Apple AirPods Max - Space Gray

TL/DR: Superb build quality, astonishingly good audio quality and best in class ANC add up to be the very best noise cancelling headphones you can buy, as long as you intend to use them with Apple hardware. Users of Android phones or windows desktops are probably better served by other options. Longer review: The first impression when these come out of the box is the sheer excellence of the build quality. The aluminium ear cups, stainless steel head band and soft memory foam ear pads all add up to a build quality that looks, feels and is light years ahead of any other offering at this or even much higher price points. By comparison competing headphones that are made of plastic, however well made, feel nastily cheap by comparison. Apple always focus on build quality and aesthetics and here they have outdone themselves. Comfort is surprisingly excellent. These headphones feel and are weighty but never feel heavy even after lengthy listening sessions. The fabric & memory foam ear pads combine with the mesh on the head band to make them surprisingly comfortable despite their relative weight. Again full marks in this department. The active noise cancelling is very impressive. When switched on the outside world really does simply disappear. Best of all, the sound signature is in no way affected by turning on ANC. No distortion, no hiss, no background noise at all. Again very impressive. Similarly transparency mode is handled equally well - turn it on and the effect is that of the headphones seeming to disappear. External sound is clear but so is whatever music you have playing. The engineers at Apple did a superb job with the transparency mode. Being headphones the £1M question is of course how do they sound? The answer is very good indeed. The sound signature is close to the Harman curve so the Airpods Max have a natural and neutral sound. Detail and separation are excellent. The sound stage is good though admittedly not as wide as other headphones I've tried. Bass is punchy but detailed and doesn't sound muddy in the slightest. Treble is tight and highs are handled again with detail. Be aware though that because the sound reproduction is excellent these headphones will severely punish low quality or poorly done recordings. In terms of ease of use, I don't think I've ever had a pair of bluetooth headphones that are as easy to use. Pairing with Apple devices is effortless (I use with an iPhone 12 pro max and a 2019 iPad pro) and switching between Apple devices is seamless and "just works." Android or WIndows users will however be missing out on a number of features and are probably best served by other options. One final point - the case that these headphones come with is a horrible joke. Given how carefully designed and engineered the headphones are the case is head scratchingly awful. It feels nice and is made of decent material but it does a very poor job of covering the headphones. I would imagine that everyone who buys Airpods Max will instantly also buy a proper third party hard case to go with them. No idea what Apple were thinking there but the included case is quite literally nearly pointless as an actual case. All in all, are the Airpods Max worth the (relative to the competition) very expensive price? Value is obviously a subjective thing but in terms of build quality, ease of use, convenience and most importantly audio quality these far exceed all of the competition. For me personally they're definitely worth the price and I genuinely find it hard to put them down. 9.5/10 for the Airpods Max, 2/10 at most for the pointless included "case."

Edit - Just wanted to address the so called condensation issue. Many if not all headphones do the same thing. However you can't just pop the ear pads off, like you can with the AirPod Max. I had a pair of Bowers & Wilkins P7 which did the same thing, again I only knew about it because you could pop the pads off. Had mine for nearly 1 year now, never been an issue. Rightly so Apple have done nothing, because it isn't an issue. The rest of my review below still stands, even more so now you can pick them up for well under retail price. Had them for a month. First of all, lets start with the price - For those who know nothing about headphones, they see the price and think Apple are just ripoff people off and sound and are built the same as a cheap pair of generic brand headphones. For those who appreciate high sound and build quality then they know these AirPods Max are the real deal. Let me be 100% clear here, these are not a £20 pair of headphones dressed up to be £550. Take a look at the B&O H9 3rd gen or even the B&O H95 (which are even more expensive), many more fall into this price range. I've owned both and sold both for the AirPods Max and I wouldn't want either of them back. If you are happy with your cheaper headphones, then please carry on. But do not slag these off without hearing them first. Comfort is right up there as well, with the ear cushions and headband, I can wear these for hours without getting any ear fatigue. I'm not sure how long the headband is going to last, but being careful with it when not in use will prolong the wear. Sound - Sound quality is extremely good, as mentioned previously I've had some high end Bluetooth headphones before and by far the AirPods Max have the best sound. The EQ is balanced, punchy at the low end with excellent mids and no sign of sibilance in the highs. I for the life of me can not get them to distort. Transparency mode is a game changer, it's by far the most natural sounding transparency mode I have ever heard on any Bluetooth headphone, the ANC is right up there with the best as well. Other points, if you're in the Apple ecosystem, then the easy switching is amazing, syncs to iCloud so you can connect to an unlimited about of devices. Battery life fine at 20 hours. I do have a few negatives, the case is terrible, not having a On/Off switch is ridiculous. Also not having 3.5mm headphone jack is another mistake. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase and have not thought in anyway these are not worth the money for the level of sound, build and tech the AirPods Max have.

