AirPods Max
our rating
4.6
(out of 5)
Specs
- Driver – dynamic
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – Post 2024 Models: USB-C (charging). Pre-2024 Models – Lightning to USB-C (charging)
- Weight – 385 g
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – Not specified
- Battery Life – 20 hours (with ANC)
- Bluetooth Version – 5
- Codecs Supported – AAC and SBC
Pros
- Fantastic overall tuning for ANC cans, excellent bass articulation
- Best Noise Canceling out there (tied with Sony XM5)
- Respond well to EQ adjustments
- Beautiful, tactile controls
- Very comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and swapping for Apple devices
Cons
- Treble is a bit too zingy out of the box, needs EQ adjustment
- Pricey
- Battery life of 20 hours is low compared to competitors
- The weird case and no power button
Bottom Line:
Excellent tuning, elegant, very comfortable, great in the Apple ecosystem, tied for best noise-cancelling.
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Introducing the AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are among the most popular over-ear noise canceling headphones on the market for a reason: they offer quality sound and excellent noise cancellation.Are these the only quality over-ear ANC headphones on the market? How do these cans size up to the competition?
We tested and compared them side by side with the best options out there. This review comes out a year after I first reviewed them with updated opinions on their performance.Check out our gear category page for more on ANC headphones and audio gear.
Alternatives to the AirPods Max
Focal Bathys
ANC headphones for audiophiles – dynamic punch, excellent resolution.
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Sony WH-1000XM5
Some of the most popular ANC Cans for a reason. Best noise canceling, very good sound.
Check Price:
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Best value ANC headphones in our book. Very good sound, massive 60-hour battery life.
Check Price:
Who are the AirPods Max for?
The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones for everyone in search of quality noise-canceling headphones with good sound, especially users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Built for the modern urban grind, these headphones come packed with all the hardware and features expected in high-end headphones: ANC (active noise canceling), Bluetooth, adjustable settings via your phone, an ambient mode for environmental awareness, and hands-free controls for taking phone calls.
For Apple users, they provide smooth connectivity with Apple devices, featuring capabilities like automatic device switching, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and hands-free Siri access.
Who are the AirPods Max NOT for?
The AirPods Max are not recommended for critical listening. They are tuned to appeal to the average consumer and have a frequency response tailored for enjoyment, not monitoring.
For audiophiles in search of quality ANC cans, we recommend the Focal Bathys. (See here for our complete review of the Focal Bathys)
What’s in the Box?
The AirPods Max box arrived with the following:
- AirPods Max
- Smart Case
- Lightning to USB-C Cable
Build / Comfort
In the area of design, the AirPods Max beat most of the competition when it comes to the cans themselves.
The AirPods Max cans have a single piece of anodized aluminum for each earcup and a stainless steel and cushy mesh headband. The design is unique (often copied) and elegant, and they feel like slippers on your head.
Weighing in at 384 grams, you barely notice the headphones on your head even after longer listens.
The Apple Watch-inspired control dial on the right earcup is intuitive and satisfying to the touch. It feels like all headphones should control the volume with one of these.
Accessories
In terms of design, we must consider necessary included accessories, namely the silly case.
The AirPods Max case is a bit of a joke. It looks like a bra and doesn’t really protect the headphones in any significant way. The delicate mesh headband is entirely exposed. Chuck these loosely into a bag at your own risk!
Sound: AirPods Max
Frequency Response Diagram AirPods Max
Bass
The AirPods Max deliver impressive bass and sub-bass clarity straight out of the box. The frequency response shows a strong sub-bass presence that gently tapers off around 50 Hz, creating a bass that’s powerful yet clean and controlled.
Midrange
In the midrange, the AirPods Max benefit from a touch of EQ adjustment. While they sound decent at first, extended listening reveals that the bass sometimes overshadows the mids, causing vocals and instruments to feel distant. Adding a 3–5 dB boost between 2–6 kHz brings the mids into better balance with the bass, giving the sound a more natural, lifelike quality.
Highs
The highs on the AirPods Max could use a bit more refinement. At times, the treble can feel slightly sharp, especially noticeable with cymbals and hi-hats. Reducing the EQ by about 4 dB from 8–20 kHz softens this high-frequency “zing,” resulting in a smoother, more enjoyable listening experience.
Dynamics
While the AirPods Max handle active noise canceling well, they don’t pack the dynamic punch or microdynamics that audiophile-grade headphones offer.
Soundstage
The AirPods Max provide a surprisingly spacious soundstage for closed-back headphones. Instrument separation is precise, with clear imaging that gives each element room to breathe.
Sound Summary: After a Year of Usage
I first purchased and reviewed these over a year ago and have changed my mind about them since then.I liked the Max at first but honestly, I think I was so blown away by the Focal Bathys at the time that I didn’t fully appreciate how much the AirPods Max got right.
I have since compared the AirPods Max to loads of other ANC headphones and continually find myself impressed by them.
