AirPods Max 2 (2024) Review - This Is It? 4 Years Later?

[@DavidA20200]

It’s insulting, to say the least. I seriously cannot believe they’re charging more than double what AirPods Pro 2 cost for this non-upgrade. After 4 years, it’s just beyond insulting. Even if they wouldn’t have done anything and just made it like $399…OK fine, but still annoying. Sadly, this is gonna be in the same category as the Mac Pro; Apple just doesn’t give two flying craps about some of their products.

[@eraldway]

I don't think you know what the word "insulting" is.

[@DJAJ101]

You're shocked? Tim 'the bean counter' Cook has been screwing people for years on products like this. Problem is people keep excusing stuff like this and it continues to get worse and worse. If people keep bending over and taking it from Apple and their products why would Cook change it and not keep giving ya crap? lol

[@Giomanman]

@@eraldwayno he does 💀💯💯😂😂

[@damian.enriquez]

These are not the second gen. Other than the color and usb c, nothing is different.

[@javierzayas8345]

I got the AirPods Max during the Prime sale in July for $200 off thinking they’d become obsolete soon after. I couldn’t care less that they’re still lightning when the internals are exactly the same.

[@MOBROOKS]

Good point

[@nheuk3]

Nice. I did the same two years ago. It’s a wonderful product that I would never pay full price for. The build quality is unmatched.

[@cotyboggs4657]

I just got mine a month ago for $395 at Best Buy, and since I am a Total Member there, I got 2 years of free AppleCare+… The best headphones I have ever had, and I won’t need another pair for at least 4 years! Also, I actually prefer the Lightning Port on these specifically, because they removed the “audio-out” feature for listening using a cable on the new USB model. 🤦‍♂️

[@admiralhood8646]

@@cotyboggs4657 what is the audio out feature?

[@silvahawk]

The fact that it doesn't turn off when placed in the case killed it for me. After a little over a week of not being used, it’s out of battery. I charged it to full, didn't use it for a week, and the next time I tried to use it, I had to charge it again. Meanwhile, my XM4 still has 100% battery after not being used for a whole month.

[@dAdDyGlEnZ]

agree to this. i own an XM4

[@Zandunguero]

Facts, this is a scam.

[@Skyhighrocketeer]

Whuuut it doesn't turn off? 😢😢😢😢

[@jonathandavis3312]

I also have problems with them not detecting that I put them on and connect to the phone.

[@rhin2873]

@@Skyhighrocketeer it goes into a "deep sleep mode" the idea is that it will instantly connect when removed from case.

[@dannywinget]

I commend you for even talking this video past 7 min. Kudos to you sir 😂

[@briantong]

Just for you Danny!

[@dannywinget]

@@briantongyou are the GOAT!

[@sanjaybali1021]

My wife was looking for over the ear headphones. As much as I love Apple products. It was a no brainer. She got the Bose Ultra QC. Having it go on sale also helped.

[@CoolTatts]

Just buy a $10 USB-C- Lightening adapter so you can plug the first gen into a USB-C cable. Fits easily in a proper case. Making the first gen USB-C compatible. Wait for the H2 chip at the least.

[@Gamerlingual]

The lightning ones can played audio in wired mode, these do not. They actually removed a feature.

[@M_RM.]

WOOOOWWWW

[@cotyboggs4657]

YESSSSS! I just got mine a month ago for $395 at Best Buy, and since I am a Total Member there, I got 2 years of free AppleCare+… The best headphones I have ever had, and I won’t need another pair for at least 4 years! Also, I actually prefer the Lightning Port on these specifically, because they removed the “audio-out” feature for listening using a cable on the new USB model. 🤦‍♂️

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Yeah I recently jumped more or less into the Apple Ecosystem and these initially were on the radar and when more folks confirmed they removed this feature and improved nothing vs the prior generation (no h2 chip, no adaptive transparency and other advanced features from the pro 2), no fully off except for the dumb purse case, these became dead to me.

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

I want to ask you advice it’s Black Friday the AirPod max lighting is $399 plus tax the AirPod Max USB-C is $549 should I get the lighting to save money? Please advise. Thanks

[@briantong]

That's literally the only difference. Technically nothing else is different and you can also use and adapter to hardwire the Lightning version to hear audio. Unless you have to have all things ISB-C ior another color, get lightning

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

​@@briantongThank for the advice I been waiting to buy AirPod Max. now Amazon have it for $399.

[@Buffer0verflow]

The Lilac Bose Over the Ear QC headphones are better in everyway and come with a small compact case. Thanks for the review, I was looking into the purple Max 2 as well!

