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."

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.

I have a lot of Apple equipment and pretty much knew I'd end up buying Airpods Max at some point. I have at least six pairs of headphones around the place - both over and in ear types by Bose Sony and Apple (Airpods Pro). I've always been a bit underwhelmed by the sound quality delivered by earlier purchases, I've spent more than three hundred pounds previously - the last purchase being Bose 700s and Bose Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds. If you have Apple kit, the Airpods Max are great because once set up, they automatically connect to Mac, iPad, iPhone etc without further pairing which makes for easy usage. The button which is used to apply noise cancelling and transparency or turns them both off is simple and effective to use. The 'digital crown' for raising and lowering volume is just great. Having controls on the top of the right ear cup means that you always know how to put them on when you pick up the headphones. These controls are far more effective than anything I've used before on other headphones. The sound quality is excellent - better than anything I've had before. The sound is 'clean' and open with a full soundstage apparent. Instruments are spread out and I can hear individual instruments I've not heard before in recordings I've listened to many times. A lot has been said about the unconventional case provided. It seems to me to be designed to stop the aluminium ear cups from bashing into each other and getting damaged. If you were using these headphones just at home - then the case would be adequate. If you are going to take Airpods Max out and about, you'll likely need a hard outer case sold by third party manufacturers. Overall, I'd thoroughly recommend Airpods Max if you are into the Apple 'ecosystem'. They work so well with Apple hardware and software and I can see me using headphones generally more than I did because these are just so easy to use with a superior sound in this price range. Pure audiophiles probably wouldn't be satisfied with the Maxes and be tempted to look elsewhere and spend more.

The Apple AirPods Max offer a premium audio experience in a stylish and sleek design. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, some users have found them to be less comfortable compared to other headphones in their price range. The weight and clamping force may cause discomfort during extended use. Additionally, while the sound quality is impressive, it may not match the level of the AirPods Pro 2. Audiophiles or individuals seeking the highest level of audio fidelity may find the AirPods Max to be slightly lacking in comparison. Furthermore, the noise-cancelling feature on the AirPods Max does a good job in reducing external noise, but it may not excel in keeping the sound from leaking out. This could be a concern for those in shared or quiet environments where sound leakage is not desired. My wife could hear music even at low volume, other Top end headphones I use do NOT have the some issue. Despite these drawbacks, the AirPods Max still offer a premium and convenient wireless listening experience, with seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The build quality is solid, and the adaptive EQ and spatial audio features enhance the overall audio experience. The battery life is commendable as well, allowing for extended listening sessions without frequent recharging. Ultimately, if you value sleek design and seamless integration with Apple devices, along with above-average sound quality and acceptable noise-cancelling capabilities, the AirPods Max could be a suitable choice. However, if comfort and superior noise cancellation are your top priorities, considering other options might be worth exploring. The headphones ARE extremely solidly built as you'd expect from apple. Just wish they were slightly more comfortable as my ears were getting sore after just a couple of hours. MY ONE annoyance and it's a biggie. YOU CANNOT switch the blasted things off.

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.

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 ?

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.

I tested these carefully against the highly rated (and over £200 cheaper) Sony WH-1000XM5. For me there is no comparison - the Apple Airpods max have significantly better sound quality and I find them lots more convenient and intuitive to use than the very fiddly Sonys - not just with Apple devices but also with my Philips TV. I did try the Sony app and equalizer - which helped the sound a bit - but not enough. The volume control knob is genius. I personally love how they stay on (in low power mode?) ready to use when you put them down. Unlike the Sonys - which switch off each time then you have to remember which knob to press and how many seconds you have to hold it down to connect - every time! Battery life hasn't been an issue. Though I normally only use them at home so if they run out of juice I can plug in a long usb lead and keep listening. BRILLIANT for music and BRILLIANT for great sound when watching tv - without disturbing neighbours and without being yourself disturbed by them. Vastly better than the top rated sonos sound bar and better than using optical out to my marantz amp and a big lead across the room to wired philips fidelio headphones - or to some excellent speakers - these apples are far clearer in every case. I didn't know Bluetooth headphones could sound this good! Even MOTD is a revelation with these - besides the commentary you hear the crowd pretty well which adds to the atmosphere. If you get to test these try this : With Qobuz or Tidal, set up Massive Attack's Unfinished Symphony Set volume up to max (at least just to start with) Press Play Wow! - or your money back. (note: like most speakers / earphones the sound quality might well improve after they have run in for a number of hours) I also tested them against Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) (small in-ear buds). These latter also sound great (better than the Sonys) and are keepers - but can't match the Airpods Max for a full deep sound. So my Sonys went back but the Airpods Max and Airpods Pro are awesome. I didn't actually like the Sky Blue colour of the Airpods Max when they arrived so changed them for space gray.

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