Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) vs Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2
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 and spatial audio, while the ATH-M50xBT2 wins on battery life and weight. Overall, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) scores 65.7 and the ATH-M50xBT2 scores 74.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The ATH-M50xBT2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.5 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.
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.
Both ship with comparable water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the ATH-M50xBT2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
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 ANC; 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.
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.