Apple AirPods Max

Reviewing the Apple AirPods Max

Few electronics brands are as renowned as Apple, and it's hard to argue its popularity. Apple products are known for their durability and high quality, and its headphones are no different. AirPods are among the most popular wireless earbuds, but if you’re looking for something with a little more kick, consider over-ear headphones.

Apple AirPods Max are the only over-ear headphones offered by Apple, but they’re a high-end pair with plenty to offer. They’re expensive, but the BestReviews Testing Lab analyzed them and tested their capabilities to determine if they’re worth a look, as well as how they stack up against other top wireless headphones.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max

BestReviews has a group of testers who test products in a real-world environment. The testing team was asked to describe their experience with wireless headphones and what they look for in a high-quality pair. They then proceeded to unbox the headphones and test their functions and features.

The testing team analyzed how quickly they connect to Bluetooth when turned on, and how good the sound quality is, testing it with various types of music, podcasts and audiobooks. The team also analyzed how well your voice comes through on calls and how well spatial audio works.

For this article, the testing lab aimed to verify if the wireless headphones deliver high-fidelity audio, have active noise canceling, if they rest comfortably on the head, how effortless setup is, if they have on-head detection and if you can seamlessly switch between devices.

What are the Apple AirPods Max?

Apple AirPods Max are wireless noise-canceling headphones that weigh 13.6 ounces. They have a sturdy build thanks to anodized aluminum cups, mesh cushioning for comfort, eight different microphones and a wide-frequency driver. They boast Apple’s innovative H1 chip for superior performance.

See how they compare to other products in their space — check out our reviews for the best wireless headphones.

Apple AirPods Max price and where to buy

Apple AirPods Max cost $549 (though they're often on sale) and are available on Amazon.

How to use the Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max work like any other wireless headphones and connect to devices through Bluetooth. There is a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button on the headphones, but the headphones must not be worn when attempting to pair them with a device. If you own other Apple devices, you can seamlessly switch between them without additional setup.

Apple AirPods Max benefits

Apple AirPods Max have a spatial audio feature for reproducing three-dimensional sound, which is a huge plus for audiophiles. The technology isn’t perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction, especially for those who like to hone in on small details in the music they listen to.

The sound quality is outstanding, and the equalizer settings can be tweaked based on the music you’re listening to. Transparency mode doesn’t affect sound quality as much as on the standard AirPods earbuds, and phone call quality is adequate on video and voice calls. The hands-free controls are intuitive, and the H1 chip lets you access Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or pressing the button on the headphone cup.

The build quality is durable, and the mesh foam ear cups make them comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. The ear cups are breathable, so they don’t accumulate odors over time if worn while working out.

The battery life is long, as they can hold a charge for several days, and the Bluetooth range is superb — there are no noticeable connection issues when the connected device is in a different room. Adaptability is also a significant plus, since there are no noticeable drops in audio quality across various music genres, audiobooks and podcasts.

Apple AirPods Max drawbacks

The included case is fine for traveling but doesn’t offer much protection, and they could easily bend or break in an overloaded bag. Although the noise controls and volume tabs are intuitive, the names can confuse some, and the instructions are vague. While Transparency mode works fine, the microphone picks up white noise more than other noise-canceling headphones. Finally, despite their build quality, they're quite expensive.

Should you get the Apple AirPods Max?

Apple AirPods Max offer an intuitive interface and a high-quality build, making them a worthy pair of wireless headphones even at the high price point, especially if you own other Apple devices. The sound quality is stellar, the equalizer settings allow for audio customizability and the H1 chip makes it easy to switch between different Apple devices.

The brand recognition makes them stand out. While there are other wireless headphones with similar features for cheaper, these headphones are an excellent buy for anyone who wants a durable, high-quality pair.