ZDNET adds AirPods Max 2 as top pick in updated AirPods review
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · May 1
ZDNET adds AirPods Max 2 as top pick in updated AirPods review
11 articles · Updated · ZDNet · May 1
In its May 1 update, ZDNET kept AirPods Pro 3 as best overall and ranked the new over-ear model second after its April release.
The review says AirPods Max 2's H2 chip improves noise cancellation, audio processing and Apple-only features such as Live Translation, Siri interactions and Conversation Awareness.
ZDNET's 2026 lineup also includes AirPods 4 with ANC and standard AirPods 4, with prices ranging from $100 to $549 and recommendations varying by fit, features and Apple ecosystem use.
How do AirPods Pro 3 and Max 2 truly compare to Sony or Bose for audio quality and noise cancellation outside the Apple ecosystem?
Could AirPods Pro 3's heart rate and hearing aid features signal a new era for wearable health tech, or are there hidden limitations?
With AI and health features expanding, what surprising risks or privacy concerns might come with using AirPods as biometric monitors?