Apple's AirPods Max 2 are available at $399.99 — $150 below their $549 list price — at Walmart during its Walmart Deals event, the lowest price recorded for the second-generation over-ear headset. Amazon is simultaneously matching that figure on the starlight colorway, making both retailers competitive entry points for the first time.
The Discount and Where to Find It
Walmart is offering the AirPods Max 2 in every available color at $399.99, while Amazon's discount is limited to the starlight variant at the same price. The $549 standard retail price has historically been the primary barrier cited in reviews; at $399.99, the gap narrows materially. No expiry date for the Walmart Deals promotion is specified in available reporting.
What the Hardware Delivers
The AirPods Max 2 carry an upgraded amplifier over the original model, driving the same physical speaker drivers found in the first-generation AirPods Max with USB-C. A new processing chip enables two notable software features: live translation and conversation awareness. Sound quality, noise cancellation performance, and build quality all drew praise in Apple's product review. The external design is unchanged from the first generation.
Known Limitations
Two hardware omissions blunt the value proposition at any price. The AirPods Max 2 lack a physical power button; users must place the headset in its carrying case to trigger sleep mode. Cross-platform utility is also restricted — most of the headset's distinctive feature set is unavailable when paired with non-Apple devices.
Competitive Positioning Against Sony
At $399.99, the AirPods Max 2 land at price parity with the Sony WH-1000XM6, identified as the benchmark noise-cancelling headset in the same review. The convergence removes the price advantage Sony has held over Apple in the premium over-ear category. Buyers choosing between the two now face a straight feature-and-ecosystem comparison rather than a significant dollar differential — a shift that increases competitive pressure on both products at the segment's upper tier.