Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
The Verdict
AirPods Max and HD 660S2 serve fundamentally different audiences despite similar price points. Apple's wireless offering emphasizes convenience with 20-hour battery life, dual H1 chips enabling computational audio, spatial audio with head tracking, and seamless ecosystem integration,ideal for iPhone users prioritizing portability and modern features. Sennheiser's open-back audiophile design prioritizes sonic accuracy with its 42mm driver and 300-ohm impedance, demanding a dedicated amplifier but rewarding with transparent, detailed sound that appeals to serious listeners. AirPods Max excels in active noise cancellation and wireless versatility, while HD 660S2 delivers superior audio fidelity for stationary listening. Choose AirPods Max for mobile lifestyle and Apple ecosystem synergy; select HD 660S2 if you're an audiophile with a dedicated listening setup who values wired reliability and handcrafted German engineering.
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 Sennheiser HD 660S2 if…
- →Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- →Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- →Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
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- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)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
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Pros
- Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
- Lightweight at 260 g for an audiophile over-ear
- Replaceable parts make it a long-term investment
Cons
- 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amp/DAC to drive properly
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option
- Open-back leaks significant sound — not for shared spaces
- $499 is steep for headphones that need additional equipment
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) | Sennheiser HD 660S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 260 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | Lightning | N/A |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 ohm impedance |
| 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 | Open-back audiophile design, 300-ohm impedance for dedicated amp/DAC use, Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn cable included, Replaceable ear pads and cables, Handmade in Germany |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Sennheiser products. View full details for the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) or the Sennheiser HD 660S2.