AirPods Max 2

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s updated AirPods Max 2 over‑ear headphones are drawing sharp reactions for their $549 price, unchanged heavy design, and unconventional “Smart Case,” even as many praise their noise cancellation, spatial audio, and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. Owners of the first generation report issues with comfort, headband durability, condensation damage, and unpredictable battery behavior, leading some to swear off the line in favor of lighter, cheaper, or more repairable alternatives from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Anker. The thread highlights a broader split between buyers who value seamless Apple features and brand signaling, and those who see the Max series as poor value compared to both studio‑grade wired gear and mid‑priced ANC headphones.

Design, Comfort, and Case

  • Many comments focus on weight (~386 g) and clamp force; several users report headaches, scalp “dents,” and discomfort after 1–2 hours, though others find them the most comfortable headphones they own.
  • Headband mesh reportedly sags over time, causing the metal rails to press into the scalp; mesh is not user-replaceable, leading to third‑party silicone band add‑ons.
  • Ear cups don’t tilt horizontally, which makes fit and pressure distribution poor for some head shapes.
  • The “Smart Case” is widely criticized as functionally useless and ugly; it doesn’t protect the headband and forces awkward storage habits.

Sound, ANC, and Tech Features

  • Sound quality is generally considered very good for consumer use; some describe it as “reference-capable,” others say it’s below Bose/Sony/Sennheiser and bass‑emphasized.
  • ANC is viewed as top-tier by many, but some say recent AirPods Pro now outperform Max for noise cancelling.
  • Max 2 adds improved ANC and wired lossless over USB‑C, but still no wireless lossless; codec support and Bluetooth LE Audio remain unclear.
  • Bass‑heavy tuning and limited systemwide EQ on Apple devices frustrate users seeking flatter response; Android users mention global EQ apps.

Battery, Power Management, and Connectivity

  • Lack of a physical power button is a recurring complaint. Behavior around low‑power and “ultra‑low‑power” modes is inconsistent: some see minimal drain, others report dead batteries after a day or two.
  • Automatic device switching and tight integration with Apple gear are repeatedly cited as the main “killer features,” far better than many third‑party Bluetooth headphones.
  • Wired lossless over USB‑C reportedly disables the mic, which some see as a major convenience regression.

Reliability and Durability

  • Multiple reports of units “bricking” shortly after warranty, condensation issues, screeching feedback, random reboots, broken headbands, and rattling mics or drivers.
  • Some users resort to hacks (freezer trick, suction on mic mesh) to temporarily fix failures.
  • Repairs out of warranty are described as very expensive, often close to replacement cost.

Price, Competition, and Value

  • $549 is seen by many as excessive, especially now that an entry-level MacBook is close in price.
  • Others note this is broadly in line with the “premium ANC” market (Sony XM series, Bose QC Ultra, B&W, Focal), and argue you pay for integration, convenience, and fashion/status signaling.
  • A substantial contingent prefers cheaper ANC options (Anker/Soundcore, Tozo, midrange Sennheiser/Sony/Bose) as better “bang for buck,” and some plan to buy Gen 1 used instead of upgrading.