High-end headphones aren’t hard to find, but there are a dizzying number of audio manufacturers vying for the top spot. Brands like Bose and Sony are renowned for producing some of the best noise-canceling headphones, with unrivaled battery life and versatile companion apps that elevate your favorite music and podcasts. So you might be surprised to learn that neither Bose nor Sony won Consumer Reports (CR) laurels for audio quality. Instead, that honor went to Apple’s AirPods Max 2.
CR headphone tests evaluate everything from tonal accuracy and bass reproduction to overall volume and soundstage. After analyzing the AirPods Max 2, Apple’s new flagship was the only model in the wireless noise-canceling earbuds category to earn a perfect score for sound quality, and tied with other Apple audio devices for the best overall score.
We were impressed by the performance of the original AirPods Max in a 2022 review, and the AirPods Max 2 – released in 2026 – features Apple’s latest H2 chip. Experts highlight how the H2 improves sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and transparency.
The Apple H2 also adds Adaptive Audio to its list of tricks, a feature that automatically adjusts ANC based on your listening space. Apple even added Loud Sound Reduction to its latest portable flagship, which reduces the intensity of sudden, harsh noises without affecting your audio content. And, like the previous generation, you can use the Max 2’s USB-C port for wired, lossless playback with a compatible device.
AirPods Max 2 H2 upgrades are important.
If you own a pair of original AirPods Max, you may not notice much difference in sound quality between the two models. Industry experts seem to agree, saying the Max 2 sounds a little different from the first-generation model, but in a good way. Bass performance is said to be better across the board, and the headphones are praised for their ability to perfect vocals and instruments. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, an EDM enthusiast, or an all-day, every-day rock and roll fan, the Max 2 has what it takes to bring all of these genres to life.
With the H2 chip, the Max 2 can use Apple’s Voice Isolation feature, which uses the headset’s built-in mic array to reduce background noise and enhance your voice in computer audio. Reviewers say this results in some of the best call quality you can get from a pair of wireless earbuds, which bodes well for those who use Apple technology in the workplace.
Although Apple’s ecosystem isn’t really open to Android users (iOS has built-in audio presets that Samsung and Google phones won’t have access to), these premium headphones come highly recommended by Consumer Reports’ discerning pros. We said the AirPods Max 2 are a bigger upgrade than you might think.