People talk trash about these headphones mainly because of the price, myself included... until I tried them, they are a game-changer, the noise cancellation is beyond amazing, the sound quality is the best I've ever heard, the build quality is elite. these will last forever and there's not going to be a reason to upgrade. Sony xm3/4s are good... but they're made of plastic, they don't feel as good as AirPods Max and they definitely won't last as long. sound quality, loudness, and ANC I give in favour of the Airpods Max. the controls are also superior and the transparency mode is amazing, it's like your not wearing any headphones at all. Complaints about the weight must be coming from babies because after 10 hours of use with a lot of head movement my neck/head is fine. When I got these headphones I wanted to hate them. I wanted to return them and keep my xm4s but they can't stand up to the Airpods Max at all. they do cost twice as much but I bought the xm3s and then the xm4s which did me £600 together, all because my xm3s cushions basically collapsed, so I couldn't use them anymore, so I got the xm4s to replace them and sadly they are also on the way to the same problem. the AirPods Max have replaceable earcups and the rest of the headphones is made of metal which is stronger and more durable than plastic. to put why AirPods Max are a better choice than Sonys xm3/4s I've done an easily understandable analogy: On the Sony headphones side, It's kinda like buying a car with the seats, steering wheel and tyres only made last about a year and having to buy a new car each time they wear down, with the engine, in this case, the drivers still working. When on the AirPods Max side, you could buy a car that's made to last for a long time with easily replaceable parts. I say this because the drivers in my xm3s are still working but the ear cushions are flat (which forced me to buy a new pair and I opted for the most recent pair with that being the xm4s), when/if this happens to my AirPods Max I'll just buy new earcups. instead of a new headset, like Sony is making you do with no replaceable earcups and inferior build quality. These save you money in the long run. people get confused with apple. let me clear it up: They make things last a long time, Apple will continue to release firmware updates for these headphones. Apple will always make the replaceable earcups for these headphones. people still use the AirPods they bought 4 years ago (my xm3s were lucky to make 1 year). people need to understand these will last years and years guaranteed. If you still hate these headphones then you just simply hate how successful apple is, I'll admit I'm no fanboy, the way apple makes a problem then sells you a solution is diabolical but it's just business, but in this case, Apple is selling a fantastic pair of headphones at a reasonable price considering the longevity of the product. ps. I use them on my pc with Bluetooth and they work just fine.

I do like Apple products, but the price of the AirPods Max put me off. It was only when my dad's knackered old headphones from the 70s finally gave up that I decided to look again. I have the Beats Solo Pro, but found that they squished my ears when used for more than an hour. The size of the Max's looked more suitable for longer term listening, which I need for editing videos and music listening, so spur of the moment I decided to grab them - and they are AMAZING! ✔️ Proper ear coverage ✔️ Used on a very noisy bus and they blocked out everything, even with my music on low ✔️ Built in mic helps to slightly 'raise' the volume of ambient noise around when the noise cancelling is deactivated, which helps to maintain awareness while walking around with them on ✔️ Feel very solid in construction. They're weighty, but the weight distributes evenly over the head ✔️ Super easy to connect to devices. I love that when I was watching something on my iPad and lifted one side to hear a comment from my dad, the audio paused, and then resumed when I lowered them back into place Th only downside is the price - most expensive headphones and I only got them because I could split the payment. Other reviews have complained at the 'bar' shape of the protective case that comes with them. I don't see it as a problem. It keeps the cups nice and safe when not in use, and I take such good care of my 'tech' that they'll never just be thrown into a bag anyway. All in all, I'm really chuffed with my new headphones - and my Dad loves the Beats Solo Pro that he has now received from me! Win all round!

