I admit it, I'm a headphone freak. Both wired and Bluetooth. I will say the AirPods Max surprised me with how well the sound isolation/transparency modes work.
Stick with me. The other day I was trying to quietly "tiptoe" though my living room because I didn't want to wake the dog. I've done this many times. But, as I passed through with the headphones on transparency mode. I heard what I thought was someone behind me, but no, the headphones were picking up my own footsteps. Something, I would not normally hear while walking in "stealth mode" without headphones. It was eerie, but show how well this mode works. I don't know for sure, but I'd be surprised if the AirPods can do that as well.
The sound, is the best I've heard over the many BlueTooth headphones I've owned over the years. But, having said that I plan to replace my Jabra 65T earbuds with the next AirPods Pro (earbuds) once they are released.
Why? Because there are times when I need light and small headphones that I can grab quickly, deploy and store quickly, and not have to use a bag to carry. It is of course obvious that the AirPod Max is not small/light.
But as I hit the door with the earbuds, I will say I'll probably be hesitant to leave the AirPods Mac behind just because the sound so great, isolate well (when needed), and lets me hear the outside environment (when needed).
If I had to choose between the AirPods Pro or the AirPod Max, I would just pick the AirPod Max, hands down. Granted, I have not heard the AirPods Pro.