Choosing a pair of premium noise-cancelling headphones used to be a simple calculation of your budget. But with the release of the H2-powered Apple AirPods Max 2 stepping into the ring against the critically acclaimed Sony WH-1000XM5, the decision has become deeply tied to your daily workflow, tech ecosystem, and sonic preferences.
I spent three weeks throwing both of these over-ear heavyweights into every imaginable scenario. I wore them on noisy cross-country flights, during chaotic morning train commutes, over eight-hour workdays at my desk, and during quiet midnight listening sessions at home. I have felt the exact point where headband fatigue sets in, stumbled through touch-control glitches in the rain, and witnessed how both pairs handle unexpected background conversations during critical Zoom calls.
If you want the quick answer: the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the smartest, most versatile, and most value-packed purchase for the vast majority of listeners. However, if you live and breathe within the Apple ecosystem and want unparalleled materials alongside top-tier transparency tracking, the AirPods Max 2 presents a compelling, albeit incredibly expensive, argument.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony XM5: Which is Better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better overall purchase for most people. It delivers top-tier active noise cancellation, a highly customizable sound profile, 30 hours of battery life, and a comfortable, lightweight design at a significantly lower price point. The AirPods Max 2 excels exclusively for hardcore Apple users who value elite aluminum build quality, flawless ecosystem switching, and class-leading transparency tracking.
Winner by Category Table
| Category | Winner |
| Sound Quality | Sony WH-1000XM5 (Customizable EQ & LDAC) |
| Bass Performance | Sony WH-1000XM5 (Deeper extension, better punch) |
| ANC | Tie (AirPods Max 2 for low rumble, Sony XM5 for voices) |
| Comfort | Sony WH-1000XM5 (Significantly lighter clamping) |
| Battery Life | Sony WH-1000XM5 (30 hours vs 20 hours) |
| Calls & Mics | Sony WH-1000XM5 (More natural voice rejection) |
| Companion App | Sony WH-1000XM5 (Fully cross-platform) |
| Build & Durability | AirPods Max 2 (Premium aluminum and steel) |
| Value for Money | Sony WH-1000XM5 (Far more features per dollar) |
| Overall Winner | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
Quick Specs Comparison Table
| Feature / Specification | Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Price (MSRP) | $549 | $399 (Frequently discounted) |
| Weight | 384 grams | 250 grams |
| Processing Chip | Apple H2 (Dual chips) | Integrated Processor V1 + QN1 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Premium Codecs | AAC (Wired Lossless via USB-C) | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 20 Hours | Up to 30 Hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Passive Wired Mode | Yes (Requires custom USB-C audio cable) | Yes (Standard 3.5mm jack included) |
How We Tested
Our testing methodology relies on real-world exposure rather than sterile laboratory graphs. Over a twenty-one-day evaluation period, both headsets were systematically rotated through identical environments to track real-world variables like wind interference, thermal retention around the ears, and connection stumbles.
- The Commute: Testing ANC on urban subway lines and city buses to evaluate how each processor handles low-frequency structural rumbles and sudden metal-on-metal squeals.
- The Coffee Shop & Office: Sitting in bustling environments to see how effectively the microphones and computational algorithms mask unpredictable human speech, clattering plates, and background music.
- The Long Haul: Wearing each pair during continuous four-hour stretches to map out physical comfort fatigue, headband hot spots, and ear-cup heat buildup.
- The Media Mix: Streaming high-bitrate music tracks from Apple Music and Tidal, watching dialogue-heavy YouTube videos, listening to speech-focused podcasts, and playing latency-sensitive mobile games.
Our editorial limitation statement is simple: tests were conducted using an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPad Pro, a MacBook Pro, and a Google Pixel 8 Pro. Wireless performance may vary slightly on older hardware or niche Bluetooth transmitters.
AirPods Max 2 Review
The AirPods Max 2 builds on the foundation of its predecessor by swapping out the legacy Lightning port for a universal USB-C connection and upgrading the internal brain to the modern H2 chip. It remains a polarizing statement of luxury industrial design.
What I Like
- The computational heavy lifting of the dual H2 chips adjusts noise cancellation beautifully in shifting environments.
- The build quality is breathtaking; the cold aluminum cups and steel telescoping arms feel genuinely luxurious.
- The physical Digital Crown provides the most reliable, tactile volume adjustments of any headphone on the market.
- Wired 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio playback over a direct USB-C connection sounds incredibly clean and resolving.
- Class-leading Transparency mode makes you feel like you aren’t wearing headphones at all.
- Flawless, instantaneous switching between your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an incredibly immersive theater-like experience for movies.
