Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) vs Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 20 h | 50 h |
| Weight | 384 g | 307 g |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 45 mm |
| Active noise cancellation | true | false |
| Spatial audio | true | false |
| Multipoint | false | true |
Between the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) and ATH-M50xBT2, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) comes out ahead in active noise cancellation / spatial audio, while the ATH-M50xBT2 wins on battery life / weight. Overall, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) scores 68 and the ATH-M50xBT2 scores 59.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.2 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) if audio quality and feature breadth (ANC, codecs, multipoint) are the lead criteria for your purchase. The biggest gaps in its favor are active noise cancellation, spatial audio. The single most decisive one: Has Active noise cancellation.
Pick the ATH-M50xBT2 if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are battery life, weight, driver size, among others. The single most decisive one: Battery life — 150.00% more. 50 h vs 20 h.
Both ship with comparable water resistance, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2?
Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) leads the current Mars Score by 8.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare driver size, battery life, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) if…
Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) has the measurable edge on has anc, has spatial audio.
Choose Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 if…
Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 has the measurable edge on battery life h, weight g, driver size mm.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) wins
- ▲Has Active noise cancellation.
- ▲Has Spatial audio.
Why Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 wins
- ▲Battery life — 150.00% more. 50 h vs 20 h.
- ▲Weight — 77.00 g less. 307 vs 384.
- ▲Driver size — 12.50% more. 45 mm vs 40 mm.
- ▲Has Multipoint.
- ▲Has LDAC.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384 g | 307 glead |
| Water resistance | none | none |
Audio
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver sizeⓘ | 40 mm | 45 mmlead |
| Impedanceⓘ | 10 Ω | 38 Ωlead |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 105 dBlead | 99 dB |
| Active noise cancellationⓘ | truelead | false |
| Transparency mode | truelead | false |
| Spatial audioⓘ | truelead | false |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery lifeⓘ | 20 h | 50 hlead |
| Fast chargeⓘ | true | true |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetoothⓘ | 5.3lead | 5.0 |
| Multipointⓘ | false | truelead |
| 3.5mm jack | false | truelead |
| LDACⓘ | false | truelead |
| aptX HDⓘ | false | truelead |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery life, AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or ATH-M50xBT2?+
ATH-M50xBT2 lasts 50 hours vs 20 hours.
Do AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or ATH-M50xBT2 have active noise cancellation?+
AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) has active noise cancellation; ATH-M50xBT2 does not.
Which supports LDAC, AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or ATH-M50xBT2?+
ATH-M50xBT2 supports LDAC; AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) does not.