AirPods Max
- Best overall V3 Metal · $126–127
Metal ear cups, upgraded hybrid noise cancelling and head-tracking spatial audio. V3 overview - Lower price V3P · $85–93
A plastic-steel shell and an older chipset, so it isn't simply the V3 in a plastic case. No head tracking. V3 overview
Prices are what the sellers charged on 3 November 2026; see the purchase links for current prices. Click a version name in the table to read community reviews.
| V3 Metal | V3P | V2.5 | V2 Metal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $126–127 | $85–93 | $124 | $110–112 |
| Sold by | All 3 | Earhive, Jenny | Earhive | Earhive, Jenny |
| Ear cups | Metal | Plastic-steel | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy |
| Noise cancelling | Four-mic hybrid¹ | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Natural | Decent | Decent | Basic |
| Head-tracking spatial audio | ✅ | ❌ | ✅² | ❌ |
| Battery | 20 h¹ | 20 h¹ | Not verified | Not verified |
| Switch between devices | 2 devices | 1 device | 2 devices² | 1 device |
| App for EQ & updates | FlyCC (Android) | FlyCC (Android) | Depends on chip | FlyCC (Android) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C or Lightning | Lightning or USB-C |
¹ Seller specifications checked September 22, 2026: Jenny V3, Jenny V3P, and Earhive V3P. The 45 dB ANC figure and 20-hour battery figures are seller claims, not comparable community measurements. Runtime depends on volume, ANC, firmware, and batch; earlier 35–50-hour guide estimates were not supported by a documented test.
² On the Realtek build of the V2.5. V2 and V2.5 details
Every AirPods Max version has
All Max models include: over-ear design with mesh headband, Digital Crown volume & playback dial, dedicated noise control button, in-ear / on-head detection, audio sharing, and iOS 27 support with About page popup. (Note: No replica matches 1:1 retail Max ANC depth or supports Apple's encrypted Find My network.)
Technical details: chipsets and noise cancelling
| V3 Metal | V3P | V2.5 | V2 Metal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Airoha 1562AE | Airoha 1561M | Realtek 8763ESE / Bluetrum | Airoha 1561M |
| Noise cancelling | Four-mic hybrid, up to 45 dB advertised | Hybrid (seller-listed) | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Discontinued Max Models
The following older models have been discontinued by manufacturers and are no longer recommended:
- V2 BES (BES 2600IHC)
- V2 Plastic
- V1.6 & V1.5 (Bluetrum 8892E)
- V1 P9 Max (Cheap generic shell)
V3 Overview
V3 is a significant upgrade from V2.5, featuring a different chipset (Airoha 1562AE) and improved features including upgraded Hybrid ANC, Spatial Audio with Head Tracking, and metal construction options. The V3 Metal version offers plush metal ear cups and headband, while the V3P version uses plastic construction. Both use USB-C, but the V3P retains the older Airoha 1561M platform and lacks the V3's head tracking. Do not assume identical audio performance or battery life from the shared styling.
V2 & V2.5 Version Differences:
V2 TB: The V2 model delivers satisfactory sound quality with support for EQ adjustments via FlyCC. It features a firmer shell and offers future-proofing through firmware update capability.
V2.5: This upgraded version provides enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and improved transparency mode. It also features a superior headband design compared to the V2. The Realtek 8763ESE version supports OTA firmware updates and dual-device connection. Ready to buy? Check our AirPods Max purchase links.