Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods Max: Industry titans go head-to-head

Apple’s audio lineup has matured into one of the most recognizable ecosystems in the world. The AirPods Pro 3 take the true wireless formula further than ever, blending hearing aid capabilities, fitness tracking, and real-time language translation. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max remain Apple’s luxury over-ear flagship, boasting outstanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), premium materials, and class-leading sound. But in the standoff between the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs the Apple AirPods Max, which delivers the better everyday experience? I tested both to find out.

What’s it like to use the Apple AirPods Pro 3 compared to the Apple AirPods Max?

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 retain the same iconic design as their predecessors with subtle refinements that make them fit more securely and comfortably. The smaller bulb and deeper insertion improve stability, though the glossy exterior and hybrid foam-silicone ear tips can still cause slippage once sweat builds up. The new ear tips feel innovative, but fall short of 100% memory foam alternatives. This is especially true when trying to achieve a perfectly secure seal. The case design remains compact and pocketable, though the glossy plastic scratches easily.

The AirPods Max, by contrast, feel unmistakably premium. The stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups make these headphones reassuringly hefty at 385g. However, that weight becomes noticeable during long sessions. The ear cups are spacious and plush, and offer excellent comfort for hours at a time. While the AirPods Max don’t fold, the rotating ear cups make storage easier, though the included “Smart Case” feels impractical for real protection. Volume and playback are handled by the tactile digital crown, which is one of my favorite control systems on any headset.

In short, the AirPods Pro 3 offer portability and convenience, while the AirPods Max deliver a luxurious, stationary experience. If you travel light, the Pro 3s win big. If you value comfort and premium materials, the Max still reigns.

Do the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max have more features?

The AirPods Pro 3 push the boundaries of what earbuds can do. They double as hearing aids for users with mild to moderate hearing loss, track heart rate during workouts, and even translate languages in real time. Live Translation is promising in principle, but it feels unfinished, with noticeable delays and limited language support. The Pro 3 also retain Apple-exclusive perks like Personalized Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, and automatic device switching. Unfortunately, Android users lose access to almost all of these features.

The AirPods Max focus less on fitness or translation and more on refinement. Features like Adaptive EQ, automatic ear detection, and seamless Spatial Audio integration make them ideal for iOS users who regularly watch movies or listen to lossless audio. However, the Max lack water resistance and don’t fold for travel, and their “smart” case prioritizes aesthetics over practicality.

Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 are more technologically ambitious, but the AirPods Max offer a more stable and mature feature set that works flawlessly within Apple’s ecosystem.

How do the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max connect?

Both models connect via Bluetooth and rely heavily on Apple’s proprietary chips. The AirPods Pro 3 use the H2 chip for processing and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity, supporting the SBC and AAC codecs. There’s no high-resolution support like aptX or LDAC, which limits quality on Android devices. iOS users, however, get seamless pairing and ultra-low latency.

The AirPods Max use the slightly older H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0, with the same SBC and AAC codec support. They pair effortlessly with iPhones and Macs, automatically syncing across devices tied to the same iCloud account. Connection stability is generally strong, although they are known to experience occasional audio routing glitches. Android and Windows users can connect manually, but they lose automatic switching and spatial features.

You’ll need a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable with the Lightning variant of the AirPods Max to listen wired.  Similarly, if you have the USB-C variant AirPods Max, you can use the included USB-C to USB-C cable to connect to a Mac or iPhone. While the Pro 3 have a newer Bluetooth version, both models share the same Apple-centric codec limitations. If you’re fully invested in iOS, connection performance feels equally seamless.

Is battery life better on the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max?

Battery life is one of the clearest distinctions between the two. In our testing, the AirPods Pro 3 lasted 8 hours and 42 minutes with ANC on — an impressive leap over the Pro 2’s roughly 5-hour runtime. The charging case provides multiple additional recharges and supports both USB-C and wireless charging. It’s even compatible with Apple Watch chargers, and fast charging gives you an hour of playback in just five minutes.

The AirPods Max, being larger, understandably last much longer. Apple rates them for 20 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and our test confirmed about 21 hours in real-world use. However, because there’s no physical power switch, the headphones drain slowly when left outside their case. The newer USB-C model is more future-proof and convenient, replacing the outdated Lightning port.

If you’re looking for sheer endurance, the AirPods Max easily win. But for commuters and gym-goers, the AirPods Pro 3’s improved battery life and versatile charging options make them more practical.

Do the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max block noise better?

Surprisingly, our testing shows that the AirPods Pro 3 have better noise canceling than the AirPods Max. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver the best ANC we’ve ever measured on earbuds, reducing outside noise by 90%. That makes them ideal for commutes, office chatter, and airplane cabins. Their improved seal helps, though performance depends on your fit. Transparency Mode also sounds incredibly natural, like you have nothing in your ears.

On the other hand, the AirPods Max reduce the loudness of external noise by an average of 88%. This is also exceptionally great ANC performance, among the best we’ve ever tested for headphones. Their Transparency Mode is equally impressive, amplifying nearby voices clearly without the harshness you find in lesser implementations.

Do the AirPods Pro 3 sound better than the AirPods Max?

Both models sound excellent, but in different ways. The AirPods Pro 3 produce a detailed sound with clear bass and mids. Tracks like “party 4 u” by Charli XCX reveal improved stereo depth, and bass-heavy songs like “CODEINE” by er808 feel punchy without muddying the vocals. The Pro 3 can sound a bit bass-forward at times, and the lack of an EQ means you can’t tune them down. Nevertheless, Apple’s Personalized Spatial Audio makes movie watching genuinely immersive.

The AirPods Max sound more spacious, and also have an Adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts based on seal and ear shape. Sub-bass is prominent without being boomy, as heard in “Sunday Vibes” by Masego, while vocals remain clear. Overall, most people will enjoy the sound quality of both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

Objective Measurements

The AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 3 both have a frequency response that follows the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve relatively close. The largest difference between the two is in the treble region, as the AirPods Pro 3 have more emphasis around 5kHz, whereas the AirPods Max have more emphasis in the upper treble around 7-12kHz.

Do the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max have a better microphone?

The AirPods Pro 3 use dual beamforming microphones that deliver clear and natural voice pickup, especially when used with an iPhone. However, in strong wind, the mics introduced audible crackles. Similarly, the buds are susceptible to reverb artifacts in large, reverberant spaces.

The AirPods Max microphones also perform best with Apple devices. In particular, voice isolation and sophisticated signal processing ensure intelligible speech even in noisy environments. On non-Apple devices, mic performance can vary dramatically — sometimes degrading unpredictably. Listen to both microphone samples below and let us know which you think sounds better.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods Max: Price and availability

The AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249, while the AirPods Max cost a steep $549 (or more, depending on color). Both are widely available through Apple and major retailers. Given their respective features, the AirPods Pro 3 represent far better value, especially for users who want modern Apple features without spending a small fortune.

Should you get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the Apple AirPods Max?

Both of these headphones are quintessential Apple products — polished, powerful, and deeply integrated into the ecosystem. If you want portability, hearing enhancement, and cutting-edge features, the AirPods Pro 3 are a smarter and more versatile choice. They’re perfect for daily commutes, workouts, and travel. However, if you want an over-ear headphone experience, the AirPods Max are still a great choice, even years after launch. Just be ready to pay the premium and stay within Apple’s walled garden.

For most people, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver more innovation per dollar — but if you’re chasing the pinnacle of headphones for your iPhone, the AirPods Max remain the high-water mark.

Would you buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs the Apple AirPods Max? Let us know in the poll below.