The Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are one of the top-end options in wireless audio, with large over-ear padded cups, active noise cancellation, and other Apple-specific features that make them perfect for extended listening sessions rather than quick toss-and-go extras. The mesh canopy and memory foam ear pads are built to seal in the sound. However, due to their size and weight, they’re best suited for extended listening sessions where comfortable ear cups, better noise reduction, and seamless switching between multiple Apple products are the deciding factors, rather than being small enough to carry in your pocket.
Luxurious headphones with exceptional comfort and sound
Instead of just treating these as regular Bluetooth headphones, Apple focused on sound processing. Apple’s custom dynamic driver produces the audio, and computational audio uses an H1 chip in each ear cup, along with acoustic design and software, to deliver high-quality sound. Also included is personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head-tracking, and support for Dolby Atmos-enabled songs, TV shows, and movies.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode are the two features most likely to determine whether you’ll put these headphones on your ears or keep them on your wish list. Apple claims ANC can eliminate twice as much ambient noise as previous versions. Transparency Mode allows ambient noise to bleed through the ear cups so you can hear conversations or what is going on around you.
For premium headphones, the control layout is surprisingly straightforward. Volume and playback, track changes, call handling, muting, and using Siri are all controlled via the digital crown, while a second noise control button toggles between active noise cancellation and transparency modes. Pairing is as simple as placing the headphones next to your device and tapping “Connect.” The audio stops playing when you remove the headphones, and Automatic Switching makes moving between devices easy.
Battery life is rated for up to 20 hours of continuous listening with Active Noise Cancellation and/or Transparency Mode engaged. A 5-minute charge provides approximately 1.5 hours of listening time, and the Smart Case can help maintain the batteries’ power level in a low-power state when the headphones are stored. Included in the packaging are the headphones themselves, the Smart Case, a USB-C charging cable, and documentation.
While they are still an expensive option at $450, the decrease from the original $549 makes the Apple AirPods Max easier to justify. At this point, you’re getting solid Apple integration, great noise control, spatial audio capabilities, simple controls, and comfortable ear cups that last through extended listening sessions.