2026 comparison

Updated Jan 16, 2026

|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Time to compare Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) with Apple AirPods Max (USB-C). We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.

Ratings: 4★ vs 4.6★

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

★4

(11,865)•Amazon

Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)

Connectivity:2.4 GHz HyperSpeed (USB-A dongle) + Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Wired Audio & Charging)

Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2

Codecs:AAC, SBC

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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

★4.6

(3,079)•Amazon

Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)

Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)

Bluetooth Version:5.0

Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)

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Comparison: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

★4(11,865)Amazon

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

★4.6(3,079)Amazon

Criterion	Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)	Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Rating	★4(11,865)Amazon	★4.6(3,079)Amazon
Form Factor	Over-ear (closed-back)	Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity	2.4 GHz HyperSpeed (USB-A dongle) + Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Wired Audio & Charging)	Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.2	5.0
Codecs	AAC, SBC	AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)
ANC	No (Passive noise isolation via memory foam seals)	Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency	No	Yes (Transparency mode)
Drivers	Razer TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers	40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver
Frequency Response	12 Hz – 28,000 Hz	Not officially specified
Microphones	Detachable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic (32 kHz sampling rate)	9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared)
Battery Life	Up to 70 hours (2.4 GHz wireless)	Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio)
Battery Life	N/A (No charging case)	N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge)
Charging	USB-C; ~4 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = 6 hours playback	USB-C
Multipoint	Yes (SmartSwitch Dual Wireless: Toggles between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth)	Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only)
Low Latency Mode	Yes (via 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed dongle)	Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired)
Wired Mode	Yes (USB-C to USB-A cable for digital audio + charging; NO 3.5mm jack)	Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable)
Water Resistance	None (No IP rating)	None
Weight	11.3 oz (320 g)	0.85 lb (385 g)
Controls	Physical knobs/buttons (Volume knob, Mic mute, Power, SmartSwitch/EQ button)	Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button
App Eq	Razer Synapse (PC); On-headset eSports FPS Profiles (Apex, CoD, CS:GO, Valorant)	iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations)
Extras	THX Spatial Audio (Windows only); Breathable FlowKnit memory foam cushions; USB extender cable included	Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode)
Pros	HyperClear Super Wideband Mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless) Exceptional 70-hour battery life eliminates frequent charging interruptions On-board FPS audio profiles tuned by pro gamers (usable without software running) Extremely comfortable clamping force and breathable cushions for long sessions SmartSwitch allows seamless toggling between PC (dongle) and phone (Bluetooth) audio	Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy
Cons	Completely lacks a 3.5mm analog jack (cannot connect to Xbox controllers or older devices) No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features SmartSwitch does not mix audio simultaneously (one source at a time) Full feature set (THX Spatial, precise EQ) is locked to Razer Synapse software on PC	Heavier than most competitors (385g) Smart Case offers minimal physical protection Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness) Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged No official water resistance rating
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.	Check Price on Amazon→	Check Price on Amazon→

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

Rating:★4(11,865)Amazon

Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)

Connectivity:2.4 GHz HyperSpeed (USB-A dongle) + Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Wired Audio & Charging)

Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2

Codecs:AAC, SBC

ANC:No (Passive noise isolation via memory foam seals)

Transparency:No

Drivers:Razer TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers

Frequency Response:12 Hz – 28,000 Hz

Microphones:Detachable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic (32 kHz sampling rate)

Battery Life:Up to 70 hours (2.4 GHz wireless)

Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)

Charging:USB-C; ~4 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = 6 hours playback

Multipoint:Yes (SmartSwitch Dual Wireless: Toggles between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth)

Low Latency Mode:Yes (via 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed dongle)

Wired Mode:Yes (USB-C to USB-A cable for digital audio + charging; NO 3.5mm jack)

Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)

Weight:11.3 oz (320 g)

Controls:Physical knobs/buttons (Volume knob, Mic mute, Power, SmartSwitch/EQ button)

App Eq:Razer Synapse (PC); On-headset eSports FPS Profiles (Apex, CoD, CS:GO, Valorant)

Extras:THX Spatial Audio (Windows only); Breathable FlowKnit memory foam cushions; USB extender cable included

✓ Pros:

• HyperClear Super Wideband Mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless)
• Exceptional 70-hour battery life eliminates frequent charging interruptions
• On-board FPS audio profiles tuned by pro gamers (usable without software running)
• Extremely comfortable clamping force and breathable cushions for long sessions
• SmartSwitch allows seamless toggling between PC (dongle) and phone (Bluetooth) audio

✗ Cons:

• Completely lacks a 3.5mm analog jack (cannot connect to Xbox controllers or older devices)
• No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features
• SmartSwitch does not mix audio simultaneously (one source at a time)
• Full feature set (THX Spatial, precise EQ) is locked to Razer Synapse software on PC

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon→

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Rating:★4.6(3,079)Amazon

Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)

Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)

Bluetooth Version:5.0

Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)

ANC:Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation)

Transparency:Yes (Transparency mode)

Drivers:40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver

Frequency Response:Not officially specified

Microphones:9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared)

Battery Life:Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio)

Battery Life:N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge)

Charging:USB-C

Multipoint:Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only)

Low Latency Mode:Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired)

Wired Mode:Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable)

Water Resistance:None

Weight:0.85 lb (385 g)

Controls:Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button

App Eq:iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations)

Extras:Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode)

✓ Pros:

• Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem
• Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
• Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable
• Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy

✗ Cons:

• Heavier than most competitors (385g)
• Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
• Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness)
• Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged
• No official water resistance rating

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon→

Which one is better?

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is stronger in overall satisfaction, but Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.

Who should buy each?

Choose Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) if:
- You want HyperClear Super Wideband Mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless), Exceptional 70-hour battery life eliminates frequent charging interruptions
- Rating: 4★ (11865 reviews)

Choose Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if:
- You prefer Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem, Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
- Rating: 4.6★ (3079 reviews)

Conclusion

There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) excels if you value hyperclear super wideband mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless). Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is better if you prioritize seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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