How much of a step down are AirPods Pro 2 from AirPods Max in terms of comfort and sound quality?

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

I've never used or owned a set of earbuds let alone AirPods but have had a few sets of AirPods Max and really like them - the build quality, the sound stage, movies and music sound great (although I'd like them to be slightly louder).

Anyway, one thing that has always bothered me is I can't wear them for more than a couple of hours without getting strong inner ear ache. I put this down to two things: 1) The strong 'clamping' effect of the cups (it's definitely stronger than most other closed back headphones) and 2) The 'vacuum' effect/pressure due to how good the noise cancellation is.

So I'm considering switching to earbuds and a set of AirPods Pro 2.

Now obviously given that they cost less than half the cost of the APMs, I'm expecting a downgrade in many areas.

Specifically for anyone who has used both APP2s and APMs I'd like to know:

1. Are AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable/manageable for longer listening sessions (2+ hours) than AirPods Max?
2. Is the sound quality hugely inferior? Is the gap in quality/performance worth putting up with less comfort?

Thanks.

 

[eekcat]

Noticeably inferior. I've seen some reports where people say it's comparable and it's not even close (particularly at the low end). I'm not sure these people have tried the AirPods Max, or have been using counterfeits. They're much improved from the APP1 though.

 

[pinkkie]

I can't believe how bad must have the Pro Gen 1 sound if Gen 2 are considered to be a big upgrade yet they don't sound any special. And I don't get the new transparency mode either, it sounds same as the one on Max

Anyways to answer your questions:
1) Pros are overpriced cheap buds meant for sport, so for sitting in the office Max are definitely more comfortable
2) Max sound isn't really good either but the ANC is superior and they sound warmer with more bass, not as much ear-piercing exaggerated mids as the Pros have