Apple AirPods Max Review: Premium Wireless Headphones with Exceptional Sound

Explore the Apple AirPods Max for outstanding sound quality, sleek design, and advanced features tailored for Apple users.

Apple AirPods Max: Technical Specs

• Weight: 385 g
• Dimensions: 187.3 mm x 168.6 mm x 83.4 mm (H x W x D)
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery Life: 20 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Chip: Apple H1 chip in each ear cup
• Controls: Digital Crown, noise control button, Siri activation

Introduction: Expectations vs Reality

The Apple AirPods Max made their debut in late 2020 after years of rumors and anticipation. Following the huge success of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, expectations for Apple’s first-ever over-ear headphones were sky-high.

Did they meet the hype? Well, yes and no.

Rumors suggested futuristic features like gesture control, which could have justified the steep price tag around $530. However, that wasn't the case. The AirPods Max proved to be more traditional than revolutionary but still delivered exceptional sound quality and a suite of handy features, especially for Apple ecosystem fans.

Sound Quality: A Sonic Triumph

The standout feature of the AirPods Max is their stunning sound. This is why they top many lists, including best headphones, best over-ear headphones, and best noise-cancelling headphones.

Their soundstage is wide and immersive, with a finely balanced profile: crisp highs, smooth mids, and powerful lows.

Whether you enjoy intricate pop vocals, hip-hop beats, or classical compositions, the AirPods Max deliver detailed and rich audio. For example, Phoebe Bridgers’ “Garden Song” reveals every nuance in her soft vocals, and The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way” offers bright glockenspiel and controlled bass without distortion, even at higher volumes.

While they excel in sound, audiophiles might be disappointed by the limited support for high-resolution audio codecs, except for Apple’s Digital Masters available via Apple Music. This omission is surprising considering the price, especially with Apple Music now offering lossless streaming.

Design: Bold and Premium but Divisive

Apple’s design for the AirPods Max is unmistakably Apple—sleek, minimalist, yet somewhat polarizing.

The large, flat ear cups are made from stainless steel, lending a premium feel but adding weight. At 385 grams, they are heavier than competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones (254 g). The weight gives a sense of durability but can feel cumbersome for all-day wear.

To offset the weight, the headband features a breathable knit mesh that reduces pressure on your head, providing surprising comfort despite the heft.

Adjustable telescoping stainless steel arms ensure a secure fit that stays put without constant readjustment. Memory foam ear cushions rotate independently, adapting to your head shape and attaching magnetically for easy swapping. Replacement cushions cost around $30.

Controls and Features: Simple Yet Sophisticated

Apple incorporated the Digital Crown control inspired by the Apple Watch, which allows precise volume adjustment, playback control, call handling, and Siri activation.

• Rotate the crown to adjust volume
• Single press for play/pause or call answer/end
• Double press to skip forward
• Triple press to skip back

The tactile feedback is a welcome alternative to touch controls, which can often be finicky.

Additionally, there's a noise control button for toggling between active noise cancellation and Transparency mode, letting ambient sound in when needed.

Unfortunately, the AirPods Max lack a 3.5mm audio jack. For wired listening or connecting to high-end DACs or amplifiers, an additional $30 Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter is necessary — a frustrating omission for a premium-priced product.

The Case: Controversial Yet Functional

The included Smart Case is rather unusual in design, often compared humorously to a bra or sleep mask. Its primary function is to put the headphones in ultra-low power mode to save battery when not in use.

However, the case leaves the headband exposed, making the headphones vulnerable to damage and dust. The rubberized material also attracts stains and scratches easily. While light and compact, a sturdy zippered hard case would have provided much better protection.

Price and Release

• Price: Approximately $530 (44,000 Russian rubles converted)
• Release Date: December 15, 2020

The AirPods Max are significantly pricier than most top-tier over-ear headphones. For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, with excellent noise cancellation and balanced sound, retail for roughly $290.

Rumors suggest Apple might launch a more affordable, sport-friendly version in the future, though it will likely remain a premium product.

Spatial Audio: Immersive Experience

Each AirPods Max ear cup houses the Apple H1 chip, enabling features like adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio.

Spatial Audio simulates surround sound using content formatted in 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos. It tracks your head movement with built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers, keeping the sound anchored to your device's screen as you move.

Try it with supported streaming services like Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, or HBO Max for a more engaging movie-watching experience on your iPhone or iPad.

While not as convincing as a true Dolby Atmos speaker setup, this feature enriches audiovisual content, making it a compelling bonus.

Noise Cancellation: Industry-Leading

The AirPods Max offer excellent noise cancellation, rivaling Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones and Bose 700 headphones.

• Three outward-facing microphones on each ear cup detect external noise
• One inward-facing microphone monitors sound reaching your ears
• Real-time adjustments adapt noise cancellation based on fit and movement

Whether on a noisy train or in a busy kitchen, these headphones create a peaceful bubble of sound.

Transparency mode lets outside noise filter in, allowing you to quickly engage in conversations without removing your headphones.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled
• Charging Port: Apple Lightning
• Bluetooth: 5.0 for fast, stable connections

While 20 hours is less than some rivals offering 30+ hours, it’s still sufficient for a full day or two of use.

The Smart Case helps conserve battery by placing the headphones in ultra-low power mode, though there’s no full power-off option.

Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration

AirPods Max excel for Apple users:

• Automatic device switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• One-tap setup
• Audio sharing between two AirPods pairs from any Apple device
• Hands-free Siri with voice commands for music, calls, volume, navigation
• Siri can read incoming messages aloud for hands-free convenience
• New Conversation Boost feature amplifies nearby speech in Transparency mode, benefiting those with hearing difficulties

These features depend on Apple’s latest software versions, limiting full functionality on Android or Windows devices.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy AirPods Max?

Apple AirPods Max are truly premium over-ear headphones with superb sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and stylish design.

“They deliver an immersive soundstage with a finely balanced profile, elevating any listening experience.” – Reviewer

However, the high price, lack of 3.5mm input, and limited functionality on non-Apple devices mean they’re best suited for committed Apple fans with deep pockets who don’t prioritize high-res audio.

If you prefer wireless earbuds or want a less costly option, check out the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier audio in a compact form.

Alternatives to Apple AirPods Max

If you’re considering noise-cancelling headphones but want to explore other options, here are three worthy alternatives:

• Sony WH-1000XM5: Top-notch noise cancellation, balanced sound, more affordable (~$290). Ideal for Android users or those seeking a minimalist look.
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Stylish, comparable performance, but still pricey. Great if you like the Max’s style but don’t have an iPhone.
• JBL Tune 750BTNC: Budget-friendly (~$130), comfortable, solid bass, and noise cancellation. Not as stylish but a great value for casual listeners.

• How heavy are the AirPods Max?
  They weigh 385 grams, which is heavier than many competitors, making them feel very sturdy but less ideal for extended wear.
• Do AirPods Max support high-resolution audio?
  Support is limited to Apple Digital Masters on Apple Music; they don’t support broader hi-res codecs.
• Can AirPods Max be used with Android devices?
  Yes, but advanced features like Spatial Audio and automatic switching are exclusive to Apple devices.
• Is there a wired listening option?
  Not included by default. You’ll need to buy a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter separately.
• What is Spatial Audio?
  A surround sound technology that uses head tracking to create an immersive 3D audio experience, perfect for movies and compatible music.

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