Apple and Microsoft, two of the world‘s largest technology companies, have recently expanded into the premium headphone market. The Apple AirPods Max and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 represent each brand‘s attempt to disrupt a market long-dominated by the likes of Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser.
As flagship wireless over-ear models with advanced features and luxury designs, the AirPods Max and Surface Headphones 2 both make compelling cases for your ears and your wallet. But how exactly do these new players stack up? Read on for a detailed comparison of every metric that matters.
AirPods Max vs. Surface Headphones 2: Side-by-Side Specs
| Apple AirPods Max | Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Technology | Apple-designed dynamic driver | Omnisonic sound |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | 13 levels of active noise cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 18.5 hours |
| Charge Time | Fully charged in around two hours | Fully charged in less than two hours |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Device Compatibility | iOS, Android, Mac, PC | iOS, Android, Mac, PC |
| Weight | 13.6 oz | 10.24 oz |
| Dimensions | 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches | 8 x 7.7 x 1.9 inches |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, Pink | Matte Black, Light Gray |
| Price | $549 | $249 |
At first glance, these specs reveal more similarities than differences between the premium headphone models. However, diving deeper exposes divergence in the crucial categories of audio performance, noise cancellation capabilities, and overall user experience.
History and Development
Before evaluating which headphones come out on top overall, it helps to understand the history and trajectory of each model.
Origins of the AirPods Max
Rumblings of Apple‘s over-ear headphones first began shortly after the company purchased Beats Electronics in 2014. However, Apple remained silent on the possibility of releasing their own branded headphones for years. During this time, Beats became Apple‘s premier audio brand while AirPods became globally ubiquitous.
In December 2020, Apple finally unveiled the AirPods Max as a new flagship product positioned above their in-ear AirPods line. Highly anticipated, the headphones launched at $100 more than most expected. Initial reviews praised audio fidelity while lamenting steep pricing along with lacking features.
Since release, gradual software updates have unlocked the AirPods Max‘s full potential. Apple continues selling them at full-price given consistent demand amongst loyal Apple users. The company has yet to hint at a successor. However, with annual upgrades across most product categories, many believe AirPods Max 2 could arrive in late 2023.
Consistency of Surface Headphones
Microsoft debuted their first Surface Headphones in 2018, two full years before the AirPods Max. Reviews praised the inaugural on-ear model for excellent sound, intuitive controls, and strong battery life at just $350. These winning attributes carried over to the Surface Headphones 2 released in May 2020.
While the second generation model also earned excellent marks, its arrival just months before the AirPods Max meant considerable consumer uncertainty. How would the Surface Headphones compare to Apple‘s audio engineering and innovation capabilities?
Although Microsoft has yet to reveal Surface Headphones 3, consistent year-over-year improvements demonstrate their long-term commitment to the category. Plus as the only direct Apple alternative for Windows loyalists, demand remains strong at its competitive sub-$300 pricing.
Audio Quality and Sound Customization
Audio fidelity sits at the heart of any headphones worth your money. In terms of pure listening experience, both the AirPods Max and Surface Headphones 2 shine. However, Apple‘s model offers greater overall customization for the discerning ear.
Apple‘s Dynamic Drivers vs. Microsoft‘s Omnisonic Sound
The AirPods Max utilizes an Apple-designed 40mm dynamic driver in each ear cup to deliver remarkably clean, detailed sound. The specially-tuned drivers cover the entire audible range with minimal distortion even at maximum volume. Bass comes through tight and crisp, while vocals sound natural and bright.
Microsoft also developed its own custom 40mm drivers for the Surface Headphones 2. Their so-called Omnisonic sound aims to provide immersive audio across a variety of content. The well-balanced tuning works equally well across music, movies, games, and calls. Strong bass bumps nicely without muffling treble details.
When it comes to sheer audio quality, both models impress. However, we‘ll give the slightest edge to Apple based on producing clearer audio across more genres and at louder volumes. Of course both still sound miles better than AirPods.
Spatial Audio on AirPods Max
Where the AirPods Max distance themselves is via special enhancements like Spatial Audio. Available exclusively when used with Apple devices, this surround sound feature tracks head movement to deliver a cinema-like experience. Vocals maintain focus in front of you while instruments dynamically pan across an immersive sphere. It brings songs and films to life unlike standard stereo listening.
Microsoft wisely tuned its Omnisonic drivers to mimic spatial presence. Yet without head tracking or device tying, it falls short of Apple‘s captivating sound bubble. This again speaks to Apple‘s vertical integration and control across the ecosystem. Seamlessly mixing hardware with system-level software produces magical experiences rival electronics firms simply can‘t match.
Additional Audio Controls
A slight downside to Apple‘s seamless integration comes via limited controls on device. Unlike Microsoft‘s tactile approach, the near featureless AirPods Max design means accessing settings requires iPhone or Siri prompting. While slick when it works, you lose granular access and device agnostic flexibility.
That‘s a key benefit of Microsoft‘s approach. Each Surface Headphone earcup contains a tactile dial for precise volume and noise cancellation adjustment. Physical buttons also provide playback, call management and pairing functions. Convenient access sits literally at your fingertips regardless of paired device.
For those swapping between Apple and Android devices, Microsoft‘s tactile advantage becomes significant. Although Apple unquestionably leads audio advancements through hardware and software optimization, relying on Siri limits universality.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
Along with stellar sound, expectations for premium headphones demand effective noise cancelling tech. This helps block external distractions to keep your listening experience smooth.
