Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
AKG K712 Pro — Open-back
AKG

AKG K712 Pro

Open-back

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) wins by 3
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Apple

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C

89
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AKG K712 Pro lands at 86 and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) at 89. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AKG K712 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class build quality
  • ✓Apple ecosystem integration
  • ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Noise cancelling

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on anc (92 vs 0).

Comfort

AKG K712 Pro

Long-session wearability

AKG K712 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 80).

Value for money

AKG K712 Pro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AKG K712 Pro more score per dollar ($349 vs $549).

AKG K712 Pro 86
vs
89 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Score breakdown

AKG K712 Pro
86
anc 0
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90

Specs side-by-side

AKG K712 Pro versus Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — full spec comparison
Spec AKG K712 Pro Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Type
Open-back
—
Driver
—
40 mm dynamic
ANC
—
Hybrid 9-mic
Bluetooth
—
5.0
Codecs
—
AAC + Lossless USB-C
Battery
—
20 hr (with ANC)
Charging
—
USB-C
Weight
—
384 g

AKG K712 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Pros
  • +Best-in-class build quality
  • +Apple ecosystem integration
  • +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Cons
  • −No new chip vs original
  • −Heavy at 384g
  • −No fold-flat design

FAQ: AKG K712 Pro vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Which is better, AKG K712 Pro or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AKG K712 Pro worth the price? +

At $349, AKG K712 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.

Is Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +

At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.

Does AKG K712 Pro or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, AKG K712 Pro or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AKG K712 Pro or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.