Apple AirPods Max Review: Still the Best Headphones for iPhone in 2024

Apple AirPods Max continue to shine as the premium headphones for iPhone users, blending iconic design with superb sound quality.

The Iconic Apple AirPods Max Experience

There’s something uniquely captivating about Apple AirPods Max that grabs you the moment you see them. Released in 2020, these headphones quickly became a symbol of Apple’s dedication to design and audio excellence. With their large anodized aluminum ear cups and breathable mesh headband, they don’t just sound great—they look unmistakably “Apple” cool.

But four years in tech years might as well be a lifetime, so many fans were on the edge of their seats waiting for a full upgrade at Apple’s 2024 special event. Surprisingly, Apple chose a more subtle path: refreshing the AirPods Max lineup with new colors and swapping the charging port to USB-C mainly to meet regulatory standards. No brand-new version, no revolutionary redesign—just a refined classic. Meanwhile, the in-ear AirPods got their second-gen update. Why no major overhaul for the Max? That’s the million-dollar question.

How Much Do AirPods Max Cost?

Apple launched AirPods Max in December 2020 at a premium $549 price tag. The freshly updated model that dropped in September 2024 kept that price but ditched the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C, marking a modern upgrade. The new colors now include a striking palette: deep blue, vibrant purple, dark night, starlight, and bright orange.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC), 40 hours without ANC
• Fast charging: 5 minutes of charge yields 1.5 hours of playback
• Weight: 384.8 grams
• Spatial audio: Supported with dynamic head tracking
• Microphones: 9 total for calls and ANC
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Design: Are These the Best-Looking Headphones?

The AirPods Max design is nothing short of iconic. It embodies Apple’s philosophy perfectly—a futuristic yet minimalist aesthetic wrapped in luxe materials. The anodized aluminum ear cups are the standout feature: larger and flatter than most headphones, with a unique squircle shape softened by rounded edges. The outer shell is smooth and interrupted only by discreet microphone slots, the USB-C port, and a couple of control buttons perched on the right ear cup’s top.

One of the coolest design perks? The magnetic ear cushions. These aren’t just plush and comfy—they’re detachable and replaceable, brilliantly addressing the common headphone problem of worn-out pads making headphones unusable. Sure, Apple’s replacement cushions aren’t cheap, but they’re way more wallet-friendly than buying a whole new pair.

The two ear cups are linked by a stainless steel headband that feels both luxurious and sturdy. No fixed stops here, so you get a seamless length adjustment. Most of the headband is wrapped in soft silicone matching your chosen colorway, with a thin mesh strip at the top promoting airflow to keep your head cool.

At nearly 385 grams, the AirPods Max aren’t the lightest, especially compared to rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. But thanks to smart ergonomics and balanced weight distribution, they never feel bulky or cumbersome.

The Controversial Smart Case

The Smart Case has sparked plenty of debate since day one. Some reviewers humorously dubbed it a “bra for your AirPods Max” due to its unusual shape. It’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it design.

The case’s main function? To optimize battery life by putting the headphones into an ultra-low-power state when docked. This means turning off Bluetooth and ANC to save juice. The design leaves the stainless steel headband and mesh exposed, which critics say compromises protection.

Speaking from personal experience after four months of daily use, the case does its job well. Even tossed in my bag repeatedly, my AirPods Max show no visible wear or damage. Of course, if you’re rough with your tech, your mileage may vary.

Comfort That Surprises

Apple nailed it with the physical controls. There are just two: a clickable button and the Digital Crown, which fans of the Apple Watch will instantly recognize. Unlike other headphones with fiddly, flush buttons that are nearly impossible to find by feel, AirPods Max’s controls are intuitive and tactile.

The Digital Crown controls volume—turn it away or toward you depending on personal settings. One press plays or pauses music; two skips to the next track; three jumps back to the start. The other button toggles transparency mode and noise cancellation.

