Apple AirPods Max: A Deep Dive into Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The Apple AirPods Max, released in December 2020, has garnered significant attention in the headphones market, especially among audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With features like Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, and Personalized Spatial Audio, these headphones are designed to elevate the listening experience. In this review, we will explore their design, performance, comfort, and overall value, providing a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons.
Design and Build Quality
Premium Aesthetics
The AirPods Max boasts a stunning design that sets it apart from many competitors. Crafted with a stainless steel frame and soft-touch material, these headphones exude premium quality. The knit-mesh canopy not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also helps distribute weight evenly, enhancing comfort during extended use. The memory foam ear cushions create an excellent seal, ensuring that you can immerse yourself in your audio without interruptions.
Portability and Case
Included with the AirPods Max is a Smart Case, which serves a dual purpose: offering protection and putting the headphones in an ultra-low-power state when not in use. While the case is slim and functional, some users have noted that it may not provide sufficient protection against drops or impacts.
Sound Quality
High-Fidelity Audio
The standout feature of the AirPods Max is undoubtedly its audio quality. Equipped with Apple-designed dynamic drivers, these headphones deliver deep bass and crystal-clear highs. The computational audio, powered by the Apple H1 chip, enhances the listening experience by providing a rich and immersive sound profile. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching movies, the AirPods Max does not disappoint.
Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode
The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature is exceptionally effective, creating a bubble of silence that allows users to focus solely on their audio. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel or commute. On the flip side, the Transparency Mode is equally impressive, allowing ambient sounds to filter in, making it easy to stay aware of your surroundings. This feature is particularly useful when you’re in public spaces or need to interact with others without removing your headphones.
Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos
Personalized Spatial Audio is another highlight, providing a three-dimensional listening experience that adapts to your ear shape. The dynamic head tracking feature enhances this effect, making it feel as though sound is coming from all around you. Additionally, the ability to listen to select content in Dolby Atmos adds an extra layer of depth to movies and music.
Comfort and Fit
Initial Impressions
While the AirPods Max are generally comfortable, some users find them a bit heavier compared to other over-ear headphones. Though the memory foam ear cushions create a snug fit, extended use may lead to discomfort for some users. Nevertheless, many appreciate the overall design and find that the weight is manageable during casual listening sessions.
Long-term Comfort
In terms of long-term comfort, opinions vary. Some users who have tried competing models like Bose and Sony suggest that while the AirPods Max is comfortable, it may not be suitable for all-day wear for everyone. Those who prioritize comfort over all else may lean towards models like the Bose QC35.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Impressive Longevity
The AirPods Max offers up to 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled. This is a significant advantage for users who require long-lasting headphones for travel or extended use. The quick charging feature, which provides approximately 1.5 hours of listening time with just a 5-minute charge, adds to the convenience.
Seamless Connectivity
The pairing process with Apple devices is incredibly simple—just place the headphones near your device and tap Connect. Automatic Switching between devices ensures that you can seamlessly transition from your iPhone to iPad or Mac without any hassle. This integration with the Apple ecosystem is a significant advantage for users who are already in that environment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Rich bass and clear highs with personalized audio experiences.
- Effective Active Noise Cancelling: Immersive listening experience without distractions.
- Comfortable Design: Premium materials and memory foam ear cushions enhance comfort.
- Seamless Integration: Works flawlessly with Apple devices, making it user-friendly.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC enabled.
Cons
- Weight: Heavier than some competitors, which may lead to discomfort during prolonged use.
- Price: Premium pricing may deter some potential buyers.
- Limited Water Resistance: Not water-resistant, making them less suitable for certain activities.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
The Apple AirPods Max stands out as a premium audio solution with impressive sound quality and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. While they may not be the perfect fit for everyone, particularly those prioritizing weight and price, they provide an unparalleled listening experience that justifies the investment for many users. In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Max is a premium offering that excels in sound quality and user experience. While they may come with a higher price tag, the features and performance often make them a worthy investment for those who prioritize audio quality and seamless functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the AirPods Max worth the price?
Yes, the AirPods Max offer excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. If you’re a frequent traveler or an audiophile, the investment may be worthwhile.
