Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) vs Sennheiser - HD 800 S
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 and spatial audio, while the HD 800 S wins on weight and driver size. Overall, the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) scores 65.7 and the HD 800 S scores 73.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HD 800 S edges ahead on the Mars Score (65.7 vs 73.6), but the 7.9-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
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.
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.
Both ship with comparable multipoint, ldac, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HD 800 S 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.
- ▲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 ANC; HD 800 S does not.
Which supports LDAC, AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) or HD 800 S?+
Neither supports LDAC.
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.