Trending Now - Apple Airpods Pro 3 and Max 2: Best Deals and Comparisons
WHO:
CNET - Apple users, content creators, and headphone consumers are the target audience for the AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 comparisons.
CNET - Apple is the manufacturer of the AirPods Max 2, while Sony manufactures the WH-1000XM6.
WHAT:
Slickdeals - Open Box Excellent Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds are available for $160 with free shipping.
Slickdeals - Open Box Excellent AirPods Pro 3 are also listed at $159.99 on Best Buy.
CNET - The AirPods Max 2 are expected to settle around $500 on Amazon later in 2026.
CNET - The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549.
CNET - The Sony WH-1000XM6 retail for $450 but are typically discounted to around $400 during flash sales.
CNET - The Max 2 weigh 386.2 grams (13.6 ounces), while the XM6 weigh 254 grams (9 ounces).
CNET - The Max 2's noise canceling is reported to be 1.5 times better than the original Max.
CNET - The Max 2 are rated for up to 20 hours of battery life, while the XM6 are rated for up to 30 hours.
WHERE:
CNET - The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are available for purchase on Amazon and Best Buy.
WHEN:
CNET - The original AirPods Max were launched in 2020, and the Max USB-C model was released in late 2024.
CNET - The article mentions that significant discounts on the Max 2 are expected later in 2026.
WHY:
CNET - The high price of the AirPods Max was a source of contention when the original model launched, setting a benchmark for premium noise-canceling headphones.
HOW:
CNET - The Max 2 support studio-quality audio recording and Apple's camera remote feature using the digital crown.
CNET - The Max 2 feature the H2 chip, which adds capabilities such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Voice Isolation.
CNET - The Max 2 support USB-C audio for wired listening, while the XM6 come with an analog headphone cable with a 3.5mm connector.
(UPDATED April 19, 2026 11:07 UTC)
Slickdeals is offering open box excellent Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds for $160 with free shipping, while Best Buy has them listed at just $159.99. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max 2 are anticipated to be priced around $500 on Amazon later this year, featuring studio-quality audio recording and Apple's camera remote capability using the digital crown. These deals highlight the ongoing interest in Apple's audio products as consumers look for quality and value.
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(UPDATED April 19, 2026 07:17 UTC)
Apple's new AirPods Max 2, priced at $549, are being compared to Sony's WH-1000XM6, which typically retail for around $400 during flash sales. The Max 2 weigh 386.2 grams and boast noise canceling that's reported to be one and a half times better than the original model, while the XM6 offer up to 30 hours of battery life compared to the Max 2's 20 hours. Both headphones are available for purchase on Amazon and Best Buy, and significant discounts on the Max 2 are expected later in 2026.