The new AirPods Max 2 are already on sale for $40 off

In terms of prices, a The first AirPods Max they’ve remained stubborn even years after their debut, making them difficult to accept over Bose’s QC Ultra headphones or Sony’s XM unless you’re an Apple fan. The AirPods Max 2however, we’ve been out for just over a month, and we’re already seeing a $40 discount Amazon and Best Buybringing the price to $509 for all five models.

In contrast to refreshed AirPods Max Apple released in 2024, the Max 2 is the real successor. The company’s latest headphones still have the same 40-millimeter drivers as the original, but are now combined with a new adjustable amplifier, which allows for better bass response and a more aggressive sound across the board. They also support lossless audio at 24-bit / 48kHz via USB-C and, construction-wise, they continue to sport the same combo of aluminum, stainless steel, and woven fabrics. They are still heavy at 385 grams, but they to hear premium, which is not always the case, even with high-end headphones.

I’d argue the real upgrade to the AirPods Max 2, however, comes in the form of Apple’s H2 chip. It’s big, it’s already started Second AirPods Pro in 2022, but it adds a lot of functionality that was not available on the first version of the Max. The latest Max 2 supports adaptive audio, conversational recognition, crowding, voice isolation, and up-to-date rendering, as well as instrument switching, surround sound, and all the smart environment features you’ve come to expect from Apple headphones. In addition, their noise cancellation is a step up from the last model, ensuring that you can leave the outside world while listening to your favorite music.