Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Focal Hadenys

These are not rivals for the same job. The AirPods Max is a wireless, noise-cancelling travel and commute headphone with Apple integration and a Lightning port. The Focal Hadenys is a wired, open-back home headphone for quiet-room listening, and it leaks sound both ways. Buy the AirPods Max for portability, calls and active noise cancellation. Buy the Hadenys for sound quality at a desk or couch. Owners praise the Hadenys soundstage and build, and the 3-year warranty is unusually long. AirPods Max owners like the ANC and fit but report the 384.8-gram weight and the case.

• Choose the AirPods Max if you want wireless listening, active noise cancellation, calls and easy pairing with Apple devices on the move.
• Choose the Focal Hadenys if you listen in a quiet room and want an open, detailed wired sound with a long warranty.