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

Reviewers noted that the AirPods Max 2 lack a built-in 3.5mm analog input, so analog listening requires separate cable handling rather than a native jack.

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

Across lab-style and real-world reviews, ANC is one of the strongest upgrades. Most reviewers heard better suppression of drones, traffic, office noise, and transit noise, though one review found the improvement more incremental.

The H2 chip brings a fuller feature set, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Personalized Volume, and related AirPods Pro-style software tools.

The design remains visually premium and distinct, with clean Apple styling, a recognizable silhouette, and a look that several reviewers still considered elegant or attractive.

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

Reviewers generally found the ANC background very quiet, with little hiss or distracting processing noise, though some midrange sounds could still leak through in difficult environments.

ANC was often described as natural or comfortable rather than oppressive, though one review noted that Adaptive Audio can shift the perceived level unexpectedly.

The reviewed ANC usually improved listening by reducing outside distractions without making music sound worse; some reviews tied better clarity to the reduced noise floor.

Android support is basic. Reviewers said Android users can listen over Bluetooth or USB-C, but lose most of the setup, adjustment, and ecosystem features.

One review explicitly lists Android support.

There is no standalone companion app. Reviewers described Apple’s OS-level settings integration as convenient for Apple users but limiting outside Apple devices.

The H2 chip is the central upgrade. Reviewers consistently connected it to better ANC, improved transparency, voice features, smart listening tools, and reliability improvements.

Reviews explicitly identify no aptX support for AirPods Max 2, making aptX a weakness compared with some rivals.

Latency improved through Bluetooth 5.3, Game Mode, and wired USB-C use. Reviewers found it useful for video, casual gaming, and editing, though not a dedicated gaming-headset replacement.

Wear and auto behavior are present through sensors and settings, but reviewers mentioned them mostly as part of the familiar AirPods Max feature set rather than a standout upgrade.

Auto power behavior remains mixed: the Smart Case triggers low-power mode and preserves charge, but reviewers repeatedly criticized the lack of a physical off button.

Two editorial reviews explicitly awarded Editors’ Choice recognition, reinforcing the product’s premium-category standing despite practical caveats.

Bass drew mixed but generally positive notes: several reviewers praised deeper, tighter, more controlled bass, while others found the tuning bass-heavy or slightly boomy.

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.

Battery life was the clearest repeated weakness. Reviewers consistently cited 20 hours with ANC as usable but behind competitors and unchanged from earlier models.

Bluetooth performance is solid, with Bluetooth 5.3, quick pairing, and stable playback reported in reviews, especially inside the Apple ecosystem.

Bluetooth 5.3 is an upgrade over the original model’s Bluetooth 5.0, but reviewers noted it is not the newest Bluetooth generation.

Build quality remains a strength. Reviewers praised the aluminum earcups, stainless steel structure, precise parts, and premium materials.

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.

Wired USB-C lossless playback up to 24-bit/48kHz is widely supported in the reviews and often described as a useful sound-quality and latency benefit.

Physical controls are a highlight. Reviewers repeatedly praised the Digital Crown and mode button for tactile, simple, reliable operation.

The included USB-C cable was noted, including braided USB-C-to-USB-C packaging, but accessories overall remained limited for the price.

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 Smart Case was widely criticized. Reviewers said it offers limited protection, is not travel-friendly, and leaves the headband or canopy exposed.

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

Charging is acceptable, with reviewers noting the five-minute quick-charge claim for about 1.5 hours of listening and USB-C charging convenience.

Clamping comfort is mixed. Some reviewers found the clamp gentle or nicely judged, while others found the force strong during long sessions.

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

Codec support is limited. Reviews repeatedly noted AAC/SBC only, no LDAC or aptX, and no hi-res Bluetooth codec support.

Comfort depends heavily on fit tolerance. The earcups and canopy can feel comfortable, but weight and clamp make long sessions harder for some reviewers.

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.

Connectivity is strong for Apple users through seamless pairing, automatic switching, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired listening, but less flexible for non-Apple users.

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

The external design remains largely unchanged and premium, which pleased reviewers who liked the original look but disappointed those wanting a redesign.

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

The USB-C cable can be plugged in for wired lossless listening, but reviewers did not describe a traditional detachable analog cable system.

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

Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and Dolby Atmos support was described as immersive and especially useful for movies or Apple TV-style listening.

Durability evidence was mixed: premium metal parts were praised, but long-term canopy concerns and exposed case protection kept confidence from being perfect.

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

Ear cushions were generally praised for roominess, breathable material, support, and replaceability.

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

Swiveling earcups and pivoting fit were mentioned positively as helping the headphones conform to the head.

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

Ecosystem integration is one of the strongest reasons to buy. Reviewers repeatedly praised seamless Apple pairing, automatic device switching, native settings, and Apple-device optimization.

EQ customization is a consistent weakness. Reviewers noted no true custom EQ, only Apple’s limited presets or accessibility-style tuning options.

The feature set is much more current because of H2, but several reviewers said the launch still felt more like modernization than a full second-generation overhaul.

Firmware/software updates were cited as meaningful for USB-C lossless, latency, spatiality, and ANC improvements, though this evidence came mainly from one review.

