Apple’s AirPods Max debuted in 2020 as the company’s premium over-ear headphones, with a metal-and-mesh design that set them apart from the rest of the AirPods family. AirPods Max 2 launched in March 2026 with the same H2 chip used in AirPods Pro 2, bringing Active Noise Cancellation 1.5x more effective than the original AirPods Max. Apple Intelligence features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation come to the over-ear lineup for the first time. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity also lowers wireless latency on the new model.
You can get the Apple AirPods Max 2 on Amazon for $499, marked down $50 from $549 for a 9% discount.
Comfortable, luxurious headphones with Apple-quality sound
The H2 chip drives nearly all of the audio improvements in AirPods Max 2. Apple’s previous AirPods Max used the older H1 chip, so the move to H2 brings the over-ear headphones in line with the audio processing capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2. A new high dynamic range amplifier produces cleaner audio with improved bass response, working alongside the H2’s computational audio algorithms for the new ANC capabilities. Spatial Audio has also been retuned for better instrument localization and more natural mids and highs. Lossless 24-bit, 48kHz audio is supported through the included USB-C cable for the highest-quality wired playback.
Adaptive Audio adjusts ANC and Transparency mode based on your environment in real time. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers music volume when you start talking to someone nearby, then restores the volume when the conversation ends. Voice Isolation cleans up your voice on calls by separating it from background noise. Live Translation provides real-time translation through the connected iPhone, with translations either spoken back through the headphones or shown on the iPhone screen. Personalized Volume learns your listening habits and adjusts the volume automatically based on the environment and audio content.
Creative features are also included, such as studio-quality audio recording directly through the headphones and a Camera Remote function for hands-free photo and video capture from the connected iPhone. Spatial Audio profiles can be personalized using the iPhone’s camera, scanning ear shape to tune the sound for individual users. Compatibility extends across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, with seamless device switching between Apple products signed into the same iCloud account.
The physical design of AirPods Max 2 carries over unchanged from the 2020 original, including the metal-and-mesh build, the same Smart Case that protects only the earcups, and the same overall weight. Battery life is also unchanged at 20 hours of listening with ANC active. Full Apple Intelligence functionality also requires a compatible iPhone, so older devices and non-Apple users may not access features like Live Translation and Conversation Awareness.
At $499, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are at a notable price below the $549 launch list since their March 2026 release. Pick them up on Amazon while the discount holds for premium over-ear sound and the full set of new H2 features in Apple’s headphone lineup.