Is the used AirPods Max a good buy over a new one?

Only if the wear does not bother you. The hardware is identical, so you get the same ANC and sound. A new sealed unit removes the risk of a tired battery or scratched cups.

Do both versions sound the same?

Yes. Both use 40 mm drivers, the H1 chip and active noise cancelling, with the same 20 Hz to 20 kHz response. Condition affects cosmetics and battery health, not the tuning.

The new sealed unit, on average. Battery capacity fades with charge cycles, and the used pair has already been through them. The seller says it still holds a solid charge, but a new unit starts fresh.

Can I use either with Android?

Yes for Bluetooth audio and ANC. You lose automatic switching, spatial audio and the on-device controls that need an Apple device. Hi-res codecs are also limited outside Apple hardware.

Is the Lightning connector a problem?

It is the older port; newer AirPods Max use USB-C. If you already carry a Lightning cable, it is fine. The used unit does not include one, so budget for a cable.

Are they good for travel and the gym?

For flights, yes: the ANC is among the best. For the gym, no. They are heavy, not water resistant, and the Smart Case gives little protection in a bag.

Apple AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)

These are the same headphone. Both are over-ear AirPods Max with the H1 chip, 40 mm drivers, active noise cancelling and about 20 hours of playback. The real difference is condition and what ships in the box, not sound. Buy the sealed one for a gift or for warranty peace of mind; buy the used one only if you accept scuffs and no cable. Reviewers consistently praise the ANC, build and comfort, and criticize the weight and the case.

Choose the AirPods Max (used) if you want the same sound and ANC and can live with visible wear, a 3-of-5 condition grade and no charging cable in the box.
Choose the AirPods Max (Lightning) if you want a new, sealed unit with the full original box contents and no cosmetic surprises.

Prices

Apple AirPods Max: $31.00 at vipoutlet.com (last seen Nov 5)
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning): $110.00 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Apple AirPods Max is $79.00 cheaper than the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 10)

	Apple AirPods Max	Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Condition	Used, graded 3 of 5 with scuffs, scratches and worn finishes	New and sealed in the original packaging
In the box	Headphones and Smart Case only; no charging cable	Original box with all originally boxed contents
Charging	Lightning, cable not included	Lightning connector, cable included
Chip and drivers	Apple H1 chip per ear cup, 40 mm drivers	Apple H1 chip per ear cup, 40 mm drivers
Noise cancelling	Active noise cancelling with nine microphones	Active noise cancelling with nine microphones
Battery	Up to 20 hours, 18 days standby; seller says it holds a solid charge	Up to 20 hours, 18 days standby
Weight	384.8 g, heavy for long sessions	384.8 g, heavy for long sessions
Water resistance	Sweat-proof only, not water resistant	Sweat-proof only, not water resistant

Spec	Apple AirPods Max	Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Headphone Cup Type	Over-ear	Over-ear
Body Part Use	Ear, Head	Ear, Head
Noise Cancellation Type	Active	Active
Max Battery Life	20 hours (on a single charge)	20 hours (on a single charge)
Rechargeable Battery	Yes	Yes
Standby Time	18 days	18 days
Earpad Material	Memory foam	Memory foam
Driver Size	40 mm	40 mm
Frequency Response	20 kilohertz (maximum)	20 kilohertz (maximum)
Headphone Impedance	16 ohm	16 ohm
Sensitivity	100 decibels adjusted	100 decibels adjusted
Sound Output	Surround sound	Surround sound

Spec	Apple AirPods Max	Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Total Harmonic Distortion	Ultra-low distortion	Ultra-low distortion
Water Protection	Sweat-Proof	Sweat-Proof
Waterproof	No	No
Water Resistant	No	No
Microphone Highlights	Built-in Microphone	Built-in Microphone
Noise Cancelling Microphone	Yes	Yes
Integrated Microphone	Yes	Yes
Microphone Mount Type	Built-In	Built-In
Microphone Sound Input	Beamforming	Beamforming

Apple AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)

Prices

Apple AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)

Prices

Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store