Looking for an honest Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs SoundPEATS Air5 Lite comparison in 2026? We scored both headphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite comes out ahead 42/100 to 70/100 — a 28-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite pulls noticeably ahead. On price the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite undercuts the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) by 595% ($79 vs $549), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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SoundPEATS Air5 Lite clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, especially in value ($79 vs $549), scoring 70 vs 42. If you want the better overall headphones, SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is the recommended choice.
Picking SoundPEATS Air5 Lite over Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) means trading these off.
Nichts Wesentliches — die Spezifikationen sind ungefähr gleich
$549
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | SoundPEATS Air5 LiteW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | In-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm✓ | 13mm |
| Frequency Response | — | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | Yes (ENC) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes |
| EQ App | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) | — |
| Touch Controls | Yes (Digital Crown, button) | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Battery Life | 20hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | false | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | false | false |
| Weight | 385g | 5g✓ |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange | Black, White |
| Price | 549$ | 79$✓ |
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy SoundPEATS Air5 Lite if…
Buy the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, especially in value ($79 vs $549), scoring 70 vs 42. If you want the better overall headphones, SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is the recommended choice.
No, SoundPEATS Air5 Lite scores higher (70 vs 42).
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is cheaper at $79 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite lasts longer with 30 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is lighter at 5g vs 385g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.