Apple‘s Industry-Leading ANC
A marquee AirPods Max feature comes via advanced noise cancelling delivered through each earcup. Powered by Apple‘s latest H1 chip, the ANC consistently eliminates up to 95% of ambient sound across the entire frequency band.
Sophisticated filtering means it works well in real-world conditions with varying volumes and pitches. Voices and background chatter simply fade away into a peaceful quiet bubble. Amazingly, all this occurs without compromising audio output or requiring any custom tuning.
Filters automatically detect fit and shape while dual beamforming mics gather one million data points per second to counter noise. Hands-free Siri further eliminates distractions by changing songs, texts or making FaceTime calls via voice alone.
Surface Headphones Provide Capable ANC
Microsoft also implements effective active noise cancellation within its premium headphones. The Surface Headphones 2 specifically boast 13 adjustable ANC levels controlled by each earcup dial. This lets you fine tune filtering based on wearing comfort and ambient loudness. Level 13 blocks nearly all external sound for maximum isolation.
We found Microsoft‘s adaptive ANC technology works remarkably well for the price while flying, working in busy cafes or focusing at home. Dual microphone accommodation handles real-world conditions without choking audio output or feeling overly pressurized. Automatic pause and resume when removing the headphones also helps maintain the listening bubble.
Slight Edge to Apple
While Microsoft delivered capable ANC, Apple leads through sheer technological prowess. Automatic adjustment to fit, faster processing via the custom H1 chip, and hands-free Siri narrowly push AirPods Max ahead in managing ambient noise. Yet for around half the cost, the Surface Headphone 2 see you 80% of the way there.
Comfort and Controls
With luxurious materials and clever features that anticipate needs, both models score highly in wearing ease and convenience.
AirPods Max Prioritize Premium Feel
Extreme comfort defines the AirPods Max experience. Breathable knit mesh canopy headbands eliminate hotspots while plush memory foam ear cushions stay cool during extended use. No plastic touches skin surfaces.
An innovative frame evenly distributes weight and creates a weightless feel. You barely notice them on even after hours of immersion. furthering the sensation, Apple removed any physical buttons on the headphones themselves. Volume, playback and ANC controls automatically appear on paired Apple devices.
For iPhone owners, the experience becomes nearly telepathic. AirPods Max simplify your media universe down to just your phone, Siri and the content filling back your head. Hands-free simplicity at a luxury level.
Surface Headphones Smart Yet Accessible
Microsoft wisely adapted many comfort elements from premier models for its Advanced Audio line. Plush earpads with cooling gel circulation keeps the Surface Headphones cozy for long stretches. The flexible headband stays put without undue clamping pressure.
Its sleek, lightweight build barely registers during wear commuting outdoors or at a workstation. However, pivot earcups and thicker synthetic construction give it a slightly utilitarian feel compared to the AirPods Max‘s haute couture aesthetic.
Where Microsoft leads unequivocally comes down to physical controls. Playback, active noise cancellation levels and volume require no device pairing to access. Just swipe or turn the dials to tune the headphones perfectly in place. Intuitive controls keep your attention on creativity rather than troubleshooting connections.
Here we have to declare dual winners. Apple nails wearing comfort and hands-free convenience while Microsoft aces accessible control customization. Luckily both offer a great listening experience no matter how you access and tune it.
Battery Performance
For headphones promising 20+ hours of wireless playback, optimizing battery consumption proves essential. Efficiency directly impacts mobility and convenience.
AirPods Max Eek Out Longer Life
Apple leverages its proficiency in ultra-low power processing to squeeze 20 full hours from AirPods Max between charges. Efficiency gains in their custom dynamic drivers and H1 chip allow them to outlast all competitors in typical usage.
You can nearly make it through an entire work week before plugging the Lightning recharging cable back in. When depleted, fast charging technology regains 90% capacity within just 60 minutes.
Surface Headphones Still Impress Over 18 Hours
Through software refinements, Microsoft managed to boost the Surface Headphones 2 battery lifespan to a very solid 18.5 hours of listening time. While just shy of Apple‘s market-leading longevity, you can still rely on them for multi-day travel and full workdays without recharging.
The Surface model also regains 50% charge in less than an hour. So you can rapidly top up battery reserves when running low. Standby times exceeding two weeks mean they spring back to life quickly even after sitting idle awhile.
For most buyers, both models deliver fantastic untethered playback between charges. But if you truly need the longest running headphones available, Apple claws back a small advantage here.
Verdict: Apple AirPods Max Slightly Outclass Surface Headphones 2
Comparing these premium headphone offerings from Apple and Microsoft makes it clear why both rank among the planet‘s most successful brands. Each leverages unique advantages in craftsmanship, technological innovation and platform integration to deliver compelling listening devices.
However, when evaluating purely on performance, the Apple AirPods Max claim the slight overall edge. While costlier, Apple‘s relentless refinement of audio components paired with device-tailored software unlocks an ambient listening experience sans equal. The unparalleled tweaking that built AirPods into a sensation gets amplified across a larger sonic canvas.
Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 earn top marks for accessibility and device-agnostic flexibility. For iPhone devotees and major Apple ecosystem participants though, AirPods Max integrate magic simply unavailable to other manufacturers.
That said, the path forward remains widely open for advancements on both sides. Continuous improvements across integrated headphones and earbuds indicate these tech titans take seriously perfecting personal sound. We can‘t wait to see AirPods Max 2 or Surface Headphones 3 integrate next-gen upgrades when they arrive.
