Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 660S2: 61% of 231 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 660S2

61%of 231 owners recommend
61% recommend · 20% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Lush, natural mids and vocals with classic Sennheiser timbre
  • Deeper, richer bass with much better sub-bass extension than the older 6x0
  • Excellent imaging and soundstage for gaming and movies
Owners complain about
  • Dark, veiled or muffled-sounding presentation
  • Loses the forward midrange magic of the cheaper 600/650
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 660S2 if
  • ✓HD6x0 owners wanting more bass extension and treble sparkle
  • ✓All-day listeners who want a warm, fatigue-free sound
  • ✓Gaming, movie, and music all-rounder seekers
  • ✓Metal, rock, and EDM fans wanting fuller low end
Skip it if
  • Those wanting a wide, expansive soundstage over intimate presentation
  • Purists chasing the classic 600/650 midrange, which feels recessed

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 660S2 owners say

“I've had it for 5 years now and I still consider it the best of the 600 series”
— @o.f.ftrack3444 on YouTube
“They are my go-to primary headphones.”
— @scottlowell493 on YouTube
“At $250-$350 I would consider giving these a go at $600 they are a pass.”
— @mindhead1 on YouTube

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 or the Sennheiser HD 660S2 better?

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 660S2: 61% of 231 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 660S2?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 660S2 at hD6x0 owners wanting more bass extension and treble sparkle, and all-day listeners who want a warm, fatigue-free sound.

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 660S2, it's dark, veiled or muffled-sounding presentation.