I have had the Apple AirPods Max for a while now, and they have proven to be a premium addition to my audio experience. Here’s an in-depth review of their features, performance, and overall value: Design and Comfort The AirPods Max exude elegance with their sleek design and high-quality materials. The stainless steel frame, coupled with memory foam ear cups and a breathable knit mesh canopy, ensures both durability and comfort. Despite their weight, they feel surprisingly light and comfortable, even during extended listening sessions. The ear cups fit snugly around the ears, providing excellent noise isolation without causing any discomfort. Sound Quality The sound quality of the AirPods Max is exceptional. The audio is rich and detailed, with a balanced mix of deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The custom-built drivers deliver an immersive listening experience, whether I'm enjoying music, listening to podcasts and watching movies. The spatial audio feature with dynamic head tracking is particularly impressive, creating a surround sound experience that enhances the overall immersion. Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode Apple's noise cancellation capabilities of the AirPods Max are impressive. The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it perfect for use in noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. The transparency mode is equally remarkable, allowing me to hear and interact with my surroundings without having to remove the headphones. Switching between these modes is seamless and convenient. Controls and Connectivity The intuitive controls on the AirPods Max make them easy to use. The Digital Crown allows for precise volume adjustments, track skipping, and Siri activation, while the noise control button lets me quickly switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode. Pairing with Apple devices is effortless, thanks to the H1 chip, which also ensures a stable and reliable connection. Battery Life The battery life is more than adequate for my needs, offering up to 20 hours of high-fidelity audio, talk time, or movie playback with active noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled. The included Smart Case puts the headphones in an ultra-low-power state to preserve battery life when not in use. Fast charging is a bonus, providing around 1.5 hours of listening time with just a 5-minute charge. Price and Value The AirPods Max are undoubtedly on the pricier side, but they justify their cost with top-tier features, build quality, and performance. For audiophiles and those who prioritize premium audio experiences, they are a worthwhile investment. However, for casual listeners, the price may be a deterrent. Conclusion The Apple AirPods Max stand out as one of the best over-ear headphones on the market. They combine luxurious design, exceptional sound quality, and advanced features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio. While they come with a hefty price tag, the overall experience they offer makes them a compelling choice for those seeking high-end headphones. If you’re in the market for premium audio gear and are willing to invest, the AirPods Max will not disappoint.

A few weeks ago I bought the Sony WH1000-XM5’s and was a little disappointed with them. To be clear the Sony’s are great headphones but after all the stellar reviews they got I found the sound to be a little muddy ( even eq’d ) and I also had issues with the sound breaking up a bit at high volumes or being a little pitchy if I tried to eq the break-up out. However, they are very good and unbelievably comfortable to wear and the ANC is absolutely fantastic As a fairly heavy Apple user the airpod Max’s had been nagging at me for a while but I was finding it hard to justify the price, was worried about a new version coming out in Sept, and had only just bought the Sony’s. Well, late one evening, when most of my more regrettable Amazon purchases are made, I decided to bite the bullet. On the whole I was not disappointed. The Max’s sound noticeably better than the XM5’s ( to me and the type of music I listen to) and the sound stage is much better. The MX5’s are great and you wont be disappointed but if you have more money than sense, like me, the Max’s do offer an even better audio quality than the already excellent XM5’s. The ANC is very close between the 2 but I think the XM5’s are very marginally better, but its really close. its not all roses though, and I will definitely be keeping my XM5 for one very good reason. The Max’s are a LOT heavier than the XM5’s. They are not uncomfortable but if you try laying down in the Max’s or walking around, the weight makes them shift noticeably on your head. So if you are sitting upright (ish) and not moving a lot the Max’s are fine. If you want to lay down with them on they try to slip off your ears, and they waggle about a bit as you walk around. The XM5’s are almost like wearing in-ear phones in that you almost forget you are wearing them they are so light and so comfy. So for long plane flights, or travelling in general I’ll be using the XM5’s. When I’m chillin’ at home I’ll use the Max’s. couple of other minor mentions. People keep saying the pass through on the Max’s is better than the XM5’s. This is true, although only by a small amount, but honestly who cares? If you are talking to someone or want to hear something just take the damn things off! I also don’t use either headset when I am making or receiving phone calls so could care less about those features on either headphone. The other issue is more of a worry and requires some investigation. These headphones seem to cause massive battery drain on my iPhone and iPad, an issue seemingly heavily reported on the tinterweb. It also makes my iPhone 13 feel like the screen is on-fire, so it’s clearly doing some heavy processing, possibly because of the atmos and lossless audio streaming over bluetooth. on the whole though, I agree that so far these are the best sounding, but not most comfortable, ANC bluetooth headphones I have ever heard. And sound is ultimately what headphones are all about, right ?

