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The short answer · Balanced overview
AirPods Max 2 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 80.5–64.3. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Apple
Keep the Max generation exact and the test factors visible. This model has qualifying independent evidence alongside its sourced connection and battery details. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and USB-C audio.
Bettr Score · Balanced
80.5/100
Sony
A shorter shortlist should still include the exact model’s evidence. This Sony has qualifying independent results, letting you compare sound, isolation, comfort, and calls directly. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and wired playback.
Bettr Score · Balanced
64.3/100
The sourced facts below explain each product’s features. Bettr Scores use the existing category models and available evidence automatically. Reference prices are not live checkout prices.
| AirPods Max 2 | Specification | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
$549.00 | Reference price (USD) | $179.99 ✓ Winner |
over-ear | Form factorTie | over-ear |
20 hours | Maximum battery life | 50 hours ✓ Winner |
20 hours | Battery life with ANC | 35 hours ✓ Winner |
Yes | Active noise cancellationTie | Yes |
Yes | Transparency / ambient modeTie | Yes |
13.62 oz | Weight | 6.77 oz ✓ Winner |
5.3 ✓ Winner | Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
Not verified | Bluetooth multipointNot enough data | Yes |
Yes | Wired audioTie | Yes |
Yes ✓ Winner | USB-C audio | No |
Not verified | Full charge timeNot enough data | 3.5 hours |
Yes | Spatial audioTie | Yes |
Not verified | Water resistanceNot enough data | NOT WATERPROOF |
Not verified | FoldableNot enough data | Not verified |
Yes ✓ Winner | Carrying case included | No |
AirPods Max 2 leads the Balanced Bettr Score.
GearLab test results · checked 2026-10-19. GearLab wireless headphone category tests, July 2026 comparison table. Bettr Than did not perform these tests.
GearLab test results · checked 2026-10-19. GearLab wireless headphone category tests, July 2026 comparison table. Bettr Than did not perform these tests.
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