AirPods Max
Quick verdict: choose the V3 Metal (Airoha 1562AE) for metal ear cups, upgraded hybrid ANC, and head-tracking spatial audio. The cheaper V3P (Airoha 1561M) uses a plastic-steel shell and a different chipset; it is not simply the V3 in a plastic case. The V2.5 is a mid-range alternative with head tracking and dual-device connectivity on the Realtek variant. See the AirPods Max purchase links.
Shared AirPods Max Baseline
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.)
Click any version badge to find community reviews for that model.
| Version → | V3 (Metal TB) | V3P (Plastic TB) | V2.5 (Realtek) | V2 (Metal TB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Airoha 1562AE | Airoha 1561M | Realtek 8763ESE / Bluetrum | Airoha 1561M |
| Cup Material | Full Metal (Aluminium) | Plastic-Steel | Aluminium Alloy | Aluminium Alloy |
| ANC Performance | Four-mic hybrid; up to 45 dB advertised | Hybrid ANC (seller-listed) | Hybrid ANC | Hybrid ANC |
| Transparency Mode | ✅ Natural & Clear | ✅ Decent | ✅ Decent | ⚠️ Basic |
| Spatial Audio (Head-tracking) | ✅ Yes (ST Gyro) | ❌ Fixed (no tracking) | ✅ Yes (Realtek) | ❌ Fixed (no tracking) |
| Battery Life | 20h (seller-listed) | 20h (seller-listed) | Not verified | Not verified |
| Multi-Device Connect | ✅ Dual-Device | ❌ 1 Device | ✅ Dual-Device | ⚠️ 1 Device |
| App EQ & Updates | ✅ FlyCC (Android) | ✅ FlyCC (Android) | ⚠️ Chip-dependent OTA | ✅ FlyCC (Android) |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C / Lightning | Lightning / USB-C |
| Detailed Notes | V3 Overview | V3 Overview | V2.5 Details | V2 Details |
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.
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.