Well I’m not going to bore you with the obligatory cry or moan about the price of these cans (why do people call headphones cans?) but yes the price is high, but are they worth it? Well that’s a rather perceptive opinion. I’ve been using the sony MX3’s which I have loved. But did find the sound not as punchy as I would have liked. But really liked them. But had them for years. And with the touch controls starting to annoy me. I decided to pluck some cash from the abyss and buy a new pair. Originally was gonna get the mx4’s or Bose 700. I was initially skeptical about the airpod max’s. But after countless review watching on YouTube and other websites. All of which had stated the sound quality was brilliant. So here I am clutching onto them like a new born baby. I got to say I like the look of them; they feel more premium. Now the apple AirPods max seem to suit the IOS structure so not entirely sure how they work on android. I’m no audiophile so I can’t really dazzle you with magical know how of the beauty of sound and all. But I liked the sound signature of the apple AirPods max. Now I know why other headphones use plastic which always seems less premium; weighs less. The max do weigh more; but I had no problems with them, didn’t feel too heavy when wearing them. Sadly apple failed on the lack of a carry case, and gives us a rather weird looking smart case, and haven’t tested properly regarding battery as they don’t actually have a power off button they hibernate into low power mode once in the smart case. I got the space grey colour as I thought it looked nicer, so should you fork out the cash? That is a hard one to answer; I could tell you they are amazing then one of you buys it and thinks it’s rubbish and decides to go all John wick on me. But in my opinion I think these are lovely headphones, goodbye mx3’s hello max that is all I can say. If your on the fence watch a few review videos on YouTube and ponder quietly if you wish to make a purchase. I apologise my review isn’t detailed enough; so I’m imaging this review will get loads of thumbs down (please don’t do that though I have self confidence issues) I will more likely do an update after further use.

This might be a long review for some so I will wrap it up at the end, anyway this is the 2nd time I have bought the airpods max and the 1st didn’t really go down well for the following reasons, I bought them for £450, so not full price which was okish at the time as they hadn’t been long released, I already owned the Sony wh 1000xm3 s, now replaced with the xm4 s, which are of excellent sound and noise cancellation and deserve the high praise they get everywhere, so when I got the Apple maxs I didn’t feel blown away by them, they weren’t any better than the Sony for noise cancellation although good and I didn’t get the spacial sound, I think I was worried that I was to me a lot of money and not much difference, then I fell asleep with them on and as I was lying at an angle I woke up with a damaged inner ear, at this point I decided to bail out and sell them to someone else who might love them, so after abit of a loss they were gone, the ear damage lasted about 2 months and I never wanted anything more to do with them, this was the end or so I thought but since then I have secretly longed for them, as spacial sound has become more popular and I do own, the airpod pro s and airpods 3rd gen, so I do love the Apple sound which is different to the Sonys , which I also love, so based on all my previous experience and looking at them over and over again, I have bought them again ( Amazon warehouse £371 and immaculate ), so now I know all what not to do, fall asleep at an angle . So to sum up yes they are heavy , yes the case is stupid, no I would not pay full price, yes I love the sound and transparency mode, if I only had money for these or the Sony 4s I would buy the Sony as they are more versatile and edge the max s out, but if you’re lucky enough to have both or don’t like the Sonys then you shouldn’t be disappointed

Ayant un soucis à l’une des oreilles, Apple max pro permet via un audiogramme effectué en Orl, de compenser la différence entre l’oreille gauche et droite. J’écoute à présent la musique à 100% et c’est un réel plaisir. Oui, il y a le prix, mais personnellement j’en suis vraiment satisfait

Nulla da dire, qualità del suono superiore ad ogni altra cuffia da me provata. Comode, batteria che dura a lungo insomma, perfette.

Apple levererar igen med dessa välgjorda lurar med overkligt bra brusreducering. Släpper man igenom yttre ljud (en knapptryckning) går det fram så obehindrat att man nästan undrar om man har lurarna på sig. Integrationen med Apples övriga prylar är som vanligt helt sömlös. Närmaste Apple-enhet kopplas med ett enkelt kommando. Ljudet är kristallklart och välbalanserat med en dynamik som gör hela registret rättvisa. EQ:n känns dynamisk utifrån ljudbilden i musiken. Vill man ändå ha en annan ljudbild (jag har inget behov) så är det lätt fixat med iOS EQ. Testade även med film (via Apple TV). Wow vilken känsla, det kommer ljud från alla håll med en bas i effekterna som upplevs ha sin källa från en subwoofer. Att kalla det 3D-ljud känns som ett understatement. Slutligen kvalitetskänslan. Det är Apple hela vägen, inget billigt plastskräp här! Jovisst den är dyr, men trots det tycker jag den är värd varenda krona. Vad väntar du på? ;)

Gewoon geweldig, de muziek klinkt van alle kanten in het rond om je oren. ik hoor inderdaad geluiden en instrumenten die ik normaal bij afspelen niet (direct)hoor. Gewoon even genieten maar dan ook echt! Bij transparantie hoor je op de achtergrond nog gewoon geluiden maar niet overdreven hard dat je muziek verstoord. Het opladen is wel vervelend als je het zonder andere additieven wilt laden omdat je het snoertje onderaan een oor moet pluggen en je de koptelefoon dan moet laten liggen of ophangen aan het hoofdband. Nog een klein minpuntje is dat hij best zwaar is en een beetje te lang op begint het te knellen en dan heb ik al een best smalle hoofd.

Sealed and packed safely