2. How does the noise cancellation compare to other brands?
The Active Noise Cancellation in AirPods Max is often regarded as one of the best on the market. While competitors like Sony and Bose offer strong performance, many users find the AirPods Max to be nearly on par, if not superior.
3. Can I use the AirPods Max with non-Apple devices?
Yes, while the AirPods Max is optimized for Apple devices, they can be connected to non-Apple devices via Bluetooth. However, some features may not be available on non-Apple devices.
4. How long does the battery last with ANC enabled?
The AirPods Max can last up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled.
5. Are they comfortable for long periods of use?
Comfort levels vary among users. While many find them comfortable, some people report that they can be a bit heavy for extended wear. Trying them on before purchasing is advisable to ensure a good fit for your preferences.
Moomi –
The sound quality is exceptional, featuring rich bass and crystal-clear highs—music and podcasts have never sounded better. The active noise cancelling works remarkably well, making these ideal for my daily commutes and long flights. The transparency mode is a highlight too, effortlessly incorporating ambient sounds, which helps me stay aware of my surroundings. They are slightly heavier, but the premium construction and comfort make it worthwhile. The battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a full day of intensive use. While they come with a high price tag, the audio performance and features make the AirPods Max a worthwhile investment. I highly recommend them!
Nicholas Calderone –
I decided to take a chance on the AirPods Max because I’m a big fan of noise-cancelling headphones, and I already own the Sony XM4 and Bose QC35. I previously had the Bose 700 but returned them due to the headband being too tight, which caused headaches after just 20-30 minutes of wear. Here’s how each model ranks based on my experience:
Best Noise Cancelling:
I’ve used all three headphones while watching TV with background noise, around small children, and outdoors. The AirPods Max are very close to the XM4 in terms of noise cancellation, with only about a 10% difference—almost tied. However, the QC35 allows some faint background noise to seep through, even at high volumes.
Long Term Comfort:
The QC35s are unbeatable for comfort; I can wear them all day for video calls and phone conversations. However, they do give me a slight disorienting effect that feels akin to minor vertigo, similar to driving up a mountain. The AirPods Max are also comfortable, with ear cups that fit my larger ears well, though the clamp can cause some minor discomfort, especially with glasses. I found that removing my glasses eased the discomfort during a 60-minute listening session. The Sony XM4 has less padding, causing my ears to touch the speaker area, which can lead to overheating after about 30 minutes, requiring breaks that I don’t need with the AirPods Max.
Microphone:
I’ve conducted several Zoom calls, FaceTime chats, and regular calls, and each time, the AirPods Max outperformed the others in voice quality. The Bose QC35 is still quite good, as I had been using them primarily for calls before getting the AirPods Max. The Sony XM4, however, fell short; people often struggled to hear me clearly, which led me to stop using them for business calls altogether. They’re passable for personal calls but not ideal.
Synchronization:
The AirPods Max connect to my phone the moment I place them on my head; there’s no need to touch any devices. If I take them off, the music pauses, and it resumes automatically when I put them back on. This feature has worked flawlessly during my testing. In contrast, both the Bose QC35 and XM4 present issues with multi-device pairing; I often have to manually disconnect one device to switch to another, which is frustrating.
Music Quality:
I would rate the music quality of the AirPods Max as 30% better than that of the XM4. I tested various genres—Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Classical, Deep House, D&B, Techno, Trip Hop, Dubstep, and Lounge—and the AirPods Max delivered a more engaging experience with clearer instrumentals and vocals. The difference was most noticeable with Jazz, Classical, Bossa Nova, and Salsa, where I’d say the listening experience improved by about 50%.
Build Quality:
The AirPods Max are the highest quality headphones I’ve ever used; they look and feel incredibly premium, with sturdy buttons and exceptional craftsmanship. The adjustment mechanism features a steel connector that provides resistance, ensuring a proper fit. In comparison, the XM4 and QC35 are made of hard plastic and feel less special; the XM4 has a slightly more appealing design than the QC35.
