ZDNET tests 4 headphones on 2,700-mile flights: AirPods Max 2 surprise
Apple's AirPods Max 2 excelled in ANC and ecosystem but faltered in comfort.
Deep Dive
Jada Jones of ZDNET flew 2,700 miles with four headphones: Apple AirPods Max 2, Sony WF-1000XM6, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and Sony 1000X The Collexion. The AirPods Max 2 delivered outstanding low-frequency noise cancellation and vibrant sound for movies, plus seamless switching across iPhone and MacBooks. However, after two hours of continuous wear, the sheer weight caused discomfort. The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds offered a pocketable case, great battery life, and excellent ANC.
Key Points
- AirPods Max 2 provided top-tier low-frequency noise cancellation and seamless Apple device switching but caused discomfort after 2 hours due to 385g weight.
- Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds offered a pocketable case, excellent battery life, and strong ANC, making them ideal for extended travel.
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 and Sony 1000X The Collexion also tested; travel fit and sound quality varied, with no single winner for all scenarios.
Why It Matters
For frequent travelers, choosing headphones involves balancing ANC power, comfort, and ecosystem integration—a trade-off validated by real flight testing.