Compare Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 Wireless Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max 2

Sound quality was generally praised as good, engaging, clear, and strong for the price.

Overall sound quality was broadly praised as rich, cleaner and more resolving, though some reviewers found the tuning less neutral or only incrementally improved.

ANC background-noise handling was praised for treadmill, commute, and low-frequency noise reduction.

ANC background artifacts were mostly praised as quiet, but lab-focused reviewers noted low-frequency rumble or added noise in specific modes.

Spatial and theater-style audio was mixed: theater mode impressed one reviewer, while another did not find extra modes useful.

Spatial audio was often strong for movies and immersive use, though at least one reviewer found it distracting for music.

Bass feedback was mixed: some reviewers liked the punch and quantity, while one found heavy-bass tracks crackly and another called it bassy.

Bass was usually praised as tighter, deeper, punchier, and controlled, though some listeners found it heavy or boomy.

Immersive listening was praised in theater use, where one reviewer felt the experience resembled a big-screen setup.

Immersive audio was praised for depth, fullness and a big presentation, especially with spatial content and USB-C playback.

Soundstage was praised as surprisingly wide for closed-back headphones.

Soundstage width was a strength in positive reviews, with several praising width, depth, openness and more dynamic presentation.

Reviewers generally found ANC effective for daily noise and low-frequency sounds, though one reviewer said it does not block everything.

Reviewers generally found ANC substantially improved and often class-leading, though a few considered the improvement incremental versus already-strong rivals.

Microphone noise reduction was mostly strong, separating voice from background chaos, with minor ambient noise leakage noted.

Voice Isolation and mic noise reduction performed well in many noisy call tests, although standard mode could lag behind.

Passive isolation was praised through the protein-leather seal's ability to reduce outside noise.

Passive isolation from the earcups helped ANC and was praised where fit fully enclosed the ears.

Frequency balance was described positively as well balanced.

Frequency-response accuracy was viewed as generally balanced or accurate, with caveats around bass lift and treble shaping.

Included accessories were praised as a thoughtful, complete bundle.

Included accessories disappointed some reviewers, especially the lack of a charging brick or proper case at this price.

Portability was praised for compact folding and easy case storage.

Portability was a repeated weakness because the headphones do not fold and occupy too much bag space.

The travel case was repeatedly praised as sturdy, stylish, and protective.

The Smart Case was widely criticized for poor protection, awkward design and poor travel practicality, despite enabling low-power mode.

Travel friendliness was praised through the slim case, foldable design, commuting fit, and compact storage.

Travel friendliness suffered because the headphones are heavy, bulky and paired with a minimally protective case.

Android users were presented as getting the strongest wireless-quality benefit from LDAC support.

Android compatibility was repeatedly framed as limited: basic listening works, but Apple-only features and controls are missing.

LDAC support was praised for higher-quality Bluetooth streaming, though one reviewer noted it was wasted on iPhone.

LDAC absence was a downside for reviewers comparing the AirPods Max 2 with Sony and other hi-res Bluetooth rivals.

Maximum-volume clarity was limited by irritating bass crackle at louder listening levels.

Maximum-volume clarity improved, with reviewers noting cleaner highs and less muddiness at high volume.

Headband adjustment was mixed, with one reviewer finding the slider slightly awkward and another praising the defined clicks.

Headband adjustability had a minor fit caveat, with one review wishing it adjusted smaller for more head shapes.

Headband padding was praised as soft and comfortable.

Headband comfort was split between high praise for pressure distribution and criticism that the canopy can feel under-padded.

Connectivity options were praised for dual-device use without constant reconnecting.

Connectivity was a standout for Apple users, with automatic switching reducing the need for manual multipoint management.

Ear cup and pad comfort drew consistent praise for plushness, softness, and a comfortable seal.

Ear cup padding was generally seen as roomy, breathable and supportive, though material feel was not universally preferred.

Transparency or ambient mode was praised as useful for awareness and dialing in outside sound.

Transparency mode was one of the strongest consensus wins, often described as best-in-class, natural and conversation-friendly.

Treble and high-end clarity were praised as clear, detailed, and able to let guitar layers shine.

Treble was praised for detail by some reviewers but criticized by others as rolled off, harsh or recessed in specific ranges.

Overall recommendations were strongly positive, especially for value-focused buyers.

Overall recommendations were positive for Apple users and first-time premium buyers, but cautious for existing owners and audio purists.

Premium feel was a repeated strength, with reviewers saying the headphones feel more expensive than they are.

Premium feel was one of the clearest strengths, driven by aluminum, stainless steel and luxury fit-and-finish.

Midrange and vocal clarity were generally praised, though one reviewer found the mids less refined than the Sony XM6.

Midrange clarity was praised for vocals, improved detail and more natural mids.

Stability was praised during running, with no distracting or unstable feel.

Connection stability and switching were considered better with H2 and reliable in Apple-device use.

USB-C charging was explicitly welcomed as the expected modern standard.

USB-C was welcomed for charging and wired lossless playback, especially by owners of Lightning-era AirPods Max.

Hi-res playback and LDAC were praised for capability, but one iPhone-focused reviewer found LDAC less useful.

Wired USB-C lossless playback was valued for added clarity, depth and more critical listening, even when the difference was not night-and-day.

Reviewers consistently liked the understated, stylish, premium-looking design.

