Apple is renowned for producing high-quality and innovative products, and the AirPods Max is no exception. These over-ear headphones have been designed to deliver impressive sound quality, with features like ANC, spatial audio, and Siri.
However, as with any product, there are pros and cons to consider. While the AirPods Max offers mostly good sound quality, they struggle slightly with mids and show their age in certain aspects.
In this review, we will look closer at the AirPods Max, examining their design, features, and overall performance to help you determine whether they are worth the investment.
Budsera’s Verdict
I have spent a considerable amount of time with the Apple AirPods Max and I must say, they are a premium option for anyone who values high-quality sound, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. The personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ features are impressive and they truly enhance the listening experience.
However, I must point out that the high price tag may not be within reach for everyone, especially those who already own a pair of good wireless headphones. Additionally, the limited compatibility with Android and Windows devices may not suit some users.
AirPods Max Features List
- Apple-designed dynamic driver
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ
- Apple H1 chip in each ear cup
- Digital Crown
- Noise Control button
- Siri voice assistant
- Up to 20 hours of battery life with a single charge and a quick charge feature
- Smart Case
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Why You Should Buy Apple AirPods Max?
If you are someone who values high-quality sound and top-notch noise cancellation, then the Apple AirPods Max may be the perfect fit for you. With their excellent audio performance and industry-leading noise cancellation, the AirPods Max delivers an immersive and high-fidelity listening experience.
If you own multiple Apple devices, you can take advantage of the seamless pairing and switching experience that the AirPods Max provides. Additionally, the design and comfort of the over-ear headphones are also something to consider.
While the price tag may be high, if you are looking for a premium product, the AirPods Max is an excellent investment.
Why You Should NOT Buy Apple AirPods Max?
AirPods Max may not be the right fit for everyone. If you already own a pair of good wireless headphones that meet your needs, there may be no need to invest in another pair.
Additionally, if you prefer in-ear earbuds or headphones with a 3.5mm audio port, the AirPods Max may not be the right fit for you.
If you use Android or Windows devices and want access to all the features, the AirPods Max may not provide you with the same experience.
Finally, if you are looking for a more affordable or portable option, the AirPods Max may not be the best choice due to their premium price point and bulky design.
Detailed Review of Apple AirPods max
Here are Some Top of Line features of Apple AirPods Max:
Sound Quality
The auditory experience is of the utmost importance to many a music enthusiast, and the Apple AirPods Max is equipped with a bevy of impressive features that make them an alluring choice for any such aficionado.
Among the most notable of these features is the custom-built dynamic driver, which works to produce sound with such high fidelity and low distortion that the listening experience is truly unparalleled.
This is a feature that cannot be overstated in its importance, as it is the very foundation upon which an unparalleled auditory experience is built.
So for those who value top-notch sound quality and crave nothing less than the ultimate in auditory sensation, the Apple AirPods Max is the obvious choice.
Spatial Audio
The Personalized Spatial Audio feature with dynamic head tracking creates a theater-like experience for movies and shows. This feature is a game-changer for those who enjoy watching movies or shows on their devices.
The Spatial Audio technology simulates sound coming from different directions and distances, creating an immersive experience that makes it seem like the sound is coming from the screen, even if you move your head.
Adaptive EQ
The Adaptive EQ feature uses inward-facing microphones to measure the user’s auditory environment and adjust the sound output to match the fit and seal of the ear cushions.
This ensures that the sound quality remains consistent and premium, regardless of the headphones’ fit or shape. As a result, users can enjoy a superior and uninterrupted listening experience, even during extended periods of use.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation, an innovative and revolutionary technology, stands as yet another defining feature that sets AirPods Max leagues apart from the competition.
By generating a counterbalancing sound wave, the user can effectively reduce the disruptive impact of external noise pollution, creating a truly immersive and unadulterated listening experience.
This cutting-edge feature can offer tremendous value to individuals who operate within particularly noisy environments, traverse bustling urban locales, or seek to relish their favorite tunes and media in bustling public spaces.
Apple H1 chip
The Apple H1 chip in each ear cup enables computational audio and fast pairing and switching between Apple devices. Computational audio is a technology that enhances the sound quality and performance of headphones using advanced algorithms.
Fast pairing and switching is a valuable feature for those who use multiple Apple devices, making it easy to connect and switch between their iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
Transparency Mode
The Transparency mode stands as a distinctive characteristic that empowers the users to perceive the ambient sounds without having to strip off their headphones.