Spatial Audio Note:
I was completely amazed by the spatial audio feature while watching an Apple TV series. It felt like I was surrounded by speakers, creating a true 360-degree experience reminiscent of a movie theater. I stood there for five minutes, astonished that headphones could deliver such immersive sound—it’s something you have to experience to believe.
Are the AirPods Max worth the price? Based on my experience, I would say yes. I expected them to be similar to the XM4 in performance, but in certain areas, they have surpassed my expectations significantly.
Nicholas Calderone –
After reviewing the specifications and overcoming the initial shock of the price, I thought to myself, “These could be a worthwhile investment.” I suffer from significant hearing loss, which makes most speakers, earbuds, and headphones ineffective for me. I particularly struggle to hear dialogue on our TV unless the sound is routed through our HomePods. This led me to seriously consider the purchase. “What if the AirPods Max are like having HomePods on your ears?” That notion was appealing.
Once I completed the setup, I put the AirPods Max on and heard a Christmas song I had listened to countless times. The sound was so rich, deep, and clear that it felt like I was experiencing the song anew. “No way can these sound this good.” Just then, my fiancée Robyn entered the room and asked, “So, are they like having HomePods attached to your ears?” I could only nod in agreement. She gave me an intrigued look, and I let her try them. As she scrolled through my music library, she quickly declared that she needed a pair for herself.
When testing headphones, I have a selection of go-to songs from various genres, including soundtracks, rock, grunge, punk, classical, and even some rap. The AirPods Max excel in reproducing all of them. They deliver a deep bass while maintaining the integrity of the entire track. I was also impressed by the crispness of the vocals, and I love that even at high volume, there’s no distortion—something I’ve encountered with other headphones.
Overall, I’m quite impressed with the features of the AirPods Max. Here’s a summary of my thoughts on the key aspects:
Active Noise Canceling (ANC): Previously, I considered the ANC on Sony headphones to be the best I’d experienced. On a flight a few years ago, they blocked out the airplane engine noise completely. While I haven’t yet taken the AirPods Max on a plane, they do effectively muffle ambient sounds like barking dogs, vacuums, and background TVs.
Mesh Headband: I appreciate the aesthetic of the headband. It looks sleek and enhances the design of the AirPods Max, aligning with my taste perfectly.
Weight: Some users have mentioned that the weight of the headphones is a concern. I’ve noticed they feel heavier than most, but the weight feels evenly distributed, so it hasn’t been an issue for me. I can wear them for hours without experiencing headaches or discomfort.
Buttons: I’m surprisingly fond of the buttons. I never thought I’d prefer analog controls over digital, but Apple has done a great job integrating the Digital Crown and ANC button.
Smart Case: One aspect I might have reconsidered in the design is the Smart Case. To me, it feels more like a “sleeve” than a proper case. Made from a single piece of what appears to be polyurethane, it uses magnets for closure. While it protects the metal ear cups from scratches, it doesn’t fully safeguard the headband and has a cutout at the bottom that leaves the headphones vulnerable to damage. I’ve also noticed that when I remove the headphones from the sleeve, they tend to clink together unless I manually stabilize them.
Despite a few minor quibbles with the AirPods Max, I am absolutely delighted with them. They offer a listening experience that surpasses anything else I’ve tried, and I believe the price is justified. While the cost may be a barrier for some, I highly recommend the AirPods Max for anyone seeking the ultimate audio experience.
Tk –
March 2024: After trying over 10 pairs of premium headphones, including Sennheiser 4’s, EVO Crushers, and Sony XM5’s, I can confidently say these are the best for noise cancelling. As a 47-year-old Social Work student, noise cancellation is essential for me. In terms of build quality, they far surpass the BOSE QC Ultras.
I was initially waiting for the XM6’s, but I’ve decided to stick with these. I’m aware that the AirPods Max 2’s are on the way, but I can’t wait any longer. These are significantly more comfortable than the XM5’s, which have poorly constructed cushioning. The noise cancelling performance is outstanding—it’s a major selling point for me.
For active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound quality, these headphones are unmatched. Although I’m not typically an Apple user, I’m sold on these. Sound is subjective, but I truly believe they excel in ANC and sound quality, aside from the Skullcandy Crusher Evo’s, which I prefer for movies and workouts due to their heavy bass.