[@techtiffany6494]

Yes. Thank you for this honest review 👏🏾👍

[@catheryndavis8991]

I bought these , the updated software information on these have and different software version compared to the old version. I don’t have the old version but was wondering if there is a slight difference between them since they have different software versions.

[@PhyoWai_Aung]

Is this special version that Apple gives you a year or two early or is it just the AirPods Max 1 with new color? I couldn't find AirPods Max 2 on Apple website.

[@charlotteritchie9969]

It's just airpod max 1 with new colours and USB c

[@PhyoWai_Aung]

@@charlotteritchie9969 Yeah it is but his title and thumbnail are misleading. I haven’t watched the whole video so I don’t know how he resolved his title but it is just misleading. Someone like him shouldn’t do this.

[@chisomagbara6780]

Now I waited 4 long years for an update to the Max and all they added was new colors and usb-c. I still got them in purple but still using the H1 chip instead of H2 is insulting especially for the price but sound quality is 10/10 compared to my Beats Studio pros. I don’t regret the purchase but I wish there was more to them. I don’t mind the weight either. After an hour or 2 of listening out just wearing them around the house, they feel fine

[@MOBROOKS]

Has it been 4 years already?? I literally remember Tong's review of the original ones.

[@rbroderick]

Any news on new AirPod Pros coming soon? Mine just died after four years 😥

[@davidjacobs6244]

Likely to be September 2025.

[@rbroderick]

@@davidjacobs6244 - What? That’s a year away! Nooooo……

[@cornfieldexpress]

monitoring for audio production using usb c. Is that possible or just a new way to charge that's all?

[@Hiddeny.2044]

Deep Purple iPhone 14Pro was a great color

[@carlosr5918.]

I honestly have put my airpods max away. The mesh on my band became loose and I dont find them as good as they used to be from when I got them on release day. I was hoping for something new and was insulted with the "update"

[@andrewillingworth]

Are you sure it’s the 2 nd general? What does the box say on the box? Am pretty sure they are the same! Apart from the new colours and the charging port. These you can not even plug an audio cable in the newer version so you are losing a feature. You’re better off getting the AirPods Pro or Beats Studio pro

[@Vahn2118]

Heck’s no there not a new generation changing charger port isn’t making it new generation it’s more so to meet eu demands

[@chris]

After 4 years, they basically did nothing. My biggest complaint is that the headband is too tight on my head so I was hoping an update at the very least allowed for more headband adjustment. They also clamp too tightly. I was holding out for the V2, but after seeing that they basically didn't change a damn thing, I went with the super comfy and awesome Sony XM5s. I wanted to stay in the Apple eco but this was a laughable and inexcusable "upgrade" for their over-the-ear headphones. They were forced to update to USB-C but clearly have proven they don't care about these headphones to improve them any further. Dead product to me. BAD APPLE.

[@jyoung188]

I was waiting for a refresh on the AirPods Max. Saw this update and bought some Sony XM4s on deep discount. Bad Apple.

[@craigmerkey8518]

Thx Brian! I travel with these for long flights I have to alternate between and the Bose QC ultra and the AirPods because they are so heavy The sound can't be beat

[@jenelleguerrero]

To me: this is like an incremental redesign, not a new version. They're not AirPods Max "2" to me 🤷🏽‍♀ for me, this is version 1 with a refresh I haven't owned a pair of Max's & I want them so bad but it just seems greedy & a waste of money (at this point in the Max's lifestage). like, we KNOW Apple could do so much better & they've clearly chosen not to try.

[@briantong]

4 Years Later...

[@TheBayFoto]

At the very least it should have come with a decent price reduction.

[@jenelleguerrero]

@@briantong what a shame & a “bad apple” for sure 💯

[@jenelleguerrero]

@@TheBayFoto $550 is outrageous

[@jr7055]

"that's a BAD APPLE"! 🍎

[@JordanStambaugh1]

I've never owned a pair. Should I get the XM4's or Max 2's?

[@briantong]

I stick with XM4s because they fold up a lot smaller and are more portable be the XM5s which are great but also take up a lot more space in my bag for travel. Max 2s, well that's your choice but they also sound great and have the ecosystem benefits.

[@paulromero1742]

I think the best news about these headphones could be the comparison models of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max. Both comparisons legitimately end in the same exact way. Sincerely, are you kidding me

[@wackojacko97]

I’ve tried these on in the Apple Store, because I was in the market for some over ear headphones, and was severely underwhelmed by AirPods Max. My AirPods Pro 2 sound so much better, will probably end up going Beats Studio pro tbh. Got the Apple H chip, so seamless connection, and sounds 50x better than AirPods Max.