This feature garners tremendous utility in settings where it is essential to remain cognizant of one’s surroundings, such as strolling along a bustling thoroughfare or traversing through a public expanse.
In essence, with the Transparency mode, users can seamlessly immerse themselves within the environment and establish a semblance of a symbiotic relationship with the surroundings, all while unencumbered by any intrusive interruptions.
Microphone
The AirPods Max boasts an impressive beamforming microphone array that delivers crystal-clear voice quality, even in the midst of bustling surroundings.
These microphones serve a dual purpose, enabling both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. With these features, you can stay in touch with the outside world and engage in conversations without having to remove your headphones.
This makes the AirPods Max a fantastic option for a wide range of activities, from making phone calls and joining virtual meetings to recording voice notes.
Bluetooth 5.0
The AirPods Max uses Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology that allows users to connect the headphones wirelessly to their devices, making it easy to listen to their favorite music or watch movies without any cords.
Battery Life
The AirPods Max boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode enabled, and up to 5 hours of listening time with both features turned off.
They also feature a quick charge feature that gives you around 1.5 hours of listening time with just 5 minutes of charge time.
When you’re not using the headphones, you can store them in the Smart Case, which not only protects them from scratches and bumps but also preserves their battery charge by putting them in an ultra-low-power state.
Controls
The controls on the AirPods Max are intuitive and easy to use. The Digital Crown allows you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, play or pause music, and answer or end phone calls.
You can also activate Siri by pressing and holding the Digital Crown, and use voice commands to perform various tasks hands-free.
The Noise Control button lets you switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, depending on your environment and preference.
Comfort
The Over-Ear AirPods Max are designed for maximum comfort, with a breathable knit mesh canopy that distributes the weight evenly across your head, and memory foam ear cushions that mold to the shape of your ears for a secure and comfortable fit.
The headband is also adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your liking. The headphones are also built to last, with a durable stainless steel frame and a water-resistant coating that protects them from sweat and spills.
AirPods Max User Reviews
Apple AirPods Max VS Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700
The AirPods Max are one of the most expensive and premium wireless headphones on the market, but they also face strong competition from other brands such as Sony and Bose. Here are some of the main points of comparison between the AirPods Max and other headphones:
Sound quality
The AirPods Max delivers high-fidelity sound with low distortion, thanks to the Apple-designed dynamic driver and the Adaptive EQ. They also support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like experience.
However, they only support AAC codec, which is not ideal for Android users. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 also offer excellent sound quality, with support for multiple codecs such as LDAC and aptX. They also have customizable EQ settings and 360 Reality Audio for Sony headphones.
Noise cancellation
The AirPods Max uses Active Noise Cancellation to block out external noise with anti-noise. They also have a Transparency mode that lets you hear the environment around you.
The noise cancellation performance is among the best in the industry, but it is not significantly better than the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose 700, which also have similar features and modes. The Sony headphones also have adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your surroundings automatically.
Design and comfort
The AirPods Max have a sturdy all-metal build that feels luxurious and durable. They have plush ear pads and a mesh headband that provide comfort and fit. However, they are also very heavy and bulky compared to other headphones.
They do not fold or collapse for easy storage and transportation, and they come with a Smart Case that does not protect them well.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 have lighter and more portable designs, with folding ear cups and hardshell cases. They also have more comfortable ear pads and headbands that can be adjusted to different head sizes.
Battery life and charging
The AirPods Max have up to 20 hours of battery life with a single charge, which is decent but not outstanding. They also have a quick charge feature that gives you around 1.5 hours of listening time with just 5 minutes of charge time.
However, they use a Lightning connector for charging, which is not very convenient for non-Apple users. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 have longer battery life, with up to 30 hours and 20 hours respectively.
They also use USB-C connectors for charging, which are more universal and compatible with other devices.
Connectivity and features
The AirPods Max use Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and have the Apple H1 chip in each ear cup that enables fast pairing and switching between Apple devices.
They also have Siri voice assistant that lets you access various functions hands-free. However, they do not have Bluetooth multipoint, which means you cannot connect them to two devices at the same time.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 also use Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and have voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa. They also have Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to connect them to two devices simultaneously.
Summary
AirPods Max are a great pair of headphones for Apple users who value sound quality, noise cancellation, design, and integration with iOS devices.
However, they are also very expensive, heavy, bulky, and limited in codec support and connectivity options. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 are more affordable, portable, comfortable, and versatile headphones that offer similar or better performance in some aspects.
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