Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 600: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 600: 81% of 253 owners recommend it, vs 53% of 196 for the Apple AirPods Max 2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Apple AirPods Max 2

53%of 196 owners recommend
53% recommend · 19% neutral · 28% don't
Owners praise
  • Rich, clear sound, the reason owners who keep it give most often
  • Strong noise cancelling, one of the features owners praise most
  • Comfortable for many owners, some for whole flights or workdays, though about as many find it too heavy
Owners complain about
  • Faults reported by many owners, mainly battery drain while sitting in the case and dropped connections, with several needing resets or a replacement unit
  • Heavy for many owners, some of whom get sore heads or headaches within an hour or two
  • Most first-generation owners who upgraded hear only small gains, though a smaller group calls it a clear step up
Full owner report →

Sennheiser HD 600

81%of 253 owners recommend
81% recommend · 11% neutral · 8% don't
Owners praise
  • Neutral, balanced, natural reference-grade sound
  • Owners love them and won't sell
  • Reveals new detail in familiar music
Owners complain about
  • Can sound bright, harsh or shouty in the highs
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Apple AirPods Max 2 if
  • ✓Apple users who value tight integration with their devices and can exchange a faulty unit
  • ✓Listeners who want strong noise cancelling paired with full, detailed sound
  • ✓Buyers who can try them on and return them if the fit is wrong
Skip it if
  • Anyone sensitive to heavy headphones, especially for long sessions
  • First-generation Max owners hoping for a big jump in sound
Get the Sennheiser HD 600 if
  • ✓Listeners wanting a neutral, balanced reference sound
  • ✓People who value long, fatigue-free listening sessions
  • ✓Acoustic, jazz, classical, and rock fans
  • ✓Home listeners pairing them with a proper headphone amp
Skip it if
  • Anyone wanting a wide, expansive soundstage
  • Commuting or outdoor use given the open-back leakage

What Apple AirPods Max 2 owners say

“My AirPods Max 2 are pretty good and little bit better than AirPods Pro 3 in terms of ANC.”
— @AdityaBandaru13 on YouTube
“I bought a pair of these on a whim and couldn't be happier. I had resisted because a friend said they were uncomfortable. I actually find them comfortable and the noise cancelation is insane.”
— @jimtipton8888 on YouTube
“Just got my AirPods Max 2 yesterday and I’m already experiencing a massive battery drain.”
— @KevinHouseyutiol on YouTube

What Sennheiser HD 600 owners say

“They are a total MARVEL and personally I recommend them HIGHLY to anyone who calls themselves an audiophile”
— @omariscal39 on YouTube
“estos audífonos son excelentes para mezcla en estudio”
— @IGNOTOMX on YouTube
“I have the HD600 and I'm just not a fan because of the total lack of anything lower than upper mid bass and also how narrow the cups are which rub my ears raw”
— keenbeans87 on Reddit

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 600: frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 or the Sennheiser HD 600 better?

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 600: 81% of 253 owners recommend it, vs 53% of 196 for the Apple AirPods Max 2.

Who should get the Apple AirPods Max 2?

Owners point the Apple AirPods Max 2 at apple users who value tight integration with their devices and can exchange a faulty unit, and listeners who want strong noise cancelling paired with full, detailed sound.

Who should get the Sennheiser HD 600?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 600 at listeners wanting a neutral, balanced reference sound, and people who value long, fatigue-free listening sessions.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Apple AirPods Max 2 is faults reported by many owners, mainly battery drain while sitting in the case and dropped connections, with several needing resets or a replacement unit. For the Sennheiser HD 600, it's can sound bright, harsh or shouty in the highs.