[@GadZookz]

It is a bad Apple indeed! I have been very happy with the first generation of these and was hoping for some stellar upgrades like lossless audio which they have shown they can do with the Pro 2 earbuds in combo with Vision Pro. These new AirPods Max are DOA since several other brands offer a lot more for less money.

[@martin_wood]

I'm still rocking Bose QC for main headphones and the QC35 II still kicking in the gym. XM4 do have better bass, but a little bulky compared to Bose

[@JerryPena]

I do t think they are Air Max 2. Same headphones with a new connection. Basically they caught up with their suppliers.

[@Spiriluli]

I’m not sure why everyone is calling them the “2s” when IIRC Apple never addressed them as such. They are the og Max with new colours and revised charging port. You could barely call them Max 1.1, as such, the expectations should be low and not those you’d normally have from a new release. If anything the price still being what it is after so many years is pathetic to put it mildly. I waited and waited for the Max 2, hoping they’d release something and finally went for the QC Ultras and I’m happy with the choice. This Max revision made my choice easier so I thank them for that at least

[@Hiddeny.2044]

That purple hoodie was great!

[@allanmartin1554]

I would agree with you, I find it troublesome that Apple will change to color something and the tech reporters review the color that’s so beneath you

[@Greektown91]

They needed to switch all their products to usb C due to the EU regulations. So they added new colors to freshen it up with the usb C being the only other change. They are definitely working on a true new version but it probably wasn’t going to be ready for the end of year deadline for the usb C mandate change. Watch a new one come out in a year.

[@sickheadache9903]

RUSH? 🥴 The Lazy Developers had Four Years and Produced a Massive Failure.

[@MrBrewman95]

And there is still no replacement headband? 🤦‍♂️

[@gregh335]

I suspect one of two things will happen…the product is dropped altogether OR they are working on a totally new product which…if correct will appear in 2025. And remember…I’m always right 50% of the time. Greg

[@CaramelCraft]

Not enough people bought it to make it worth the R&D for Apple to majorly update them.

[@fredbureau-russell7718]

It’s literally not the second gen tho

[@MOBROOKS]

That's kinda the point. It's been 4 freakin years. What are they waiting on? Pathetic.

[@jimbrow83]

Bought them returned them for the lightening version with $150 price cut

[@modasij]

The XM4 call quality is very poor. I've had them before and sold them for this reason alone. Sound quality was good but very poor call quality.

[@snakerb]

I only asked for TWO things, USB-C and an off button. Where’s our off button Apple???

[@dazjames862]

There’s no off button?😮

[@rcash3625]

I think they were thinking since AirPods don’t have an off button then these shouldn’t have an off button… they seemed to have forgot the AirPods case also charge the AirPods and this doesn’t…

[@dazjames862]

@@rcash3625 which makes sense for the AirPods as they have a case that turns them off.

[@Rob-p2c]

I can’t figure out why Apple is so subtle with the coloring of these devices. Why not choose deeper, bolder colors to really stand out and grab someone’s attention? Especially if there’s no feature enhancements to put forth. Smh on this 🤷‍♂️

[@AndrewTurner251]

I was pretty disappointed with these. I have the first gen and I love them they are great. I really expected a big upgrade for these in 2024 and I was totally willing to spend on that upgrade. But with new color and usb-c being the only changes it isn’t enough for me to justify purchasing them. I am holding out for whenever they give these a big update.

[@Beefers26]

This is a totally fair review. I'm still using those Sony headphones, and I love them. The 'new' AirPods Max are such a disappointment. I expect you will be returning them!

[@SpeedfrkOne]

I have the originals which cost me AU$749 a couple of years ago however the audio quality on wireless is not as good as wired and never will be especially with hi res audio amd I only use headphones for music. So now use a separate portable amp / dac / dap from FiiO and use my Focal Celestee / focal Clear MG / Sennheiser HD 660S2 / HD 800S / HD 820 / FIIO FA19 IEM / FiiO FH19 IEM - no battery issues no codec shopping - no charging issues and will never accept convenience over audio quality.

[@davidparis4153]

I have these one, but for me the best airpods 1 generation. I swear… im so sad i bought

[@projectpamaphd7042]

AirPods Max SE is a more of an appropriate name

[@TheBayFoto]

AirPod Max is going the way of the HomePod. At this rate I really feel like it’s more likely to be discontinued than receive a next gen update.

[@jenelleguerrero]

@@TheBayFoto which is a shame because they could be really good. I’m dying for these, but $550 when my 2nd gen Pros do more for over half the price…?

