Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 620S: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 53% of 196 Apple AirPods Max 2 owners recommend it, vs 58% of 93 for the Sennheiser HD 620S.

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 620S

58%of 93 owners recommend
58% recommend · 24% neutral · 18% don't
Owners praise
  • Surprisingly wide, spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, with several owners saying it rivals or beats open-back headphones in this regard
  • Excellent comfort and passive isolation, with soft, deep ear cups and padding many describe as some of the best they've worn
  • Outperforms other closed-backs owners have compared it to, including the DT770, FT1, HDB630, and Noire X
Owners complain about
  • Treble can be harsh, bright, or metallic-sounding, especially in the upper registers and vocals
  • Getting a proper seal and comfortable fit is finicky for some, including a protruding headband anchor piece pressing into the ear cup area
  • Bass can feel weak, anemic, or lacking low-end extension, particularly noticeable for movies and sub-bass-heavy content
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 620S if
  • ✓Gamers wanting a closed-back with wide soundstage for competitive FPS
  • ✓Office/WFH users needing strong passive isolation from surrounding noise
  • ✓Sennheiser 6XX/650 fans wanting similar tonality in a closed-back
  • ✓Listeners willing to apply EQ to unlock the headphone's full detail
Skip it if
  • People with fit issues who can't get a proper seal for bass
  • Bass-heads or movie watchers wanting deep sub-bass rumble

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 620S owners say

“Just got my 620s yesterday, I like it, which is saying a lot for a closed back. I think it’s easily one of the best closed back headphones not only in the price range, just in general.”
— MoonWun_ on Reddit
“Crazy enough, the HD800s and the HD620s share the top spot in my endgame headphones. And the price difference is over €1,000. I just can’t believe what the HD620s deliver for €279.”
— No-Desk-1808 on Reddit
“I think technically the 620s but the design of the ear cups means they have this bit that protrudes into the ear cups (I think the anchor for the headband) and it’s quite uncomfortable (at least for me).”
— gussic on Reddit

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 620S: frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 or the Sennheiser HD 620S better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 53% of 196 Apple AirPods Max 2 owners recommend it, vs 58% of 93 for the Sennheiser HD 620S.

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 620S?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 620S at gamers wanting a closed-back with wide soundstage for competitive FPS, and office/WFH users needing strong passive isolation from surrounding noise.

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 620S, it's treble can be harsh, bright, or metallic-sounding, especially in the upper registers and vocals.