As someone with a larger head, I appreciated the roomy ear cups that reduce pressure. The cushions are also exceptionally comfy for those wearing glasses—rare for over-ear headphones. Even after hours, I never felt discomfort. Thanks to the Smart Case, I didn’t have to constantly fuss with the headband adjustment, which was a major plus.

However, if you’re a runner or intense workout person, be warned: AirPods Max have no official sweat or water resistance rating. I tried them on runs and light workouts. They held up okay but felt heavy during jogging. For dynamic workouts, lighter sport-focused earbuds might be better.

How Good Is the Sound?

Before diving into audio quality, here’s a neat Apple perk: AirPods Max seamlessly switch between your Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. I often go from phone music to MacBook Zoom calls without lifting a finger. Though sometimes, autoplaying videos on websites can hijack sound unexpectedly, which can be annoying.

Sound-wise, AirPods Max are hard to beat. Their custom 40mm dynamic drivers deliver rich, detailed audio across the spectrum. Treble is crisp and clear without harshness, mids are smooth and natural, and bass hits deep but controlled—no muddy boominess in sight.

One slight quirk: they still use Apple’s older H1 chip, unlike AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, which sport the newer H2 chip. It’s intriguing to imagine how much better these would sound with the latest silicon.

The adaptive EQ is a game changer. It adjusts sound in real-time based on how the earcups fit—taking into account glasses, hair, even ear shape. This means minimal sound leakage and consistently great quality, which is a blessing if you wear glasses like me.

Active noise cancellation is among the best on the market. With eight microphones actively combating background noise, unwanted sounds practically vanish. Loud announcements like train station calls might sneak through occasionally, but most noise is obliterated—people literally had to wave at me to get my attention!

Transparency mode is equally impressive. When you want to stay aware of your surroundings, flipping the ANC off lets in outside sounds naturally. I found myself preferring to keep the headphones on during office chats, which sometimes made me seem a tad rude.

For movie buffs, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking elevates the experience to immersive heights. While not unique to AirPods Max, this feature paired with their soundstage creates a virtual 3D sound bubble that’s incredibly engaging—especially with Dolby Atmos or 5.1/7.1 mixes.

The only drawback? They lack support for high-res Bluetooth codecs like aptX Lossless or LDAC that some competitors tout. But if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the smooth integration and sound quality likely outweigh this.

Battery Life and Charging

Apple promises up to 20 hours of playback with ANC and spatial audio enabled. While respectable, some rivals like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless boast up to 60 hours under similar conditions—though often at a lower price point.

Thankfully, the AirPods Max feature fast charging: just 5 minutes plugged in nets you 1.5 hours of listening. And switching to USB-C is a welcome modernization for convenience.

Final Verdict

Four years on, the Apple AirPods Max continue to hold their crown in the premium headphone world. They ooze luxury with impeccable build quality and a sleek, ergonomic design. The sound quality is superb—even without EQ customization or lossless support—they delight audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

If you’re not tied to Apple’s ecosystem or are looking for better noise cancellation on a budget, consider Bose QC Ultra Headphones. Sonos Ace also offers comparable comfort and sound for those exploring other brands.

“AirPods Max offer an immersive listening experience with balanced sound and industry-leading noise cancellation.” – Reviewer

FAQ

• What’s new in the 2024 AirPods Max update?
  Apple added USB-C charging and introduced new color options but kept the core features the same.
• Are AirPods Max comfortable for long wear?
  Yes, thanks to spacious ear cups and soft magnetic cushions, even glasses wearers find them comfortable for extended use.
• How does the Smart Case work?
  It puts the headphones into a low-power mode to extend battery life but offers limited physical protection.
• Can I use AirPods Max for workouts?
  They lack official water or sweat resistance, so they’re better suited for less intense or indoor exercises.
• Do AirPods Max support high-res audio codecs?
  No, they don’t support aptX Lossless or LDAC but excel within Apple’s ecosystem with seamless device switching and spatial audio.

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