[@The1Weapon]

The whole premise of this video is misleading. This isn’t a second gen product. It’s a first gen product with a new port and Apple has made that clear. It’s still disappointing, but they are clear about that.

[@briantong]

4 years later... They don't call the different AirPods different numbers but the public does. So why are you so stuck on it for this? Did you write that it was misleading for all the other AirPods reviews?

[@Nibbit23]

All other AirPods are actually numbered by Apple though… some by putting a number behind them, some by naming them 2nd generation on the box for example. These on the contrary, are just AirPods Max. Not 2, not 2nd generation. Good video though.

[@The1Weapon]

@@briantong I concur with the other commenter. Apple does signify the different AirPods generations with numbers. You can see it on their site right now. I know they don't always do this (iPad, for example), but in this case, it is a little more clear that it's not a generational update. That said, I didn't comment in this way to be rude or contentious and I apologize that it came across that way. I share your disappointment that they haven't released a proper update for this product in that long as I was waiting to buy one this go around.

[@SpencerEzell]

AirPods Max, Vision Pro, OG HomePod…all the same. Quality product I’m sure and they’ll sell a few, but too expensive and not necessary for the average consumer.

[@TheGrandChelem]

They are also all over-engineered products. Apple tried to be different just for the sake of being different. Plus, they spent too much on R&D for these products that they feel like they should charge extra.

[@JTP2579]

The Airpods Max is actually more of a "refresh" to me to include USB C. That's it!

[@briantong]

4 Yesrs Later...

[@beebeedeeie]

I dont even care about these headphones super disappointing I'm more interested where you got your purple hoodie from?

[@drumgamer1321]

I love my Sony XM4’s and pair them with a Dragonfly Dac.

[@ASMRbyJIO]

My boyfriend got my the orange ones and I’m obsessed

[@valdirtotal]

7 minutes video about a product released 4 years ago. I didn't watch but, Impressive.

[@briantong]

I offer constructive criticism and how to address what didn't change. I don't just complain.

[@WolfBandit89]

So don’t buy the AirPod Max 2024, no upgrades and no price drop. Okay. I’m gonna keeping my old AirPod max.

[@drjosephs347]

Very disappointing update, Apple. Make it lighter, add a power button, completely change that stupid uncomfortable headband, H2 chip, fix the sand paper textured ear cups, provide a real case - is that too much to ask??

[@ThexBorg]

Nothing else but the port 😳

[@jonathanortiz6918]

Maybe apple made expensive headphones, knowing ppl will think theyre too expensive and buy more air pods pro.

[@YaBoiEcliptic]

The balls go rolling one by one hurrah hurrah

[@tyrishasmith-grady703]

Why get this product when you can get the Apple AirPods 4 or pros

[@boujeella]

ok yet to come sweatshirt i see youuu

[@briantong]

👀💜💜💜

[@jameswatling3203]

Aside from the fact that they did nothing to increase the value proposition of the APMs 2nd generation the colours are absolutely awful! No option to match to space grey or silver - glad I have the 1st gen as they are great headphones and much nicer colourways.

[@onebadn8]

That Louis flex at the beginning is the most Asian thing I've ever seen on this channel 😂

[@briantong]

💜💜💜😂

[@sickheadache9903]

I have the Sennheiser Momentum 4’s Headphones..Test drove the previous Apple AirPod Max..They are Too Heavy…and they create heat on my ears! Come Tim Cook..Get ur act together! 😵‍💫

[@DJAJ101]

Brain, you, iJustine and every other influencer should say these kinda things to Cooks face directly at events when you're invited. Since being at Apple events and being all laugh and everything is all great and good isn't making these products any better. Cook has to get off his soapbox and get Apple back to innovation, rather than screwing people for every dime they can for products that aren't being updated to reflect the price. Apple is a business, not a laugh around with Cook and be nice to "friend". Simple as that.

[@TacoRob72]

I see these things in the gym now all the time people look silly wearing $500 headphones with zero sweat resistance in the gym. I tried these twice (last gen ) hated the weight on my head after time , stupid case , lightning , no damn power button. Sony xm5 for the win and 💯 when they are on sale.

[@billx4266]

But the soundquality is still not bad

[@Me_llamo_vic_arte]

Apple needs to add more saturation to their products. Especially when it comes to their purple. 🙄🙄🙄

[@kwfown]

$550 to make the bad apple punchline, Brian Tong must be rich, like Rich Brian 👏

[@briantong]

I returned them

[@GCarnell]

If they’ve not done so already, I’d love for Apple to consider using carbon fiber …

[@madprophetus]

Apple once again completely misses the point of product iteration. I was waiting to buy over ear headphones to see the 2nd gen and these are absolute trash.

