Following the massive success of Airpods, Apple released a new audio device, named the Airpods Max in December of 2020. Upon its announcement, the Airpods Max was met with much skepticism, particularly around its price point and set of features. With so many over-ear headphones available today, here is a review of the Airpods Max.

Features

Harnessing the power of two H1 chips, the same chip that powers Airpods earbuds, the Airpods Max includes many of the same features found on the significantly smaller and more portable Airpods Pro, but better executed. First, both active noise cancelation and transparency mode have made their way to Apple’s over-ear headphones. This ensures that you can hear your surroundings when you want to, and are able to cancel out most background noise when you do not, thanks to its five total microphones and sound-dampening materials. 

Furthermore, Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ transform the sounds being played to their best possible version given both the orientation of the user’s head and the fit of the earcups. All of this is made possible when connected to your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook, which the Airpods Max can automatically connect to and switch between when wearing the headphones.

Build Quality

Apple has long made high quality products, and the Airpods Max is no different. Made of aluminum, stainless steel, and soft knitting, the Airpods Max feels premium and is surely able to stand the test of time. Compared to the Bose 700s and Sony WH-1000XM5s, both of which are primarily made from plastic, the Airpods Max feels significantly more durable and comfortable. Also compared to those models, the Airpods Max features removable ear cups, which are magnetically swappable, if a replacement is necessary. However, Apple’s take on over-ear headphones is noticeably heavier than its competition due to all of the metal used in its construction.

Sound

While I am by no means a sound expert, Airpods Max produces a balanced sound that is true to life. Every instrument can be made out, and the singer’s voice is loud and clear. The headphones are not too “bassy” or light, but rather somewhere in between. It is a pleasure to listen to music, especially in Apple Music, where Spacial Audio is enabled to make songs sound like they are being played on all sides of the user.

Verdict

While Apple is new to the over-ear headphones market, they have created a compelling product with a variety of features that make for an enjoyable listening experience. All of this comes at a cost, as the Airpods Max retails for $549 and has a battery life of an estimated 20 hours, on par or less than the competition. While they often go on sale, the price is not justifiable for the mass majority of people, especially those who do not use Apple products, as instant pairing, Siri connectivity, customizable controls, and several other features are unavailable on other platforms. If these drawbacks can be overlooked, the Airpods Max is highly recommended.