What Could Be Better
- At 384 grams, they are undeniably heavy and can cause noticeable neck fatigue during extended sessions.
- The included Smart Case still fails to protect the headband and looks absurd.
- There is no native hardware power button; you are forced to trust their low-power sleep state.
- The iOS-exclusive configuration menu leaves Android and Windows users completely out in the cold.
- The premium price tag remains incredibly steep compared to the competition.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exquisite aluminum industrial build | Heavy chassis causes long-session fatigue |
| Market-leading Transparency tracking | Disappointing, non-protective storage case |
| Effortless Apple ecosystem integration | Missing a dedicated hardware power button |
| Tactile, precise physical dial controls | Zero customization features on Android |
Personal Recommendation
The AirPods Max 2 is an excellent luxury accessory, but it only makes sense if your daily tech ecosystem is completely built by Apple. If you want pristine metal aesthetics and don’t mind the extra weight, they are a joy to use around the house or office.
Rating: 8.3 / 10
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 takes a radically different approach, favoring an ultralight, eco-conscious plastic frame paired with cutting-edge active noise-cancelling processors and deep customizability.
What I Like
- The featherlight 250-gram chassis rests so gently on the crown of your head that it vanishes during long workdays.
- The combination of the V1 and QN1 processors forms an absolute vacuum against mid-and-high-frequency human voices.
- The Sony Headphones Connect app offers a robust 5-band graphic equalizer to tune the audio signature to perfection.
- LDAC support allows for high-resolution wireless streaming on compatible Android devices.
- An exceptional 30-hour battery life comfortably outlasts a full weekend of travel without needing a charger.
- The included zippered travel case is protective, slim, and collapses down when empty.
- True platform agnostic multi-device pairing works flawlessly between an iPhone and a Windows PC simultaneously.
What Could Be Better
- The touch-sensitive ear-cup panel can misread gestures when walking in light rain or wearing gloves.
- The soft-fit synthetic leather ear pads trap heat quickly, causing sweaty ears on warm summer walks.
- The modern, non-folding hinge design takes up a wider footprint in your backpack than older versions.
- The out-of-the-box sound profile is noticeably bass-heavy and requires manual tweaking to clean up the muddy mids.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredibly lightweight, ergonomic fit | Ear pads run warm during outdoor walks |
| Phenomenal 30-hour battery stamina | Touch panel can be finicky in wet weather |
| Fully functional across Android and iOS | Non-folding frame takes up bag space |
| Deeply customizable EQ parameters | Default audio tuning feels slightly muddy |
Personal Recommendation
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the quintessential tool for the modern commuter and office worker. It prioritizes practical utility, long-term wearing comfort, and reliable cross-platform functionality over visual flashiness.
Rating: 9.2 / 10
Head-to-Head Comparison
Sound Quality & Bass Performance
Out of the box, these two headsets target vastly different sound profiles. The AirPods Max 2 offers a remarkably flat, clinical, and balanced presentation. The midrange is clean, allowing acoustic guitars and vocal layers to breathe. However, Apple does not give you a system-wide graphic equalizer to alter this; you are stuck with their vision of sound unless you use third-party media player apps.
The Sony XM5 leans heavily into an energetic, consumer-friendly sound signature with an emphasized mid-bass punch. Straight out of the box, this bass can bleed slightly into the lower mids, making dark tracks sound a bit congested. The massive advantage here is Sony’s app. Within two minutes of adjusting the clear-bass slider and pulling down the 400Hz frequency band, the XM5 transforms into an incredibly detailed, punchy, and expansive listen. Furthermore, Sony’s inclusion of the high-bitrate LDAC codec means Android users get a vastly superior wireless stream compared to Apple’s standard AAC limitation.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 8.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.0 / 10 (Post-EQ tuning)
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency
This is where the engineering teams truly show off. The Apple H2 chip inside the AirPods Max 2 is exceptional at mitigating low-frequency drones. On a train, the deep rhythmic rumble of the steel tracks disappears into an eerie silence. Where the AirPods Max 2 completely runs away with the crown, however, is Transparency Mode. Clicking the physical button instantly pipes the outside world into your ears with absolute spatial accuracy. It doesn’t sound processed or metallic; voices sound natural, and you can comfortably carry out long conversations without taking the headset off.
The Sony XM5 uses an array of eight microphones to target a different part of the audio spectrum. It is noticeably better at isolating higher-frequency unpredictable noises, like the sharp chatter of a busy café or the hiss of an espresso machine. Sony’s ANC feels slightly more aggressive, sometimes creating a subtle sensation of cabin pressure in quiet rooms. Its transparency mode is perfectly serviceable, but it sounds undeniably artificial and synthesized compared to the Apple presentation.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 9.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.3 / 10
- Winner: Tie (AirPods for low rumble and transparency; Sony for office chatter)
Comfort & Long Listening Sessions
This category presents the largest real-world divide. The AirPods Max 2 feels premium because it utilizes heavy materials like aluminum and stainless steel. This luxury comes at a severe cost: 384 grams of resting mass. While the mesh canopy headband does a commendable job of distributing that weight across your skull, there is no escaping physics. After roughly two hours of continuous use, I consistently felt a distinct tightness developing in my neck muscles, and the high clamping force around my jaw became tiresome.
The Sony XM5 is a featherweight masterclass at 250 grams. The plastic composition might not feel as expensive to the touch, but your body will thank you during an extended flight or a grueling workday. The clamping force is exceptionally gentle, distributing pressure evenly without squeezing your skull. The only real drawback to the Sony design is the synthetic leather padding; it seals out noise beautifully but creates an airtight chamber that traps ear heat rather quickly on outdoor walks.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 7.0 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.5 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Battery Life & Charging Speed
During my testing cycle, the Sony XM5 consistently cleared the 30-hour mark with active noise cancellation enabled at moderate listening volumes. This allows you to go days at a time without ever thinking about a charging cable. Even better, plugging the XM5 into a power delivery block for just three minutes yields roughly three hours of playback time.
The AirPods Max 2 remains anchored to its traditional 20-hour battery limit. While that is plenty of juice to survive a coast-to-coast flight, it requires significantly more charging upkeep throughout the work week. Furthermore, because the AirPods Max 2 lacks a proper physical power-off switch, it relies on its internal accelerometer to enter a low-power state when laid flat or placed into the Smart Case. I frequently noticed a 3% to 5% passive battery drain overnight just sitting on my desk, a frustration that never occurred with the Sony’s hard power button.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 7.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.8 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Call Quality & Microphone Performance
For voice isolation during calls, Sony uses an incredibly advanced four-beamforming microphone array backed by an AI-driven machine learning algorithm. In testing next to a loud window fan, the XM5 completely stripped away the ambient wind noise, leaving my voice sounding crisp, legible, and slightly compressed but highly professional to the person on the other end of the line.
The AirPods Max 2 introduces Voice Isolation via the H2 chip, which performs incredibly well at clipping out sharp background noises like barking dogs or clattering keyboards. The tone of your voice sounds slightly more full and natural on the AirPods Max 2 under ideal quiet conditions, but when the surrounding environment becomes truly chaotic, the Sony algorithm keeps your voice legible for a longer period before breaking apart.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 8.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.0 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
App Support & Connectivity
The Sony Headphones Connect app is available seamlessly on both iOS and Android. It gives you access to fine-grained feature controls: you can adjust the ambient sound control levels, configure the Speak-to-Chat feature (which automatically pauses audio when you begin talking), run ear-shape analysis for 3D spatial sound, and manage multi-device pairing across two completely different platform ecosystems (like an Android phone and a Windows laptop).
The AirPods Max 2 does not have a dedicated application. Instead, its settings are baked directly into the iOS settings menu. If you are on an iPhone, this integration feels clean. You can toggle Adaptive Audio features, run a quick ear-tip fit test, and customize the Digital Crown orientation. However, if you pair the AirPods Max 2 to an Android device or a Windows machine, you lose all of these adjustments entirely. There is no way to update firmware, customize the buttons, or toggle advanced processing features without an Apple device present.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 7.0 / 10 (Ecosystem locked)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.5 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Build Quality, Durability & Travel Friendliness
If you are judging durability based purely on the physical chassis, the AirPods Max 2 wins easily. The machined aluminum cups resist scratches beautifully, and the stainless steel extension arms glide smoothly without any hints of creaking or structural weakness over time. The massive travel failure here is the case design. The included slip-on cover leaves the mesh canopy completely exposed to keys, pens, and sharp objects inside your backpack.
The Sony XM5 uses a structural matte plastic frame that can occasionally feel slightly cheap given the premium price point, and it can attract oily fingerprint smudges over time if you don’t wipe it down. Crucially, the arms no longer fold inward like older Sony designs, forcing the headset to lay entirely flat. However, Sony includes a premium, fully enclosed, rigid fabric travel case that protects the entire product from structural damage when thrown into a packed travel bag.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 8.0 / 10 (Ruined by the case)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 8.8 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5 (For real-world travel safety)
Use Cases: Gym, Office, and Gaming
Neither of these premium headsets is designed for intense physical workouts. Neither possesses an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance, meaning heavy gym sweat can easily degrade the ear pad materials or short out the internal components over time. If you must use them for light activity, the Sony XM5 is far more stable due to its lighter footprint; the heavy earcups of the AirPods Max 2 will slide clean off your head if you tilt backward for a bench press or lean forward to stretch.
For office work, the Sony XM5 takes the lead due to its multi-platform multipoint stability and long-wear comfort. For casual gaming, both headsets perform beautifully when wired via their respective USB-C or 3.5mm inputs to eliminate latency, but the AirPods Max 2 delivers a significantly more immersive directional audio stage when playing atmospheric games on an iPad or Mac using their proprietary spatial audio tracking.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 7.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 8.5 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Value for Money
The pricing conversation is incredibly simple. At $549, the AirPods Max 2 demands a steep luxury premium for its industrial design and Apple integration. The Sony XM5 hovers at a lower standard retail price of $399 and is frequently found heavily discounted on Amazon throughout the year. Given that the Sony outlasts the Apple in battery life, offers cross-platform parity, and provides deeper audio customization, it presents a vastly superior value-to-performance proposition.
- AirPods Max 2 Rating: 6.5 / 10
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Rating: 9.2 / 10
- Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Buyer-Specific Recommendations
- Best for Travel: Sony WH-1000XM5. The 30-hour battery stamina combined with a fully protective, hard-shell travel case makes it an infinitely superior choice for long flights and luggage packing.
- Best for Office Work: Sony WH-1000XM5. It allows you to stay connected to your corporate Windows laptop and personal phone simultaneously while remaining light enough to wear through endless back-to-back video meetings.
- Best for Students: Sony WH-1000XM5. The combination of custom equalizer options for studying playlists, superior background voice isolation in crowded libraries, and a friendlier price tag makes it a no-brainer.
- Best for Android Users: Sony WH-1000XM5. It unlocks high-resolution LDAC playback and a fully realized configuration application that Apple completely refuses to provide on the Android OS.
- Best for iPhone Users: AirPods Max 2. If you own an iPhone, Mac, and iPad, the seamless automatic audio switching, Find My tracking, and beautiful system integration are incredibly polished.
- Best for Calls: Sony WH-1000XM5. The AI-assisted voice processing isolates your vocals from heavy environmental chaos with greater consistency during outdoor walks.
- Best for Workouts: Neither. (Look for specialized earbud alternatives with an IP54 or higher rating to avoid sweat damage).
- Best for Music Lovers: Sony WH-1000XM5. The ability to completely customize the frequency response curve to match your specific musical tastes gives it a significant edge over Apple’s locked clinical profile.
- Best Value: Sony WH-1000XM5. It delivers 95% of the performance of any luxury headset on the market at a fraction of the cost.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Sony WH-1000XM4
If you want the legendary Sony noise cancellation but absolutely hate the fact that the XM5 cannot fold down into a compact shape, the older XM4 remains a spectacular option. It features a collapsible hinges design, nearly identical 30-hour battery life, and can frequently be found on deep clearance sales.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
For individuals whose absolute highest priority is physical comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra features a clamping force that is gentler than both the Sony and Apple offerings. Its Immersive Audio spatial processing is cross-platform, and its folding design is highly travel-friendly.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
If raw audio fidelity and battery life are your primary considerations, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 completely destroys the competition with an astonishing 60-hour battery lifespan on a single charge alongside an incredibly wide, audiophile-grade acoustic soundstage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the AirPods Max 2 If:
- You work completely within the Apple hardware ecosystem.
- You demand high-end materials like aluminum and stainless steel over plastic formulations.
- You require the absolute best transparency mode available on consumer headphones.
- You watch a high volume of Dolby Atmos movies on your Apple TV, Mac, or iPhone with spatial tracking.
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 If:
- You mix and match your tech hardware between Apple, Android, and Windows platforms.
- You experience physical neck fatigue or crown headaches from heavy headphones.
- You travel constantly and require a long 30-hour battery reserve and a protective hard case.
- You want complete control over your sound profile via a custom graphic equalizer.
Comparison Summary Table
| Evaluation Metrics | Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Acoustic Detail | 8.5 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 |
| Bass Impact | 8.0 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| ANC Attenuation | 9.5 / 10 | 9.3 / 10 |
| Transparency Realism | 9.8 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Ergonomics & Weight | 7.0 / 10 | 9.5 / 10 |
| Battery Performance | 7.5 / 10 | 9.8 / 10 |
| Microphone Clarity | 8.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Value Assessment | 6.5 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Final Composite Score | 8.1 / 10 | 9.1 / 10 |
Expert Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 secures our definitive recommendation for the vast majority of premium headphone buyers. It balances high-end acoustic performance with practical real-world engineering. By prioritizing a featherlight construction, class-leading 30-hour battery endurance, and native cross-platform application stability, Sony has built an indispensable tool for daily office workers, students, and global travelers alike.
The Apple AirPods Max 2 is an incredibly well-engineered piece of industrial luxury art, but its limitations are impossible to ignore. Unless you are fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem, willing to manage a heavier 384-gram headset, and don’t mind spending an extra $150 for aluminum cups and an ineffective case, the Sony XM5 remains the smarter, more comfortable, and more rewarding investment for your ears.
Full Technical Specifications Table
| Specification Details | Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Driver Architecture | 40mm Custom Dynamic Driver | 30mm Carbon Fiber Composite |
| Frequency Response | Not Publicly Disclosed | 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired Passive) |
| Sensors | Optical, Position, Case, Accelerometer | Capacitive Touch, Gyroscope |
| Microphone Count | 9 Total Mics (8 for ANC, 3 for Voice) | 8 Total Mics (All structural ANC/Voice) |
| Quick Charge Rate | 5 Mins = 1.5 Hours of Use | 3 Mins = 3 Hours of Use |
| Wired Connectivity | USB-C Audio (Audio/Data) | 3.5mm Analog Audio Jack + USB-C |
| Spatial Processing | Proprietary Personalized Spatial Audio | 360 Reality Audio Tracking |
| Weight Profiles | 13.5 ounces (384.8 grams) | 8.8 ounces (250 grams) |
FAQ Section
Can I use the AirPods Max 2 with an Android phone?
Yes, you can pair the AirPods Max 2 with any Android device using standard Bluetooth pairing protocols. However, you will completely lose access to advanced software features like Personalized Spatial Audio, automatic device handoff, Siri voice activation, firmware updates, and button configuration mapping.
Does the Sony WH-1000XM5 support true lossless audio?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 can play true lossless audio if you utilize the included 3.5mm analog audio cable with the headphone power turned off or on. Over wireless connections, it utilizes Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec, which streams at a high bitrate of up to 990kbps, which is near-lossless high-resolution audio, but technically still compressed.
Why does Apple use physical controls while Sony uses touch panels?
Apple opted for a mechanical Digital Crown to provide precise, tactile feedback that works flawlessly regardless of weather conditions or whether you are wearing gloves. Sony uses a capacitive touch-sensitive panel on the right earcup to minimize mechanical wear points and allow for seamless swipe gestures for volume and track skipping.
Is the clamping force on the AirPods Max 2 too tight for large heads?
The stainless steel frame of the AirPods Max 2 features a relatively firm clamping force designed to create a tight acoustic seal for optimal noise cancellation and to keep the heavy earcups stable. If you have a larger head size, this can cause noticeable pressure fatigue around the ears and jawline during the first few weeks of breaking them in.
How do I completely power off the AirPods Max 2?
The AirPods Max 2 does not feature a dedicated hardware power button. To conserve battery, you must place them flat on a table to trigger an idle sleep mode, or slide them directly into the included Smart Case, which instantly forces the internal processors into an ultra-low-power standby state.
Can the internal battery on either of these headphones be replaced?
Neither Apple nor Sony designs their premium consumer headphones with user-replaceable batteries. If your battery health degrades significantly over years of continuous cycling, you will need to send the unit into an authorized brand service center or an Apple Store to undergo a paid structural battery swap service.
Does the Sony XM5 fold down completely for easy storage?
No, the Sony WH-1000XM5 features a redesigned silent joint hinge system that allows the earcups to rotate completely flat, but it does not fold inward toward the headband like the older WH-1000XM4. This design choice requires the included zippered travel case to have a wider, flat footprint in your bag.
Is wired audio possible on the AirPods Max 2 using the USB-C port?
Yes, the upgraded USB-C port on the AirPods Max 2 supports direct digital wired audio input. When connected via a compatible USB-C to USB-C cable to a source like a Mac or iPad, it supports pristine 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio playback.
Which headset handles outdoor wind noise better during phone calls?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 handles severe outdoor wind noise slightly better due to its physical wind-noise reduction structure surrounding the external microphone ports and its advanced AI algorithmic processing, which actively distinguishes and strips ambient wind patterns away from human speech.
Do these premium headphones support multi-device multipoint pairing?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 supports true platform-agnostic multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to an iPhone and a Windows PC or Android tablet simultaneously. The AirPods Max 2 supports seamless multi-device switching, but this feature functions exclusively within the Apple ecosystem via your iCloud account registration.