Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max 2

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

Review evidence is negative or limited for 3.5mm analog input availability, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Reviewers generally found ANC significantly improved and near the top of the class, with a few noting Bose or Sony remain competitive.

Review evidence is strongly positive for advanced software features, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

Review evidence is strongly positive for aesthetics / discreet profile, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is strongly positive for anc background noise level, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is generally positive for anc effect on sound signature, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for anc sound impact on audio, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Android compatibility is limited: playback works, but many setup, settings and advanced features are Apple-only.

Review evidence is mixed for app, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

The H2 chip is consistently framed as the main upgrade behind ANC, features, mic processing, and responsiveness.

Review evidence is negative or limited for aptx, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Latency is viewed positively after H2 and USB-C changes, especially for wired use, gaming mode or editing.

Review evidence is generally positive for auto-play/wear detection, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is mixed for auto on/off reliability, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

Review evidence is strongly positive for award recognition, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Review evidence is generally positive for bass performance, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Battery life is repeatedly treated as a weakness: 20 hours is usable but now behind several competitors.

Review evidence is generally positive for bluetooth, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for bluetooth version, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Review evidence is strongly positive for build quality, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Wired USB-C lossless playback at 24-bit/48kHz is praised, but wireless listening remains codec-limited.

Review evidence is strongly positive for button control usability, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

The Smart Case remains a common complaint because protection and travel practicality are limited.

Review evidence is generally positive for charging, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Review evidence is mixed for clamping force comfort, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

Codec support is consistently limited to Apple-friendly basics, with reviewers noting missing hi-res Bluetooth options.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Review evidence is generally positive for comfort during long use, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Review evidence is generally positive for connectivity options, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Review evidence is generally positive for design and aesthetics, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

Review evidence is strongly positive for dolby atmos with head tracking, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Review evidence is generally positive for durability over time, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Review evidence is generally positive for ear cup padding quality, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

Review evidence is generally positive for ear cup swivel/rotation range, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Apple ecosystem integration is one of the clearest strengths, especially pairing and automatic switching.

Custom EQ is a consistent limitation; reviewers repeatedly note there is no true manual EQ.

Review evidence is generally positive for features at launch, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is negative or limited for firmware update roadmap, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Review evidence is generally positive for frequency response accuracy, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

Review evidence is strongly positive for headband adjustability, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

Review evidence is generally positive for headband padding quality, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is strongly positive for head gestures, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Review evidence is strongly positive for immersive audio quality, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

Review evidence is mixed for included accessories, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Review evidence is generally positive for instrument separation, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is strongly positive for integrated microphone, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is negative or limited for ldac, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Review evidence is negative or limited for le audio readiness, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Review evidence is strongly positive for maximum volume clarity, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is strongly positive for microphone noise reduction, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is generally positive for microphone quality for calls, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Review evidence is generally positive for midrange clarity, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

Review evidence is mixed for multi-platform compatibility, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

Review evidence is strongly positive for multipoint connectivity reliability, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Review evidence is strongly positive for noise isolation (passive), with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Most reviewers recommend the headphones for Apple users or premium ANC buyers, but not necessarily for recent USB-C AirPods Max owners.

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Review evidence is negative or limited for portability/foldability, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

Review evidence is strongly positive for premium feel, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Review evidence is mixed for preset eq profile quality, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Review evidence is generally positive for replaceable earpads, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Review evidence is mixed for replaceable pads/headband, showing useful capability alongside clear limits.

Review evidence is generally positive for sensors, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for smart listening features, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for smart pause performance, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Review evidence is strongly positive for software/setup simplicity, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Sound quality is widely praised as clean, detailed, and refined, though a few reviewers call the improvement incremental or not truly audiophile.

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

Review evidence is strongly positive for soundstage width, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Spatial audio is generally positive, especially with head tracking and Apple content, though not every reviewer treats it as essential.

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Review evidence is generally positive for stability, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for streaming service integration, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Transparency mode is one of the strongest areas, often described as natural or class-leading.

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Review evidence is negative or limited for travel friendliness, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Review evidence is generally positive for treble clarity, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

USB-C is a clear practical win, enabling wired lossless playback and simpler modern cabling.

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Value depends heavily on Apple ecosystem use and tolerance for the price, battery, weight, and case tradeoffs.

Review evidence is strongly positive for voice assistant integration, with reviewers describing it as a standout strength.

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Review evidence is generally positive for volume output, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is negative or limited for water/sweat resistance rating, with reviewers citing missing support or practical drawbacks.

Review evidence is generally positive for wear detection auto-pause, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Review evidence is generally positive for wear detection performance, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

Weight is a repeated comfort drawback; the metal build feels premium but can become fatiguing.

Review evidence is generally positive for wind noise handling, though comments are sometimes context-dependent.