A big thumbs up from Ontario, Canada! As I work on my upcoming mental health memoir and pursue a book deal, these headphones keep me focused. I’m completely sold on the AirPods Max, even without the USB-C port that the Max 2’s will feature. I’ll likely grab a pair of those in a couple of years.
Truthful Reviewer –
I own all Apple products, and I believe they’re worth the extra investment. The sound quality is fantastic, although I find the spatial audio feature a bit quiet. The bass is decent, and the overall sound is well-balanced in my opinion.
Sure, you might find headphones that sound better for less money, but the seamless compatibility with all my Apple devices is a priority for me, even if the sound is marginally better elsewhere. Ultimately, if I’m struggling to connect my headphones, I won’t use them often. These just work, and they sound great!
They’re very comfortable, though they might feel slightly heavy. However, I’ve spent hours coding with them on, and they remain comfortable. The solid build quality compensates for the weight.
If you want headphones that sound excellent and feel premium—like you didn’t just buy a cheap pair of plastic headphones—these will meet your expectations. For audiophiles with high-end gear, consider these for what they are: easy to use, great consumer sound, and a premium feel without the hassle of audiophile equipment comparisons.
Truthful Reviewer –
I was torn between these and the XM5, and it was a tough choice. One major factor was that these headphones are part of the Apple ecosystem, which ensures full compatibility. I already own the AirPods Pro, and they exceeded my expectations.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in these headphones, go for it. If you’re on a budget, consider the XM5 instead. I plan to purchase those in the future. They also look great!
Rating: 9/10 (mainly due to the pricing), but sometimes you just have to treat yourself! They arrived authentic, brand new, and in their original packaging. I don’t understand why some reviews claim they received counterfeit products—these are 100% genuine.
Tk –
The headphones are excellent, and for the price, the quality is undoubtedly impressive.
David W. –
UPDATE OCT 2023: My original review remains relevant after owning the Bose NC 700 for a couple of years. I recently purchased the new Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra over-ear headphones, and I’ve added that review and comparison at the end.
Original review:
For the past decade, I’ve relied on noise-canceling headphones, which has led me on a journey into the audiophile community seeking high-fidelity sound. While I’ve encountered many headphones with pristine sound, few offered effective noise cancellation and wireless capabilities. The Bose Noise Canceling 700 became my go-to for excellent sound and noise cancellation in a wireless format. When Apple announced the AirPods Max, I felt compelled to compare them with my Bose 700. Here are my findings:
STYLE
The AirPods Max boast stunning fit and finish! I prefer their aesthetic over the Bose. Despite watching around 50 unboxing and review videos, I was pleasantly surprised by how much nicer they look in person—sleek, premium, modern, and minimalistic.
COMFORT
Comfort is quite similar! While the AirPods Max are heavier, they don’t necessarily feel that way due to their balanced weight distribution. I have larger ears, and the Bose 700’s ear cups accommodate them better, making them slightly more comfortable over long periods. Additionally, the Bose headphones don’t get as warm as the Apple ones.
TRANSPARENCY MODE
In my view, the transparency mode is more natural on the Bose. The AirPods Max amplify surrounding sounds a few decibels too much, making them seem louder than they truly are. Furthermore, the Bose does a better job of reproducing your own voice in this mode.
SOUND QUALITY
At certain volume levels, the sound quality between the two is nearly identical, which is astonishing. It feels as if Apple reverse-engineered the Bose 700’s sound signature and noise cancellation techniques, achieving a similarity within 5 percent. However, sound quality varies with volume levels due to different digital signal processing (DSP) approaches—Computational Audio on the Max and Volume Optimized EQ on the Bose. The Bose excels at 60 percent volume and below, delivering rich and balanced sound. I typically listen at around 55 percent volume on my iPad, so I prefer the Bose’s sound. The AirPods Max sound somewhat veiled in the upper midrange at lower volumes.