For ANC headphones, the AirPods Max sound impressive overall, offering a lot to appreciate. The transient response is quick, the bass response is satisfying, and the overall balance in the stock tuning continues to impress me.
That said, they still fall short of the audiophile standard, especially when it comes to dynamic excitement—the sensation of feeling the full weight and presence of instruments and vocals. For many, this missing element is the main distinction that separates a good listening experience from a truly immersive one.
Connectivity
Testing the AirPods Max with an iPhone, the headphones connect easily and without any issues. Apple users will love the AirPods Max. The seamless switching from one device to another is fantastic. That said, there are reports of dropouts using AirPods Max with Android devices.
The AirPods Max use Bluetooth 5.0 and offer a wired USB-C connection for both audio and charging on models released in 2024 or later. They support SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. They notably do not support higher-quality codecs like AptX.
The Sony XM5 are more versatile in their connectivity, offering an analogue standard mini-jack connection. They use Bluetooth 5.2 and support SBC, AAC codecs as well as Sony’s own high-quality LDAC codec.
The AirPods Max cannot simultaneously connect to more than one device using Bluetooth. Connecting to several devices is possible if they are signed into iCloud—but of course, this is limited to Apple devices.
Controls
The controls on the AirPods Max are a highlight. The tactile approach enhances the overall listening experience by providing quick and precise command.
Navigating the controls of the AirPods Max was a seamless experience for me. On the right ear cup, the Digital Crown—a feature borrowed from the Apple Watch—allows for precise control over various functions. (See overview of controls below)
Pressing and holding the Digital Crown activates Siri, enabling voice commands without needing to touch my device.
Adjacent to the Digital Crown is the Noise Control button, which toggles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes with a simple press. This placement makes it easy to switch listening modes on the fly, adapting to different environments effortlessly.
This do-it-all dial on the AirPods Max is a feature I wish you had on all headphones. I like the ability to precisely control volume and playback. Taps and swipes of other headphones are often hit-or-miss. The tactile approach of the Crown simply feels more reliable.
Overview of the Controls on the AirPods Max
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Digital Crown – Rotate | Adjust volume |
| Digital Crown – Press once | Play or pause audio |
| Digital Crown – Press twice | Skip to the next track |
| Digital Crown – Press three times | Go back to the previous track |
| Digital Crown – Press and hold | Activate Siri |
| Noise Control Button – Press | Toggle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode |
Noise Canceling
The AirPods Max attenuate outside noise better than any headphones on the market, save the Sony WH-1000XM5, with which they are tied in this regard.
Like the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Max block out sound in the bass and lower-midrange (100 Hz – 1 kHz) very well, even better than the WH-1000XM5. The overall volume of conversations nearby and the consistent city hum in this range was almost entirely absent. (See here for all questions about AirPods Noise Canceling)
In the high frequencies, the AirPods Max also do a commendable job. Sounds like consonants and glasses clinking are well attenuated.
Battery Life
Battery Life of Popular Over-ear, ANC Headphones Compared
As you can see in the chart, the AirPods Max perform near the bottom in terms of battery life, nowhere near leaders like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 (full review).
Battery life measured in hours with the headphones on constant play and ANC switched on.
The AirPods Max are limited to 20 hours of constant play with ANC turned on. But they also come with a design flaw—they have no power button. Instead, the AirPods Max enter low power mode only when placed in their Smart Case. This means that unless you use the case religiously, battery depletion could become an issue.
For charging time, the AirPods Max take 2 hours to charge from empty to full.
Calls
For our call tests, we tested in normal and windy conditions.
Based on these tests, you might be surprised to hear that the AirPods Max were some of the best performers among the ANC headphones we tested.
None of the ANC headphones handle calls well in windy conditions, but the AirPods Max are at least somewhat intelligible.
AirPods Max Mic Tests
Final Thoughts: Are the AirPods Max Worth It?
With excellent stock tuning, elegant, comfortable design, and top noise cancelling, the AirPods Max are a quality set of cans.
That said, at this price point, other options like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Focal Bathys (for audiophiles) might give you pause.
For those in the Apple ecosystem, however, their seamless integration, spatial audio, and the ability to customize the settings make them especially attractive.
AirPods Max
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Questions or Comments?
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FAQ
Can I use the AirPods Max with non-Apple devices?
Yes, the AirPods Max can pair with non-Apple devices through Bluetooth. However, some functions, such as Spatial Audio and automatic device switching, are available only when used with Apple products.
Can I use the AirPods Max in wired mode?
Yes, for models released before 2024, you can connect the AirPods Max in wired mode using a Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, which is sold separately. For models released after 2024, you can use a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity.
How can I connect AirPods Max to my iPhone or iPad?
- Make sure your device’s software is updated.
- On your device, navigate to the main screen.
- Take the AirPods Max out of their case and place them near your device.
- Follow the prompts that appear on your screen to complete the connection.
How do AirPods Max receive firmware updates?
- Firmware updates are automatically installed when:
- Your AirPods Max are paired with an Apple device.
- The headphones are charging.
- The connected device has an active internet connection.