The design was praised as sleek and fashionable, especially for public use, with few cosmetic changes from earlier models.

Instrument separation was praised for revealing individual instruments and layers clearly.

Instrument separation improved noticeably, with reviewers hearing more distinct placement and cleaner layering.

Onboard button controls were criticized as frustrating and confusing because functions are doubled up.

The Digital Crown and physical button controls were repeatedly praised as intuitive, tactile and among the best on headphones.

EQ customization was praised for letting listeners reshape the sound to their preferences.

EQ customization was a repeated frustration because Apple still does not offer a full manual equalizer.

The app was praised for fun listening control and useful ANC adjustment.

Apple's no-standalone-app approach was treated as a tradeoff: seamless on iOS but less flexible than a dedicated app.

Software setup and control were praised as easy through the Edifier app.

Setup simplicity was praised as extremely easy, especially for pairing and first-run setup on iPhone.

Bluetooth 5.4 was framed as a future-proofing improvement.

Bluetooth 5.3 was treated as a welcome stability and latency upgrade, though not cutting-edge.

Smart listening features such as hearing protection and sound limits were viewed as useful additions.

Smart listening features such as Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness were usually useful, but not universally preferred.

Call microphone quality was praised, including calls going smoothly and the mics sounding excellent.

Call and mic quality were generally strong, ranging from top-tier to good enough, with occasional unevenness or fuzz.

Bluetooth range was praised as a practical bonus in everyday movement around the home.

Wireless connection reliability was strong in tested Apple setups, with no dropouts reported in key reviews.

Software features were praised for giving broad control over listening modes, EQ, sound limits, and other headphone functions.

H2-enabled software features were widely viewed as useful modernization, with the main caveat that some users may not use every feature.

Battery life drew some of the strongest praise across reviews, including long weekly use and strong remaining charge after hours.

Battery life was the most consistent weakness, with 20 hours repeatedly called disappointing or behind current flagships.

Fast charging was viewed positively, especially the short top-ups that provide several hours of playback.

Charging-related feedback was limited but charge reminders and quick top-ups were viewed as useful conveniences.

Weight comfort was praised as balanced and not heavy.

Weight comfort was the most persistent ergonomic drawback, with several reviewers saying the heavy earcups become noticeable over time.

Clamp comfort was split: some reviewers found the fit gentle or glasses-friendly, while another warned that clamp force builds over time.

Clamp comfort was mixed: generally tolerable, but with some pressure concerns during longer wear.

Design was praised as sleek, understated, stylish, and elegant.

The design was widely praised as elegant and gorgeous, though unchanged from the original.

Long-use comfort was mostly praised, but the rigid headband created a notable comfort caveat in one review.

Comfort was divisive: some called the headphones extremely comfortable, while others found long sessions uncomfortable because of weight or clamp.

Build quality was described as solid, sturdy, and more premium than the price suggests.

Build quality was a major strength, with reviewers praising the aluminum, steel and premium construction.

Codec support was valued for LDAC and hi-res audio, with the main caveat being limited benefit for iPhone users.

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers wanted LDAC, aptX, LC3 or other high-resolution wireless options.

Value for money was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly comparing performance favorably against the price.

Value depended heavily on Apple ecosystem commitment: some found the price more justified, while others saw better sound or portability for less.

Multipoint connectivity was useful and mostly seamless, with only minor reminders needed in one review.

Automatic device switching worked well inside Apple's ecosystem and exceeded conventional Bluetooth multipoint for reviewers.

Live Translation drew mixed reactions: some found it impressive and travel-ready, while others found pauses awkward or said it still needs work.

Two reviews explicitly awarded Editors' Choice recognition, reinforcing strong critical reception.

Ear cup rotation and tilt were praised for helping the headphones fit the user's head shape.

Ecosystem integration was a major strength, with reviewers praising Apple-device switching and deep iPhone, iPad and Mac behavior.

Firmware and software-update support was praised where it unlocked meaningful sound and spatial improvements at no added cost.

Gaming or mode presets were not strongly convincing, with reviewers either noticing no difference or not finding the modes useful.

Head gestures worked well and felt natural to reviewers who tested them, though they were not always considered essential.

The integrated microphones were praised as surprisingly excellent.

Multi-platform compatibility remained weak because non-Apple devices lose many settings, updates and ecosystem features.

Preset EQ feedback was positive for Dynamic and Rock settings, which reviewers found more enjoyable or lively.

Replaceable or washable earcups were a minor positive for maintenance and longevity.

Water and sweat resistance remained a limitation, with reviewers warning against gym or wet use.

ANC processing was described as natural and airy, avoiding the heavy pressure some rivals create.

Latency improved enough for casual gaming and video use, especially with Game Mode or wired USB-C.

One reviewer noted earpad or fit-related walking noise and faint rustle as a limitation.

Wind handling was mixed: one reviewer found minimal interference, while another did not find wind reduction especially useful.

The H2 chip was consistently credited for the meaningful upgrade, powering ANC, calls, smart features, latency and tuning improvements.

Conversation Awareness was mostly praised for convenience, though some reviewers preferred to switch modes manually or turn it off.

The low-power case behavior preserves charge well, but the lack of a physical power button was criticized.

The reinforced steel headband was credited with giving a durable impression.