Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones w/ Active Noise Cancellation
Keywords: airpodsappledynamic-headphonesheadphonesneodymiumnoise-cancellationover-earwireless-headphones
Product Gallery
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% (not directly comparable across industries)
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
Price Comparison
Specifications
Connectivity
Ports
USB-C
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0
Construction
Carrying Case
Smart Case
Colors
Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, Green
Drivers
40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver with dual neodymium ring magnet
Form Factor
Over-ear wireless headphones
Headphone Type
Dynamic
Microphone
9x microphones: 8x for ANC, 3x for voice pickup
Dimensions
Size | Depth
3.28 inches / 83.4 mm
Size | Height
7.37 inches / 187.3 mm
Size | Width
6.64 inches / 168.6 mm
Weight
13.6 ounces / 384.8 grams
Function
Fast Charging
5 min for 1.5 hours of listening time
Noise Cancellation
Yes, with transparency mode
Processor
Apple H1 headphone chip (each ear cup)
Sensor
Both ear cups: Optical sensor, Position sensor, Case-detect sensor, Accelerometer / Left ear cup: Gyroscope
Performance
Battery Life
Up to 20 hours
Production
Availability
2020-12-15
Debut
2020-12-08
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Launch Comparison
Clear List
3rd-Party Review Videos
External Reviews
ndtv[1]
Reviewer score 85%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Sleek, comfortable design
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- No customiseability or adjustment
- Lack of customisation and adjustment
digitaltrends[2]
Reviewer score 88%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Best-in-class noise canceling
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- No multi-cancelling
- No wireless charging
laptopmag[3]
Reviewer score 88%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Sleek, comfortable design
- Powerful active noise cancelling
- Comfortable fit
- Good battery life
Cons
- Mediocre audio quality
pcmag[4]
Reviewer score 85%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance
- Sleek design
- Hands-free Siri
Cons
- Noise cancellation isn’t for everyone
rtings[5]
Reviewer score 51%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.
Find the original article here.
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%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality
- Great battery life
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Noisy noise cancellation
- No wireless charging
techradar[7]
Reviewer score 84%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.
Find the original article here.
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%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.
Find the original article here.
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%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Sleek, comfortable design
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- No headphone jack
- No wireless charging
trustedreviews[10]
Reviewer score 84%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.
Find the original article here.
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%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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Gorgeous, spacious sound
- Impressive spatial audio
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Noise cancelling is redundant
User Reviews
Comments
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References
- ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [ndtv]. https://gadgets.ndtv.com/audio/reviews/apple-airpods-max-review-price-in-india-2355453. 2021-01-20. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review: Most fun headphones ever. [digitaltrends]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/headphone-reviews/apple-airpods-max-review/. 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [laptopmag]. https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max-review. 2021-04-03. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max. 2020-12-16. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones Review. [rtings]. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-wireless. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review: phenomenal sound, comfortable design, eye-watering price. [t3]. https://www.t3.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max-review. 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/airpods-max. 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review: luxurious sound for a luxury price. [theverge]. https://www.theverge.com/22177494/apple-airpods-max-headphones-review-price-features. 2020-12-16. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [tomsguide]. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max. 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max Review. [trustedreviews]. https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ Apple AirPods Max review. [whathifi]. https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/apple-airpods-max. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
The MSRP provided on this page may not apply to all regions equally. For the current price, please refer to the Price Comparison section.
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These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.
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