Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) vs Sennheiser - HD 800 S
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) | Sennheiser - HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 384 g | 330 g |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 56 mm |
| Active noise cancellation | true | false |
| Spatial audio | true | false |
| Battery life | 20 h | 0 h |
Between the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) and HD 800 S, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) comes out ahead in active noise cancellation / spatial audio, while the HD 800 S wins on weight / driver size. Overall, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) scores 68 and the HD 800 S scores 55.3 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 12.7 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 your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. The biggest gaps in its favor are active noise cancellation, spatial audio, battery life. The single most decisive one: Has Active noise cancellation.
Pick the HD 800 S if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, driver size. The single most decisive one: Weight — 54.00 g less. 330 vs 384.
Both ship with comparable multipoint, ldac, 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 Sennheiser - HD 800 S?
Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) leads the current Mars Score by 12.7 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, battery life h.
Choose Sennheiser - HD 800 S if…
Sennheiser - HD 800 S has the measurable edge on 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.
- ▲Battery life: 20 h vs 0 h.
Why Sennheiser - HD 800 S wins
- ▲Weight — 54.00 g less. 330 vs 384.
- ▲Driver size — 40.00% more. 56 mm vs 40 mm.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Sennheiser - HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384 g | 330 glead |
| Water resistance | none | none |
Audio
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Sennheiser - HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Driver sizeⓘ | 40 mm | 56 mmlead |
| Impedanceⓘ | 10 Ω | 300 Ωlead |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 105 dBlead | 102 dB |
| Active noise cancellationⓘ | truelead | false |
| Transparency mode | truelead | false |
| Spatial audioⓘ | truelead | false |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Sennheiser - HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Battery lifeⓘ | 20 hlead | 0 h |
| Fast chargeⓘ | truelead | false |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) | Sennheiser - HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetoothⓘ | 5.3lead | 0 |
| Multipointⓘ | false | false |
| 3.5mm jack | false | truelead |
| LDACⓘ | false | false |
| aptX HDⓘ | false | false |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery life, AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or HD 800 S?+
AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) lasts 20 hours vs 0 hours.
Do AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or HD 800 S have active noise cancellation?+
AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) has active noise cancellation; HD 800 S does not.
Which supports LDAC, AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or HD 800 S?+
Neither supports LDAC.