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