[@mikeshafer]

I would honestly buy back into AirPods Max if they ditched the bra and/or had an on/off button. The main issue I had with AirPods Max was that it really sucked at switching between Apple devices (when the AirPods Pro were funny enough fantastic). The weight was also annoying. It’s a shame because the audio quality and noise cancellation was the absolute best. And finally the fact that they didn’t update anything on the inside other than USB-C is laughable. What is wrong with Apple these days??

[@hongbo7503]

Usb C, H2, new case, lighter material, Is not that hard Apple

[@eraldway]

These are not AirPods Max 2. Even Apple is still calling them first generation AirPods Max.

[@briantong]

Did you write this about every AirPods with the same energy? Apple calls them AirPods but we refer to them as different numbers.

[@eraldway]

@@briantong Imagine being so wrong as so defensive about it. Apple refers to them as AirPods Max (USB-C Connector) while the previous release is now refer as AirPods Max (Lightning Connector). However, what Apple does NOT refer to them as, is AirPods Max 2. By calling it as such, you are completely misleading the average consumer that doesn't know any better.

[@Creamy_Durian]

This is really embarrassing and is even kind of odd. There are a slew of quality updates they could've gone with this headphone.

[@Bruceneuman]

Apple is not perfect and I obviously have no idea of what their future plans may be, but among the headphones and earbuds I own, the AirPod Max remain among the best. Frankly, most other manufacturers have been playing catch up. So, unless we are to demand new tech every year, four years for a product that was as good as the Max was when it came out is not that long. My guess is that Apple will be coming out with something new geared toward their ProVision product. Maybe we will even see a less expensive Max for sport related activities. There is always the Beats line, which after all is an Apple product. In the meantime, I most often turn to the Max that I own when I want to wear headphones. They remain one of the best out there.

[@sickheadache9903]

After the first Edition of AirPod Max..which only had 18 hours of Battery Life..and Four Years Later ..These New one’s Still only have 18 Hours of Battery Life,..And Sennheiser’s Momentum 4’s Headphones..have 60 Hours of Battery Life! 🥴😵‍💫

[@verlinswarey507]

Those AirPods Max look SO GOOD though…Just pure Apple!

[@FLB180]

Loved your review!!

[@c.daubz.5386]

👍👍video

[@YouTubetail]

Wow bro 😮

[@gwvaio]

lol You keep telling the truth and you won’t get early dibs on Apple’s next product

[@TheBigdady111]

I totally agree, I have Sony M4’s and they are much better!!!!

[@laurants]

If only they had billions of cash money and a state-of-the-art office-space…

[@sickheadache9903]

Trillions of Cash. Not Billions 😵‍💫🥴

[@nellyps3]

If you have one do NOT. Buy this.

[@t.franklin7505]

Ironically I bought the Air pods Max after I bought my H95 in cool grey mist. The APM sound amazing but can’t compare to the diverse soundstage of the H95.

[@NetvoTV]

Hey Brian, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, would you be interested to have a logo redesign for your Apple Bitz to have a look same as your cool pixelated face of you? I can also make a Apple themed thumb up and down icons for you too, even pixelated good and bad Apple to go along as a series to print on your merchs too! Let me know if you interested and o would love to craft them for you! :-)

[@darlinlopez1215]

7 min video for only difference is type c 😂. You shoulda edited your original review from 2020 and add 30 sec with the type c lol

[@jmp622]

Why review this?

[@Bravonewyork]

I give Tim cook a few more years cause they have no innovation and he’s already starting the narrative since sales are slower.

[@Sweatedsiren895]

More like AirPods Max 1.2

[@kinocchio]

Bose Gang

[@yungdadi]

How is this worth a 7 minutes plus video

[@KrishnaSingh-rg4qk]

Okay

[@appleblows1]

AirPods Max gen 1.01

[@MegaEmorey]

waited so long for nothing, wish i never gave my originals to my daughter...same shit as the phones

[@shackdaddy7106]

There is absolutely no reason to buy AirPods Max version one or two. They are overpriced, uncomfortable, and the case is an absolute joke. Shame on you Apple.

[@davidjacobs6244]

I actually find them very comfortable compared to others.

[@shackdaddy7106]

@@davidjacobs6244 as comfortable as the top-of-the-line headphones from Bose and Sony?

[@GAMERGEBITER]

I got the Bose 700 and they are great

[@rcuadro]

No one should buy these new. Buy a second hand set for half the price of better.