HeadphoneApple82% by External Reviewers

Apple AirPods Max

Over-Ear Headphones

Product Gallery

Photo 0of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 1of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 2of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 3of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 4of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 5of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 6of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 7of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 8of Apple AirPods MaxPhoto 9of Apple AirPods Max

Product Overview

Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear dynamic headphones that feature Apple's proprietary H1 chips with advanced audio processing in both ear cups. It also uses eight microphones to Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode.
Like other Apple mobile devices, the AirPods Max are exquisitely designed. Thanks to a unique mechanism that connects the ear cups to the headband, the AirPods Max offers comfort for long listening sessions. The AirPods Max are powered by 40mm dynamic drivers that each feature dual neodymium ring magnet motor.
For those who prefer their headphones to be more portable, Apple also markets the true wireless AirPods Pro.

Ratings

What we found

Pros
  • Excellent audio performance
  • Sleek, comfortable design
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Spatial Audio feature
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • Smart Case is a bit ridiculous
  • Very expensive

What external reviewers found

External score 82%
Pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Excellent audio performance
  • Great battery life
Cons
  • Lack of customisation and adjustment
  • Lacks IP rating for water resistance
  • No customiseability or adjustment
  • Heavy and bulky
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • No wireless charging

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Price Comparison

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Specifications

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External Reviews

digitaltrends[1]

Reviewer score 88% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from digitaltrends have found:
When it comes to audio fidelity, the AirPods Max sound very good. I found that surrounding noises were very well muted, while voice clarity was superb. My chief complaints are their weight, which I worry may not work for multi-hour use. For a higher level of comfort, I suggest considering the Sony WH1000xm4.
Pros
  • Best-in-class noise canceling
  • Comfortable fit
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • No multi-cancelling
  • No wireless charging

laptopmag[2]

Reviewer score 88% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from laptopmag have found:
The AirPods Max are the latest headphones to feature spatial audio. The headphones have lived up to the hype so far, as I've worn them for 10 hours straight. The biggest complaint is the price, especially when you've got the Bose 700 and the Sony WH-1000xM4.
Pros
  • Sleek, comfortable design
  • Powerful active noise cancelling
  • Comfortable fit
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Mediocre audio quality

ndtv[3]

Reviewer score 85% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from ndtv have found:
The Apple AirPods Max headphones are expensive; there's no doubt about it. The bass was tight, the highs sparkled, and the mid-range shone through beautifully. The transparency mode is easily the best I've heard on a pair of headphones or earphones. The ability to hear my own voice clearly as I spoke was great.
Pros
  • Sleek, comfortable design
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • No customiseability or adjustment
  • Lack of customisation and adjustment

pcmag[4]

Reviewer score 85% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from pcmag have found:
On Jay-Z and Kanye West's “No Church in the Wild,” the kick drum loop receives ideal high-mid presence. There is plenty of sculpting happening in the highs, but it's generally in the name of clarity. The three-mic voice array offers solid intelligibility.
Pros
  • Excellent audio performance
  • Sleek design
  • Hands-free Siri
Cons
  • Noise cancellation isn’t for everyone

rtings[5]

Reviewer score 51% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from rtings have found:
The Apple AirPods Max have a neutral mid-range that ensures detailed vocals and lead instruments. Their slightly overemphasized bass range adds just a hint of extra warmth, as well as thump and rumble. However, the treble range is mostly underemphasized, resulting in a veiled sound with dull sibilants. While they're comfortable and well-built, they're very heavy and bulky.
Pros
  • Comfortable and well-built
  • Decent sound profile
  • Adaptive EQ
Cons
  • Lacks IP rating for water resistance
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Bulky and heavy

t3[6]

Reviewer score 77% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from t3 have found:
Apple claims 20 hours of battery life for the AirPods Max, with both noise cancellation and Spatial Audio turned on. The Smart Case protects the earcups and drivers from damage, but wouldn't stop the soft rubbery finish or – crucially – the mesh of the headband from getting scraped or torn in your bag. But the price is high enough that it will be a stumbling block for most people.
Pros
  • Fantastic sound quality
  • Great battery life
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • Noisy noise cancellation
  • No wireless charging

techradar[7]

Reviewer score 84% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from techradar have found:
The noise cancellation is very strong, and we'd say it's on par with the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Each ear cup features three outward-facing microphones to detect environmental noise, while one microphone inside the ear cup monitors the sound reaching your ear. The Transparency mode is useful; you just need to press the noise cancellation button on the right earcup to allow environmental noise to pass through the headphones, allowing you to tap into your surroundings.
Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Noise cancellation isn’t as effective as a true Dolby Atmos

theverge[8]

Reviewer score 77% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from theverge have found:
The AirPods Max only have a Lightning connector, so if you want higher-quality wired audio or to plug them in on a plane, you've got to get a $35 cable. Battery life is rated at 20 hours with all the features like noise cancellation turned on. At 385 grams, there's no denying these are a good deal heavier than cans from Bose or Sony.
Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • No 3.5mm jack
  • No passive mode
  • No headphone jack

tomsguide[9]

Reviewer score 85% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from tomsguide have found:
In side-by-side testing Apple's headphones are neck-and-neck with the two best noise-cancelling headphones in the game. The AirPods Max did a better job than the Bose 700 at eliminating the low-frequencies of wind and the hum of busy streets. You'll also get Siri, which isn't my preferred voice but nonetheless helpful for sending texts.
Pros
  • Sleek, comfortable design
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • No wireless charging

trustedreviews[10]

Reviewer score 84% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from trustedreviews have found:
AirPods Max pack a balanced sound with an outstanding sense of versatility. They don’t stand out when playing back one genre, instead impressing with a wide range of songs. There’s plenty of bass, which comes through stunningly in the ear shaking Xanny by Billie Eilish. Some songs I think sound better on the AirPods, and others with the Sony. While they work with Android and other Bluetooth devices, the best experience is with a whole host of other Apple gear.
Pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Excellent battery life
  • Spatial Audio and Spatial Audio
Cons
  • No wireless charging
  • Battery life could be better

whathifi[11]

Reviewer score 94% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from whathifi have found:
AirPods Max are the best wireless headphones you can buy – by a small margin. Detail, crispness and spaciousness elevate them so far above the previous wireless headphones. Built-in head tracking means that the sound is always relative to the screen, even when you move your head or the iPhone or iPad on which you're watching.
Pros
  • Gorgeous, spacious sound
  • Impressive spatial audio
  • Comfortable to wear
Cons
  • Noise cancelling is redundant

Also Check

Product ComparisonProducts in HeadphoneProducts by AppleKeyword dynamic-headphonesKeyword noise-cancellationKeyword wireless-headphones

References

  1. ^ Apple AirPods Max review: Most fun headphones ever. [digitaltrends].
  2. ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [laptopmag].
  3. ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [ndtv].
  4. ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [pcmag].
  5. ^ Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones Review. [rtings].
  6. ^ Apple AirPods Max review: phenomenal sound, comfortable design, eye-watering price. [t3].
  7. ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [techradar].
  8. ^ Apple AirPods Max review: luxurious sound for a luxury price. [theverge].
  9. ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [tomsguide].
  10. ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [trustedreviews].
  11. ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [whathifi].

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