Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Lowest retail price hit on Apple's AirPods Max 2 are down to $399 at Amazon (same price at other major merchants like Walmart as well) — $150 off the $549 list price, which is a 27% discount and one of the steeper cuts these headphones have seen since launching. The second-gen model added a USB-C port and updated color options over the original, so you're not buying into an aging spec sheet. For premium over-ear headphones, this price puts them within range of Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, which typically sit between $280–$380 — making the comparison worth a harder look.

What you're getting: The AirPods Max 2 use Apple's H2 chip, the same one powering AirPods Pro 2, which handles both active noise cancellation and Transparency mode processing. The cups are aluminum with a mesh headband — no plastic shell here. Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on. They connect over Bluetooth 5.3, support Apple's Lossless Audio via USB-C (a first for this line), and integrate deeply with the Apple ecosystem through Automatic Switching between devices. If you've been on the fence because the original used Lightning, the USB-C upgrade on this version removes that friction.

Who this is for: iPhone and Mac users who rotate between devices throughout the day — these are the people who actually benefit from Automatic Switching and iCloud pairing sync in ways Android users won't. Also worth considering for frequent flyers: the ANC performance on long-haul flights is among the best available, and 30-hour battery means you're not hunting for an outlet on a transatlantic trip. If you're already in the Apple ecosystem and want the most seamless wireless audio experience on the market, the price gap to the Sony alternative gets a lot easier to justify at $399.

Worth it at this price? At $549, the AirPods Max 2 were a stretch for most people. At $399, the calculus changes. Sony's WH-1000XM5 retails around $280–$350 and offers comparable ANC with better multipoint Bluetooth — a real advantage if you split time between Apple and non-Apple devices. But if you're fully iOS/macOS, the integration advantages here are real and not easily replicated. This $399 price point has appeared occasionally but isn't the daily norm; it's worth acting on if you've been waiting.

Things to know before you buy: Amazon's standard return window is 30 days, which gives you enough time to live with them through a work trip or two. The price listed appears to apply without a promo code. Color variants may be priced differently — check stock on each option before assuming all are $399. The headphones come with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a carrying case (many people dont like Apple Carrying case).