Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen)
Between the AirPods Max (Lightning) and AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen), the AirPods Max (Lightning) comes out ahead in several specs, while the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) wins on several specs. Overall, the AirPods Max (Lightning) scores 65.7 and the AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) scores 65.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes, with the decision sitting on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
The AirPods Max (Lightning) doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
The AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) similarly doesn't carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable battery life, driver size, active noise cancellation, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384 g | 384 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
Audio
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver sizeⓘ | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Impedanceⓘ | 10 Ω | 10 Ω |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 105 dB | 105 dB |
| Active noise cancellationⓘ | true | true |
| Transparency mode | true | true |
| Spatial audioⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 20 h | 20 h |
| Fast chargeⓘ | true | true |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - AirPods Max (Lightning) | Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetoothⓘ | 5.0 | 5.3lead |
| Multipointⓘ | false | false |
| 3.5mm jack | false | false |
| LDACⓘ | false | false |
| aptX HDⓘ | false | false |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery life, AirPods Max (Lightning) or AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen)?+
AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) lasts 20 hours vs 20 hours.
Do AirPods Max (Lightning) or AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) have active noise cancellation?+
Both models have active noise cancellation.
Which supports LDAC, AirPods Max (Lightning) or AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen)?+
Neither supports LDAC.
Spec-level deep dives
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