regularly.

Key specs

Chip
H2
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery (Apple claim)
Up to 20 h with ANC
Audio
Lossless over USB-C
Weight
386 g
Colours
Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue

How it compares

This pageAirPods Max 2AirPods Pro 3AirPods 5
Price from$549$249$129
VerdictBuy nowBuy nowBuy now
ChipH2H2H2
BatteryUp to 20 h with ANCUp to 8 h with ANC; 24 h with caseUp to 6 h (4 h with ANC); 20–22 h with case
Weight386 g——
Noise cancellingYesYes (in-ear)Yes (open-ear)

Compare every spec

More comparisons

vs AirPods 5vs AirPods Pro 3

Build your own comparison

What's next?

How we worked out "Buy now"
Release cycle40/40232 days since release; this line usually refreshes every ~962 days (just released).
Price right now12/25Best price we've seen is $549 (0% under Apple's $549). Price history is still short, so this part is scored conservatively.
Successor coming?20/20No credible successor rumour for the next six months.
Software support left14/15Expected to get major software updates until about 2031 (estimate based on Apple's history).

Our scoring method.

Latest news

SoftwareNew AirPods firmware 9B47 rolls out for five modelsApple released firmware 9B47 for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Max 2, described only as bug fixes and improvements. It installs automatically while the AirPods are charging near a connected Apple device.

All Apple news →

Questions people ask

Should I buy the AirPods Max 2 now?

Buy now. It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.

How much does the AirPods Max 2 cost?

Apple sells it from $549 in the US (AirPods Max 2: $549).

When will the AirPods Max 2 be replaced?

We haven't seen a credible report of a replacement in the next six months.

Who is the AirPods Max 2 best for?

Home and travel listeners who prefer over-ear. Skip it if you want something pocketable.

Sources

Page updated Nov 12, 2026 · Spotted an error? Tell us.