Apple has introduced the AirPods Max, which are wireless over-ear headphones. This luxury addition to Apple's ecosystem will set you back $549. With all of the considerations when it comes to buying headphones, are these worth the investment?
What Do Apple's AirPods Max Offer?
The AirPods Max are available in black, silver, pink, blue, and green. The headset comes with a smart case and a cable for charging---there is no audio cable included. Its design is a modern take on traditional headsets, with a high-quality look and feel.
The smart case both acts as a protective pouch and activates the low-power mode to preserve battery life. However, since you can't turn the headphones off, putting them into the case (or leaving them alone for a time) is the only way to preserve the battery.
The headphones' top is made of mesh material to evenly distribute the weight of the aluminum ear pods and stainless steel frame. This is flexible to suit a range of head types. When you place the headphones in their case, the top forms the handle for the case itself. The battery life reaches 20 hours, according to Apple.
The ear pods are made of memory foam, with a breathable fabric cover. They are attached magnetically, making it possible to replace them when you wish. Additional ear pods are available at $69 per set and come in a range of different color options.
Their makeup does make these headphones a heavier option, weighing in at 13.6 ounces. This may be problematic if you prefer ultra-light cans.
There is no Apple logo present on the headphones' design, though there are smart features associated with the brand. These include easy pairings with other Apple devices, audio sharing, and Siri activation.
AirPods Max: Technical Details
The AirPods Max automatically play and pause when you put them on or take them off. Apple's 40-mm dynamic driver results in a refined and clear sound. There is also a gyroscope in the left ear cup and the H1 chip for processing power.
These headphones have a noise cancellation option for a more immersive listening experience. While the volume range is good, the noise cancellation isn't perfect. At high volumes, the sound from the AirPods can be overheard through some leakage.
The AirPods Max have two controls on the right ear pod, one of which allows you to adjust between noise-canceling and transparency modes. This allows for either full submersion or a controlled means of listening without blocking outside noises. The other control is a digital crown—borrowed from the Apple Watch's design—used to pause, skip, answer and end calls, and control the volume.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Max have nine microphones. The microphones adapt depending on your use, such as voice during calls. There are several sensors, including optical, positional, case-detecting, and accelerometers in each ear cup.
Putting the AirPods Max headphones down and leaving them stationary for five minutes puts them into a low-power mode to preserve the battery. After additional time, it also turns off Bluetooth and Find My'
Drawbacks of the AirPods Max
The metal design means that the AirPods Max are susceptible to dents. A USB-C power adapter is not included in the box. For wired use, you'll need to purchase a Lightning cable for $35.
The AirPods Pro have a spatial-audio surround sound experience, great for listening to audio, making calls, playing games, or watching shows. However, they are less suited to active activities. The AirPods Max are not water-resistant and therefore won't fare well when exercising.
The obvious consideration is the price tag. At $549, these are among the most expensive consumer headphones on the market.
The default sound options cover many genres, though you can make some customizations to the sound. The AirPods Max only stream AAC, making these headphones best-suited for other Apple products.
The AirPods Max have Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound for a dynamic experience.
Other Headphones on the Market
While headphones like these are primarily used to enjoy music, they can double up as an accessory for a gaming, better method to watch online content, or as a way to concentrate when you're working. Selecting the right ones to buy will go a long way in ensuring you get value for money.
Other headphones on the market at a higher price range are suited for professional use, costing at least $1,000. In other words, for everyday use, the AirPods Max are at the top of the range in price. Deciding whether they're worth the investment will come down to whether the specs are enough to entice you to make a purchase.
Based on the sales of these headphones so far, many people have decided they're worth it.
The other noise-canceling and wireless headphone options on the market are cheaper, while still offering great listening experiences. However, reviewers have stated that the Apple Airpods Max are in a league of their own by offering specs that set them apart from these competitors.
Here are some of the most notable AirPods Max alternatives and what you can expect from them.
$200: PurePro Wireless ANC Headphones
The PurePro Wireless headphones were born out of a desire to protect the listener's ears. These noise-canceling and volume-limited headphones have a built-in microphone. They come with cables included in a wooden box, with foldability for ease during travel.
The earpads can be replaced and are made of protein leather. The ANC controls adjust the sound and there is an on/off button. However, there is no USB-C port with these and they have been critiqued for their low comfort level.
These are a good choice for an entry-level headphone set with all the essentials. The sound quality of these headphones matches their market entry-level status. See our review of PurePro's headphones for more info.
$350: Sony XM4
Sony's XM4 over-ear headphones tick all the boxes. They are lighter, with a plastic build and synthetic leather makeup. These are industry-favorite noise-cancelling headphones, with longer battery life (30 hours with noise cancelling on), an audio cable, protective case, and are foldable for travel.
As an all-rounder set of headphones, these are worth their price tag. We think they're one of the best headphones you can buy.
$399: Bose Headphones 700
These headphones have a minimalist design and are available in matte black or silver, with a battery life of 20 hours. Features include a touch response on the earcup, the ability to pair with two Bluetooth devices at once, and an assistant button. They come with a protective case and have been rated superior in their quality of noise cancellation and build.
Should You Buy the AirPods Max?
The Apple AirPods Max are premium headphones, with design, features, and materials that make it worth their price tag if you use a lot of Apple devices and are an audiophile. The costs of the accessories you may need to purchase along with them is hefty, though not too far of a stretch if you're accustomed to Apple's products and pricing.
While they have some drawbacks, there are some great aspects too. The biggest determination will likely be the price.