Between 60 and 70 percent volume, both headphones sound remarkably alike—probably the best you’ll encounter in wireless noise-canceling headphones. However, above 70 percent, the Bose DSP reduces bass response to prevent distortion, leading to very little bass at around 90 percent volume. In contrast, the AirPods Max handle bass beautifully from 70 to 100 percent, maintaining a balanced sound without degradation. The only downside is that at high volumes, the bass can feel over-controlled, losing some subtlety.
To summarize: both headphones are equal from 60 to 70 percent volume; the Bose performs better at 60 percent and below; and the AirPods Max shine above 70 percent.
CONTROLS
Apple wins this round. The Digital Crown has a superb feel, rotating smoothly with just the right resistance and pressing perfectly. They’ve nailed the controls, making me reluctant to use the touchpad on the Bose 700 again.
WHICH ONE IS FOR ME?
While both headphones are comparable, sound quality at my preferred listening level is decisive. Since I usually listen at around 50 percent volume, the Bose remains my choice. I have a consistent routine for using noise-canceling headphones.
I believe Apple could update their firmware to enhance the computational audio and rectify the balance issues below 60 percent volume. If they do, the fit, finish, and controls might sway me back to the AirPods Max, although the slight compromise in long-term comfort would give me pause.
ONE LAST THING
Spatial audio is impressive! If I were to watch movies on my iPad, these headphones would be essential. The surround sound effects rival my Bose home theater system, though the overall sound quality for movies is slightly less immersive (more sterile and hollow, likely due to the limited Bluetooth codec) compared to my home setup.
BOSE QUIET COMFORT ULTRA VS BOSE NC 700 (and AirPods Max)
I discovered Bose Quiet Comfort headphones several years ago, starting with the QC15 and upgrading through every iteration. Until now, the Bose NC700 were the pinnacle of performance, but I’m thrilled to own the new Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra. After extensive comparison, I can confidently say they excel in every way. One standout feature makes them a must-have for music lovers. Here’s how the NC700 and QC Ultra stack up:
COMFORT
I’m happy to report that the Bose QC Ultra are more comfortable than the NC 700. They are lighter, with less clamping force, and the headband distributes weight better on top of my head. Previously, I considered the NC 700 as the second most comfortable headphones after the QC45, but the Ultra now claims that second spot, nearly matching the QC45.
NOISE CANCELING
Bose has improved noise cancellation once again. In quiet mode, these headphones create an almost total sound barrier. Each new Bose iteration has enhanced this feature, and the Ultra are no exception. While testing, my wife stood just three feet away trying to talk to me, and I didn’t even notice!
SOUND QUALITY
The QC Ultra feel much more like a spiritual successor to the NC700 than the QC45. They retain the excellent clarity and instrument separation, with perfectly present mids and pleasing highs that avoid harshness. The bass, however, has seen significant improvement. Bose states that the Ultra samples sound inside the ear cups and adjusts the bass according to ear shape and seal. This truly makes a difference. Wearing glasses compromises the acoustic seal, but the Ultra compensates, delivering deeper and punchier bass than the NC700. Overall, the sound signature is superior and significantly enhanced with immersive audio.
IMMERSIVE AUDIO
This is the standout feature! For music lovers, immersive audio is the biggest reason to upgrade from the NC 700. Music with immersive audio sounds remarkably better. I have several stereo setups around my home and always preferred good monitors over headphones, as they create a soundstage in front of you. Immersive audio on the Quiet Comfort headphones places the band a few feet in front of you, allowing you to visualize and almost reach out to the various vocalists and instruments. It truly lives up to its promise, making the experience feel like listening to quality speakers in an acoustically ideal room. Once you experience this, you won’t want to go back to standard headphones.
CONCLUSION
There’s so much more to praise about the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones. The buttons are well-placed and functional, and even the touch-sensitive volume slider operates effectively! The app is user-friendly, with all necessary settings easily accessible. The carrying case is compact and premium-looking, even smaller than the NC700 case.
While there are a few downsides, such as the immersive audio for movies not matching the Spatial Audio of Apple’s AirPods Max for Dolby content, and the button placement differing from what I’m used to on the 700, I’m ecstatic with Bose’s latest iteration of over-ear noise-canceling headphones. My NC 700 will be listed on eBay as I look forward to many enjoyable years with the Ultra. Great job, Bose!