Frequency balance was polarizing: some called it neutral or accurate, while others heard bass emphasis, rolled-off treble, or V-shaped tuning.

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

The telescoping or adjustable headband arms were described as sturdy, premium, and easy to adjust.

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

Headband comfort is split. The canopy can distribute weight well, but at least one reviewer found the mesh insufficient for the headphone’s weight.

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.

Head gestures are supported through Siri interactions, letting users nod or shake to answer prompts; reviewers generally found the feature functional but not essential.

Hinges, arms, and metal hardware were praised for precision and premium construction.

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

Immersive audio was a strength in subjective listening, especially when reviews discussed spatial audio, depth, width, and movie listening.

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

Included accessories are sparse for a $549 product: reviewers noted the USB-C cable, papers, Smart Case, and lack of a charging brick or stronger case.

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

Instrument separation improved slightly or clearly depending on the reviewer, with repeated praise for more space between instruments and layers.

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

The integrated microphone array is substantial and frequently tied to call quality, voice isolation, recording, and ANC.

Reviews explicitly identify no LDAC support for AirPods Max 2, so LDAC performance is unsupported rather than merely untested.

Reviews explicitly noted missing Bluetooth LE and LC3 support, so LE Audio readiness is weak based on the supplied evidence.

Maximum-volume clarity appears improved, with reviewers noting less muddiness, cleaner highs, or lower distortion at louder playback.

Microphone noise reduction improved through Voice Isolation, though results varied by environment and whether the feature was active.

Call and microphone quality are generally strong, with several reviewers reporting clear calls or improved mic performance, though some heard occasional unevenness or fuzz.

Midrange clarity is generally good, especially for vocals, though some measurements-based criticism noted upper-vocal recession.

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.

Multi-platform use is possible through Bluetooth and USB-C, but reviews frame the product as much stronger for Apple users than for Android or Windows users.

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

Multipoint-style reliability is excellent inside Apple’s ecosystem through automatic switching, though reviewers noted true feature access is Apple-limited.

Passive isolation benefits from the large earcups and seal, supporting ANC performance, though the physical isolation profile did not radically change.

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.

Most reviews recommended the AirPods Max 2 for Apple-focused buyers who can accept the price, weight, case, and battery compromises.

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

Portability is poor for the class because the headphones do not fold and the case is not very protective or compact.

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

Premium feel remains a standout, with reviewers praising metal materials, luxury presentation, and the physical feel versus plastic competitors.

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

Preset tuning exists through Apple’s preset EQ curves or balance/vocal/brightness options, but reviewers considered it limited compared with Sony or Bose apps.

Replaceable magnetic ear cushions are a practical plus; reviewers noted they snap off, can be replaced, and in some cases can be washed.

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Pads are replaceable, but reviewers did not provide strong evidence that the headband/canopy is similarly user-replaceable.

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

Sensor evidence was limited but present through optical wear detection and H2-enabled computational features.

Smart listening features are a major H2 benefit. Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Loud Sound Reduction were commonly described as useful.

Setup is extremely simple on Apple devices, with near-instant pairing, native settings, and automatic account-based connection.

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

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

Sound quality is widely praised, with reviewers calling it cleaner, more detailed, wider, and more refined than before, though not always a major leap.

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.

Soundstage and spatial width were commonly praised, with reviewers noting depth, width, openness, and stronger spatial presentation.

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

Spatial audio remains a strong Apple feature, especially with dynamic head tracking and Apple Music or Dolby Atmos material.

Connection stability improved or stayed strong, with reviewers reporting faster switching, fewer dropouts, and smoother transitions.

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

Streaming integration centers on Apple Music, lossless playback, and spatial audio catalogs; some reviewers also tested Spotify or YouTube with less platform-specific benefit.

Transparency mode is one of the most consistently praised features, often described as natural, class-leading, or like not wearing headphones.

Travel friendliness is mixed to poor: ANC is useful for flights and commuting, but weight, non-folding design, and the case hurt travel use.

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

Treble is mostly clear and detailed, but reviewers split on whether it is crisp, rolled off, or occasionally sharp.

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.

USB-C is now central for charging and wired lossless playback, and multiple reviewers welcomed it over Lightning.

Value is conditional. Reviewers found the price easier to justify for Apple users, but many pointed to cheaper or better-sounding alternatives.

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.

Siri integration improves through H2, hands-free interactions, and head gestures, but it is mainly valuable inside Apple’s ecosystem.

Voice feedback is tied to Siri prompts and announcements, including nod/shake responses, but reviews did not treat it as a major buying reason.

Volume handling is praised mainly through the Digital Crown and improved high-volume cleanliness, not through unusually high output claims.

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.

Water and sweat resistance remain absent. Reviews repeatedly noted no IP rating and warned against gym or wet use.

Wear detection is present through optical sensors and auto behavior settings, but reviewers did not emphasize major performance changes.

Wear detection performance evidence is limited to mentions of sensors and automatic wear settings rather than detailed testing.

Weight comfort is one of the biggest tradeoffs. The headphones feel premium but heavy, and several reviewers said long sessions reveal the 385-386g mass.

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

Wind handling evidence mainly comes from call and microphone tests, where voice isolation and mic processing helped but did not eliminate all artifacts.