Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
The Verdict
Apple's AirPods 3rd Gen excels as a lightweight, portable option with Spatial Audio and exceptional value at $169, offering 6-hour earbud battery life plus 30 hours total with case. AirPods Max delivers premium audio through larger 40mm drivers, active noise cancellation with nine microphones, and impressive 20-hour battery life, justifying its $549 premium price. Sound quality differences favor Max's over-ear design for immersive listening and ANC performance, while AirPods 3 prioritizes convenience with quick charging (5 min = 1 hour playback) and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Neither supports multipoint connectivity or advanced codecs, limiting their versatility compared to competitors. Choose AirPods 3 for everyday portability and value; select AirPods Max for serious listening sessions demanding superior noise cancellation and audio fidelity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) if…
- →Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- →Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- →Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
- Digital Crown provides precise, tactile volume and playback control
- 20-hour battery life easily lasts multiple days of use
Cons
- Extremely expensive at $549 — most costly consumer headphones
- 384.8 g is noticeably heavy for long listening sessions
- Lightning port instead of USB-C is frustrating
- Smart Case doesn't fully protect the headphones and looks odd
- No power button — relies on Smart Case for low power mode
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 384.8 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 20 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Active Noise Cancellation with 9 microphones, Transparency mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, Digital Crown for volume control, Stainless steel frame with aluminum ear cups, Mesh knit canopy headband |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
Related Comparisons
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning).