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Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sonos Ace

Product A: Apple

AirPods Max 2

85 of 161 known
Change Apple AirPods Max 2

Compare the Sonos Ace with

Product B: Sonos

Ace

67 of 161 known
Change Sonos Ace

Compare the Apple AirPods Max 2 with

61 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 23 different values
  • 38 known for one only
  • 29 the same
  • 62 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Quick chargeA: 1.5hB: 3hSonos is 1.5 h higher.
  2. Battery life (claimed, max)A: 20hB: 30hSonos is 10 h higher.

Size, drawn to scale

Front and side.

Weight

0 to 400 g

Weight (measured)
A383g
B313g
Headset weight
A386.2g
B312g

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

AApple AirPods Max 2
BSonos Ace

General

6 of 8 differ
Series
AirPods1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 8 October 2026
Not available
Model numbers
A3454, MHWK4AM/A1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 8 October 2026Current Identify your AirPods names AirPods Max 2, A3454, introduced 2026. Reference US Midnight MHWK4AM/A is independently identified by the exact retailer page. Excludes A3184 USB-C first generation and A2096 Lightning.14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact selected US Midnight MHWK4AM/A. Regulatory A3454 is independently established by Apple identification source.
ACEG1US1BLK, ACEG1US11Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Page data lists SKU ACEG1US1BLK for Black and ACEG1US1 for Soft White. These are US SKUs.
GTIN / EAN
19595103906014Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact selected Midnight MHWK4AM/A, headphones-only listing, UPC 195951039060. Optional stand bundle excluded.
Not available
Announced
16 March 20264Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026
21 May 20247Press articletomsguide.com/audio/headphones/sonos-officially-unveils-its-first-wireless-headphones-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Sonos Ace announced May 21, 2024.
Status
Available3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026
Available1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Sold on the maker US store, currently at $239 against a $349 list price.
Predecessor
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026SoundGuys's review advises owners of the AirPods Max with USB-C not to upgrade to the AirPods Max 2.21Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/03/16/apple-announces-airpods-max-2Read 23 October 2026MacRumors says the AirPods Max 2 are the third AirPods Max, after the 2020 original and the 2024 USB-C update.
Not available
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
$5494Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026Maker US launch MSRP, preorder March 25, shipping/store availability early April.
$4497Press articletomsguide.com/audio/headphones/sonos-officially-unveils-its-first-wireless-headphones-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Expected prices at the announcement: USD $449 / GBP 449 / EUR 499 / AUD $699. TechCrunch and What Hi-Fi? also give $449.
Launch price (EU)
€5795Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026German maker launch price includes VAT.
€4997Press articletomsguide.com/audio/headphones/sonos-officially-unveils-its-first-wireless-headphones-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Expected EUR 499 at the announcement. Digital Trends gives EUR 499 as the 2024 launch price. Tax treatment is not stated.8Press articledigitaltrends.com/home-theater/sonos-ace-ultra-may-launch-cheaper-than-the-original-ace-new-leak-revealsRead 11 October 2026The Ace launched in 2024 at EUR 499.
Markets
US, DE4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026US maker launch and German maker launch substantiate these markets only.
Not available
Colours
Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Black, Soft White1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Colors: Black, Soft White. Finish: Matte.
Segment
Music3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026
Music1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Maker markets it as noise-canceling headphones for music, spatial audio and TV listening.

Design

1 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Over-ear1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Over-ear headphones. The page and What Hi-Fi? call them over-ear.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026
Closed4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The TrueCinema section says the aim is not to feel like you are wearing closed-back headphones, which describes the Ace as closed-back. HeadphoneCheck lists the type as closed.5Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Technical specifications: Type closed, ear coupling over-ear, transducer principle dynamic.
Wearing style
Headband2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Headband2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Extendable stainless steel headband with rotating ear cups.
Folding
Not available
Flat4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The ear cups swivel flat but do not fold up. Shotkit also says they do not fold.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact technical table and narrative independently rotating ear cups. Generic Foldable No means no inward hinge, not absence of swivel.
Yes2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026The extendable stainless steel headband and rotating ear cups adjust for a bespoke fit.4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The ear cups swivel flat.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

4 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Dynamic1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver in each cup.
Driver size
40mm13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 technical specification lists 40 mm dynamic drivers. No A2096 teardown capacity transferred.
40mm1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver in each cup.
Drivers per side
114Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact technical table explicitly one per earpiece.
11Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver in each cup.
Diaphragm material
Not available
Not available
Magnet
Dual-neodymium ring magnet motor3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Exact current driver section. No numerical THD claim is published here.
Not available
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Not available
Not available
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
48kHz4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 202624-bit/48 kHz digital lossless playback using the included USB-C cable. Bluetooth does not inherit this resolution.
48kHz4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Connected to a laptop over USB-C, the headphones support sample rates of 16-bit/48kHz.
Max digital audio bit depth
24bits4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026Same wired USB scope, not microphone resolution.
16bits4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Connected to a laptop over USB-C, the headphones support sample rates of 16-bit/48kHz.
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 8 October 2026Current guide 27 says Custom EQ settings are stored on AirPods and carry to any paired device. Set using compatible current iPhone/iPad/Mac software. Exact release notes identify firmware 9A348 as introducing Max 2 Custom EQ. The May 2026 SoundGuys no-custom-EQ statement describes earlier software.11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 8 October 2026Current exact supported-model list names AirPods Max 2, not Max 1.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 2026Exact 9A348 release notes introduce Custom EQ for Max 2. Current original guide separately establishes storage on the headphones and carryover to other paired devices.
Not available
Custom EQ bands
310Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 8 October 2026Explicit three-band Low, Mid and High playback equalizer. This is separate from automatic Adaptive EQ and Headphone Accommodations.11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 8 October 2026Supported-model scope for the companion three-band EQ guide.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 20269A348 release notes name low, mid and high controls. Required host software remains the compatible current Apple software described by the guide, not an invented minimum.
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Personalized Spatial Audio2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Compatible Apple hardware, software and content required. Personal profile needs TrueDepth iPhone camera.
Dolby Atmos1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Dolby Atmos requires a supported Sonos soundbar and the Sonos app for TV Audio Swap. Spatial audio from supported services and devices works over Bluetooth.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Sonos Intelligent Motion Processing with Dolby Head Tracking. Enable it in the Sonos app. The Sonos Ace must be registered in the app.

Noise cancelling

4 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Active Noise Cancellation dynamically adapts to fit, blocking external sounds. Aware mode blends ambient sound with the content.
ANC type
Hybrid3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Exact current Max 2 page names six outward-facing and two inward-facing cancellation microphones.
Not available
ANC microphones
82Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Not available
Adaptive ANC
Yes3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts cancellation with environment. Current firmware and compatible host software required.
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Active Noise Cancellation dynamically adapts to fit and surroundings.
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Aware mode blends ambient sound with your content.
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Yes3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Specially engineered mesh over the microphones minimizes noise from wind on phone calls.

Measured

9 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Public Methodology v2.3 verdict describes bass and midrange close to its target, with a mid-treble dip. ANC-off bass-range noise is noted. Locked numeric measurements are not used.16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026
Not available
Bass amount
2dB16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public Sound Profile category summary rounds bass to +2 dB against the RTINGS target under Methodology v2.3. Precise locked regional/full-range results and test firmware/settings remain unknown. No locked result extraction.
Not available
Treble amount
-3dB16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Same public rounded category summary gives -3 dB. Not a full-range error or a graph-picked peak.
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
AApple AirPods Max 2
ANC onOverall (dB)
Yes33.2
Source19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact ANC test discussion reports average attenuation 33.2 dB. Low/mid/high table values are not stored because precise band bounds and test-specific rig are not stated in this review. Playback level, firmware and host unknown. Historical No EQ statement precedes current 9A348 Custom EQ.
BSonos Ace
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
33.2dB
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Standard mode speech recordings have weak rejection of office, street and reverberant noise. Voice Isolation improves noise rejection on a compatible Apple host.15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Exact automated speech recordings, standard versus Voice Isolation. No numerical bandwidth or SNR inferred.
Not available
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
AApple AirPods Max 2
ANCHours (h)
Yes21.01
Source15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Literal public result: 21 hours and 31 seconds, not 31 minutes. Continuous rundown ANC on, music at 75 dB SPL, added May 27, 2026. Purchased exact MHWK4AM/A unit. Test-specific connection, host, codec, firmware, spatial mode and lighting are not explicitly assigned, so omitted. Review metadata dates/dimensions are not adopted.
BSonos Ace
Not available
Battery life (measured, max)
21.01h
Not available
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
383g(13.5 oz)19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact public comparison table labels Measured Weight 383 g. Cable, pad inclusion and scale resolution are not explicitly assigned. Maker 386.2 g remains separately claimed.
313g(11 oz)5Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Weighed by HeadphoneCheck: 313 g without cable and 329 g with cable.

Microphone

4 of 16 differ
Microphone
Built-in2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Built-in2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Eight microphones in the ear cups for noise control and voice targeting. No boom microphone.
Microphone element
Not available
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Not available
Voice microphones
32Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Three voice-pickup microphones, two shared with the eight ANC microphones. Nine physical microphones total, not eleven.
Not available
Total microphones
Not available
81Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Eight microphones for noise control and voice targeting. The maker states the total for the headset.
Mic frequency response
Not available
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
DSP3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Voice Isolation uses H2 computational audio for transmitted speech. No microphone electrical response or sampling rate inferred.
DSP1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Beamforming microphones target your voice and suppress background noise on calls. Stored as DSP processing. The maker does not claim AI processing.
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Sidetone helps you hear your own voice when Active Noise Cancellation is enabled.2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Sidetone is a setting in the Sonos app Noise Control section. It may not work when the headphones are plugged into another device during a call.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

7 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Bluetooth, USB, Analog8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 analog route needs Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable sold separately. Included USB-C cable supports digital audio.
Bluetooth, USB, Analog2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth. The USB-C port also takes line-in audio over a USB-C to 3.5 mm cable (for analog sources) or a USB-C to USB-C cable. Bluetooth is disabled while a USB-C cable is connected.
Analog source plugs
Not available
Not available
Cable connector on headset
USB-C8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026
USB-C2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Both included cables plug into the headset USB-C port. The 3.5 mm cable is not compatible with third party cables.
Longest included cable
Not available
1.2m1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Longest included cable is the USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, 3.94 ft (1.2 m).
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026
USB-C2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026USB-C port for charging and line-in.
Audio over USB-C cable
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026iPhone/iPad/Mac USB-C playback documented. Calls, Siri and Spatial Audio still require Bluetooth enabled.
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Lossless audio over Bluetooth with a supported device or via a USB-C connection. The page also says to use the USB-C cable for wired listening.
Passive wired listening
No19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact purchased Max 2 test states no passive playback when depleted. Not inferred from USB connector type.
No5Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The USB-C to 3.5 mm cable still needs the headphones switched on. MusicTech says they do not work in passive mode over 3.5 mm.6Reviewmusictech.com/reviews/consumer/sonos-ace-reviewRead 11 October 2026They do not work in passive mode over 3.5 mm. They always have to be on and charged.
Wireless receiver
None16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public exact review explicitly states no low-latency wireless dongle.
None2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth headphones. No dongle in the box.
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth
5.32Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
5.41Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 connection section, no LDAC or aptX.
SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Adaptive Low Latency, aptX Lossless3Maker product pagesupport.sonos.com/en/article/supported-bluetooth-audio-formats-for-sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Maker article lists SBC, AAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Adaptive Low Latency and aptX HD. The page text says Sonos headphones. The article URL names the Sonos Ace. Lossless over Bluetooth needs an Android device with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound aptX for Lossless. What Hi-Fi? and HeadphoneCheck list only SBC, AAC and aptX Lossless.4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Tech specs list SBC, AAC and aptX Lossless. The maker support article lists more aptX variants and is stored.
LE Audio
No20Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-vs-apple-airpods-pro-2-157186Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 comparison explicitly excludes LE Audio and LC3. Current Apple firmware release notes through 9A348 document Custom EQ, not LE Audio. Bluetooth version alone was not used as proof.
Not available
Auracast
No20Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-vs-apple-airpods-pro-2-157186Read 8 October 2026Exact comparison expressly says both miss Auracast broadcasting. Apple Audio Sharing is a separate ecosystem feature.
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Sonos Ace must be registered in the Sonos app to enable Bluetooth multipoint.
Multipoint devices
Not available
22Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026You can connect Sonos Ace to 2 Bluetooth devices and automatically switch between audio streams. Multipoint is off by default.
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Not available
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
iOS, macOS, Android9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 8 October 2026Exact named host routes. New Max 2 Apple functionality requires iOS/iPadOS 26.4+ and current firmware. No console or unnamed Windows support inferred.
Android, iOS1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Page says Works with Apple and Android.
Connection per platform
AApple AirPods Max 2
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
iOSBluetoothYes
iOSUSBNot available
macOSBluetoothYes
macOSUSBNo
AndroidBluetoothYes
AndroidUSBNot available
AndroidAnalogNot available
Source9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 8 October 2026Current exact Max 2 support: Mac and Android USB audio, Android Bluetooth listen-and-talk, Android 12+ analog with separately purchased cable. iPhone paths from exact 108364. Mac wired calls explicitly require Bluetooth and public RTINGS test found no laptop USB microphone. Unknown iOS/Android USB microphone support omitted.16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public exact review reports USB microphone not working with laptops including MacBooks. Only the Mac USB row receives false. Other routes remain maker-supported. Detailed measurements and firmware are membership-locked and were not accessed.
BSonos Ace
Not available
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
1,060mAh1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Li-ion, 1060 mAh battery
Swappable battery
No12Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/important-safety-and-handling-information-dev4744b22af/webRead 8 October 2026Current guide explicitly restricts battery repair to a trained technician. Battery disposal and repair teardown do not establish normal user swapping.
Not available
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
AApple AirPods Max 2
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes20
Source2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker maximum. January/February 2026 preproduction Max 2 with iPhone 17 Pro Max, prerelease software, 256 kbps AAC tracks, volume 50%, ANC enabled and fixed Spatial Audio. Full depletion to stopped playback.
BSonos Ace
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes30
Source1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Up to 30 hours of listening time or 24 hours of call time with Active Noise Cancellation or Aware mode enabled. Stored as the 30 hour listening claim. The 24 hour call time is not stored. The page says battery life varies by use and settings.
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h
30h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
20h
30h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Charging port
USB-C2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
USB-C1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Charge with the included USB-C cable and a compatible power adapter.
Full charge time
Not available
180min1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Complete charge from 0% requires up to 3 hours. Stored as 180 minutes, the upper bound.
Quick charge time
5min2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
3min1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Rapid charge provides 3 hours of listening time in 3 minutes from 0%.
Quick charge playback
1.5h2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Around 1.5 h after 5 min charging depleted headset. March 2026 preproduction Max 2 with iPhone 15 Pro Max, prerelease software, 256 kbps AAC tracks, volume 50%, ANC and fixed Spatial Audio.
3h1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Rapid charge provides 3 hours of listening time in 3 minutes from 0%.
Use while charging
Not available
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

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Controls
Buttons, Volume wheel2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Buttons, Slider2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Content Key slides for volume and presses for playback, plus a Noise Control button and a Power/Bluetooth button. What Hi-Fi? calls the Content Key a slider and button.4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Physical (not touch) controls. A multi-functional slider and button called the content key.
Volume control
Wheel2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Not available
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026User can reverse Crown volume direction and select listening-mode button cycle.
Not available
Wear detection
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Removal pauses audio, replacement within 15 seconds resumes. Lifting one earphone also pauses.
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Feature list: Wear detection.2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Wear detection is enabled by default and can be turned off in the Sonos app.
Voice assistant
Siri2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Voice assistant of the connected device2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Press and hold the Noise Control / Voice Control button to activate the voice assistant on the connected device.

Comfort and build

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Headband type
Not available
Padded5Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The headband is well padded on the underside and trimmed with artificial leather.
Headband material
Not available
Not available
Frame material
Stainless steel14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact build description, corroborated by Apple engineering interview reported by TechRadar.
Stainless steel2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026The stainless steel headband smoothly extends and stays securely in place.
Ear cup material
Anodized aluminum14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026
Not available
Ear pad material
Textile-covered memory foam14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact product narrative. B&H dimensions conflict with labelled Apple body dimensions and are not used. B&H generic multipoint number is not used as proof of concurrent Bluetooth sources.
Memory foam covered in vegan leather4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The ear pads use memory foam coated in a layer of vegan leather (polyurethane).
Replaceable ear pads
Yes13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026
Yes1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Replaceable ear cushions help extend the life of the headphones.2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Ear cushion replacement section.
Ear pad attachment
Magnetic13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Exact identification section specifies magnetic cushions.
Magnetic2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Each cushion is held in place by magnets and comes off with a light pull. It snaps into place when reattached.4Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The replaceable ear pads are attached to the frame by strong magnets.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear cushions13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Easy removable cushions independently corroborated by exact SoundGuys Max 2 review. Batteries are technician-only per Apple.
Ear cushions2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Ear cushions can be easily replaced if they wear out.

Software

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Companion app
Not available
Sonos2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Use the Sonos app to adjust product settings.
App platforms
Not available
Android, iOS2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Sonos app (iOS and Android).
User firmware updates
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Current firmware required by wired-audio setup.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 2026Current exact Max 2 firmware 9A348 is listed. Update by charging in Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone/iPad/Mac. Apple service can update when no Apple host is available.
Yes2Owner's manualsonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosaceRead 11 October 2026Sonos app About screen: check for software updates and see the current software version.

Dimensions and weight

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Headset weight
386.2g(13.6 oz)2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Headset including cushions, excludes 134.5 g Smart Case.
312g(11 oz)1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Weight 0.69 lbs (0.312 kg)
Headset dimensions
Width168.6Height187.3Depth83.4mm(6.6 × 7.4 × 3.3 in)2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker labelled upright headset axes including cushions.
Width160Height191Depth85mm(6.3 × 7.5 × 3.3 in)1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Height 7.52 in (191 mm), Width 6.3 in (160 mm), Depth 3.35 in (85 mm)

Certifications

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Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
BCG-A345417Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCG-A3454Read 8 October 2026Public grant maps exact A3454 to Apple AirPods Max. Grant date March 16, 2026 is certification, not retail. Internal photos/manual links requested human verification or returned unavailable, so no protected body or battery label data used.
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

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In the box
AirPods Max 2, Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, Documentation2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Sonos Ace headphones, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, Travel case with removable cable pouch, Set up guide and legal and warranty information1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026Box contents: Sonos Ace, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, travel case that includes a removable cable pouch, set up guide and legal and warranty information.
Cables included
AApple AirPods Max 2
TypeCount
USB-C to USB-C charging and audio cable1
Source2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Included USB-C cable carries charging and audio. Its length is not published by Apple.
BSonos Ace
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-C to USB-C cable0.751
USB-C to 3.5 mm cable1.21
Source1Maker product pagesonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026USB-C to USB-C cable 2.46 ft (0.75 m). USB-C to 3.5 mm cable 3.94 ft (1.2 m).
Carrying case
Soft15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Included soft Smart Case covers cups, leaves canopy exposed. Exact review describes limited protective coverage.
Hard5Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sonos-aceRead 11 October 2026The Ace arrives in a felt-covered hard case made of recycled plastic with a zip. Shotkit calls it semi-hard.

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)
1year14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Included limited one-year manufacturer warranty, not retailer protection plan.
Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.