Earbuds spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max lines up the September 2024 AirPods 4 with the September 2024 AirPods Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable rows in the earbuds database.
AirPods Max leads AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on noise control and earbud battery.
Spec sheet
| Spec | AirPods 4 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Noise control | Open fit, no active noise cancellation on this SKU | Active noise cancellation and TransparencyLeads |
| Earbud battery | Up to 5 hours listening | Up to 20 hours with ANCLeads |
| Case battery | Up to 30 hours with the case | No charging case battery; Smart Case does not charge |
| Launch price | $129Leads | $549 |
| Chip | Apple H2 | Apple H1 on the USB-C refresh |
| Water resistance | IP54 on the earbuds | Not rated |
Who should buy which
Choose the AirPods 4 if you want Apple audio. It leads on launch price.
Choose the AirPods Max if you want Apple audio. It leads on noise control and earbud battery.
Questions
Which is better, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max?
AirPods Max leads AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on noise control and earbud battery.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max: which has the better noise control?
AirPods Max leads on noise control. AirPods 4: Open fit, no active noise cancellation on this SKU. AirPods Max: Active noise cancellation and Transparency.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Max: which has the better battery?
AirPods Max leads on battery. AirPods 4: Up to 5 hours listening. AirPods Max: Up to 20 hours with ANC.
What did AirPods 4 and AirPods Max cost?
AirPods 4 leads on price. AirPods 4: $129. AirPods Max: $549.