Can you use AirPods Max 2 with Android? Yes — but there’s a catch

Can you use AirPods Max 2 with Android? Yes — but there’s a catch

Can you use AirPods Max 2 with Android? Yes — but there’s a catch

https://www.tomsguide.com/audio/headphones/can-you-use-airpods-max-2-with-android

Publish Date: 2026-04-05 03:30:00

Source Domain: www.tomsguide.com

The AirPods Max 2 are the biggest audio release of 2026. There’s no doubt about it — these Apple headphones are the headline of the year. I’ve been testing them for well over a week, and I’m so glad we waited almost six years for the upgraded version. It was well worth the wait.

With improved sound, super-strong ANC, and the same sleek, premium design as their predecessor, the AirPods Max 2 are well-positioned to be some of the best headphones you can get. But what about if you have an Android phone? Do the AirPods Max 2 work on something other than an iPhone?

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Yes, the AirPods Max 2 work on Android

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Connecting my AirPods Max 2 to my Samsung Galaxy S25+ was very easy. I held the ANC button until the light flashed white, selected the AirPods Max 2 from the devices list, and I was good to go.

I then played music on Spotify, Qobuz, and Apple Music, which was as easy as it sounds. I was able to play/pause and cycle through ANC modes with the button controls on the right ear cup.

So, yes, you can use AirPods Max 2 on an Android. It’s as easy as can be. However, you don’t get access to all the features.

Features you get on Android

the apple airpods max 2 in blue photographed against a blue tom's guide background, showing the mesh headband, anodized aluminum ear cups, carry case, and controls

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Although you don’t get flagship AirPods Max features on Android — more on that later — you can still utilize a lot of premium features.

Apple-quality sound, even on Spotify

What separates the AirPods Max 2 from the rest of the overpopulated Bluetooth headphone landscape is the sound quality. At this price point — $450-$600 — you’re not going to get better sound.

The only headphones that sound better are the $1,000 group — $799 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2,…

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