Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Apple's AirPods Max deliver premium over-ear audio with exceptional spatial sound, dual H1 chips for computational audio processing, and extended 20-hour battery life, making them ideal for Apple ecosystem users who prioritize immersive listening experiences. Samsung's Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer compelling value at less than half the price, featuring intelligent ANC with adjustable levels, IPX7 water resistance, and fast USB-C charging with 5-minute quick-charge capability. Sound quality favors AirPods Max's larger drivers and Apple's audio tuning, while Galaxy Buds2 Pro excel in portability and everyday versatility. For frequent travelers or those heavily invested in Apple services, AirPods Max justify the premium investment. However, Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide superior water resistance and faster charging at a significantly lower price point, making them the better choice for most consumers seeking reliable, feature-rich earbuds without the luxury markup.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) if…
- →Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- →360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- →Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen)
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
- Premium aluminium and steel build quality feels genuinely luxurious
- Seamless and instant switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Very heavy at 385 g — can cause fatigue during long listening sessions
- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)
- No Bluetooth multipoint and limited functionality outside Apple ecosystem
- No hard case included — soft Smart Case does not protect well
- Premium price is hard to justify over cheaper alternatives
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- 24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
- IPX7 water resistance handles sweat and rain confidently
- Voice Detect automatically pauses and enables transparency mode
Cons
- Samsung Seamless codec only works with Samsung Galaxy devices
- 5-hour ANC battery life is short — case extends to 18 hours
- No multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Touch controls can be finicky and hard to activate consistently
- ANC is not as strong as Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Features | Apple H1 chip per earcup (two chips total), Computational audio for dynamic EQ and ANC, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Seamless Apple device switching, Aluminum earcups and stainless steel headband, Smart Case | Intelligent ANC with 3 adjustable levels, 360 Audio with head tracking, SmartThings Find for locating lost earbuds, Auto Switch between Samsung devices, Voice Detect for automatic transparency mode |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Samsung Seamless (24-bit), AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX7 |
Related Comparisons
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.
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