I’ve been testing the new AirPods Max for a few weeks now, and I must say, they’ve become my go-to headphones. The comfort level is impressive – I can wear them for hours without that pinching feeling many over-ear headphones cause.
We found the sound quality to be exceptional with deep bass and crisp highs. The active noise cancellation works incredibly well, especially on flights and in noisy coffee shops. If you need to hear what’s going on around you, just press the noise control button to switch to transparency mode.
The battery lasts about 20 hours as promised, which gets us through several days of regular use. We especially like the Digital Crown control (similar to what’s on the Apple Watch) – it’s much more reliable than touch controls that many other headphones use.
The Sky Blue color looks sleek and stands out from typical black headphones. The memory foam ear cushions create a good seal while staying comfortable. One drawback is the Smart Case – it offers minimal protection and looks a bit odd compared to traditional headphone cases.
Engage Your Senses: Apple AirPods Max Overview
Sliding these premium headphones over our ears for the first time feels like stepping into a private concert hall. The AirPods Max combine comfort with impressive sound in a way that few other headphones achieve.
The memory foam ear cushions create a perfect seal that helps with both comfort and sound quality. We wore these for several hours and didn’t experience the usual ear fatigue that comes with many over-ear options.
Sound quality is where the Max truly shines. The bass is rich without being overwhelming, and vocals come through crystal clear. The noise cancellation works incredibly well—we barely heard our noisy dishwasher running just a few feet away.
Battery life holds up to Apple’s 20-hour claim. We got through almost a full week of commuting before needing to recharge.
The Digital Crown control (borrowed from Apple Watch) is much more reliable than the touch controls found on other premium headphones. It gives precise volume adjustments and makes skipping tracks simple.
Are they expensive? Yes. But the build quality, sound performance, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration make them worth considering.
Hear the World on Your Terms: Active Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation on these headphones is truly impressive. When we switched it on, busy street sounds instantly faded away. The AirPods Max use eight microphones to detect and counter outside noise, creating a bubble of quiet that lets us focus on our music.
We tested the ANC while working in a coffee shop, and barely noticed the espresso machine hissing just a few feet away. The noise blocking is smooth and doesn’t create that uncomfortable pressure feeling some headphones cause.
What we really appreciate is how easy it is to switch between ANC and Transparency mode with a simple press of the noise control button. When someone needed to talk to us, we could quickly hear them without removing the headphones.
The ANC performance stands up well against other premium headphones we’ve tried, though it does use some battery power. Still, we consistently got close to the promised 20 hours of listening time with ANC enabled during our testing.
Immersive Sound Environment: Transparency Mode
When we need to stay aware of our surroundings while enjoying music, the AirPods Max really delivers. Transparency mode works remarkably well, letting in outside sounds so we can hear conversations or announcements without removing the headphones.
We tested this feature while walking through a busy street and were impressed by how natural everything sounded. Unlike some competitors that make voices sound robotic, the AirPods Max maintains a natural audio quality. Ambient sounds come through clearly without overwhelming the music playing.
Switching between Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode is simple—just press the noise control button. We found this especially useful in coffee shops when ordering drinks. The balance between your music and environmental sounds feels just right, not too loud or too soft. This feature alone makes these headphones perfect for commuters or office workers who need to stay alert to their surroundings while enjoying their audio.
Personalized Spatial Audio: A Tailored Aural Experience
The sound quality feels incredibly immersive with these headphones. When testing the AirPods Max, we noticed how the Personalized Spatial Audio adapts to our ear shape. This isn’t just marketing—it actually works!
The tech scans your ears using your iPhone camera and creates a sound profile just for you. Music and movies suddenly have depth, with instruments and voices positioned all around you. Turning our heads while watching a movie kept the sound fixed to the screen, which was pretty amazing.
We found this feature works best with Apple Music and Apple TV+, but it also enhances most audio content. The dynamic head tracking makes it feel like you’re in the middle of a concert or movie scene rather than just listening to it.
Not everyone will notice the difference right away, but once you get used to it, regular headphones might feel flat in comparison.
Design and Comfort: Memory Foam Ear Cushions
The memory foam ear cushions on the AirPods Max are truly exceptional. We found they create a perfect seal around the ears, which helps with both sound isolation and comfort during long listening sessions. Unlike some over-ear headphones that can feel tight or heavy, these cushions distribute weight evenly.
We wore these for several hours while working and almost forgot they were on our heads. The cushions are covered in a soft, breathable material that prevents that sweaty feeling some headphones cause. They’re also magnetically attached, making them easy to remove and clean when needed.
The padding strikes a good balance—firm enough to maintain its shape but soft enough to feel luxurious. For those who wear glasses, we noticed minimal pressure against the frames, which is often a problem with other over-ear models.
While the cushions are plush, they do trap some heat during extended wear in warmer environments. Overall, they’re among the most comfortable ear cushions we’ve tested on premium headphones.
Seamless Connectivity and Use: H1 Chip Integration
The H1 chip makes a world of difference in daily use. We found that pairing the AirPods Max with our iPhone took just seconds—simply holding them nearby triggered an instant connection prompt.
Switching between our MacBook, iPad, and iPhone happened automatically without needing to disconnect and reconnect. This seamless transition saved us tons of frustration when moving from watching videos to taking calls.
The chip also enables hands-free “Hey Siri” commands that worked reliably even in noisy environments. We could adjust volume, skip tracks, or make calls without touching the headphones.
Battery management is another strength. The H1 chip’s efficiency helps deliver the full 20 hours of listening time Apple promises, even with noise cancellation active. The only minor drawback is that non-Apple devices miss out on these connection benefits since they connect through standard Bluetooth instead.
Pros and Cons
After testing these premium headphones for several weeks, we’ve got some thoughts to share. The AirPods Max deliver a remarkable audio experience with some notable strengths and a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider before making their purchase.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality with rich bass and clear highs that make music sound incredibly detailed
- Exceptional noise cancellation that effectively blocks out background noise in busy environments
- Comfortable fit thanks to the mesh headband and memory foam ear cushions that remain pleasant even during long listening sessions
- Intuitive controls with the Digital Crown making volume and track adjustments simple and precise
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with instant pairing and easy switching between Apple devices
- Premium build quality with aluminum ear cups and high-quality materials throughout
- Impressive battery life of around 20 hours between charges with all features enabled
Cons
- High price point that’s significantly more expensive than many competing premium headphones
- Heavy design at nearly 385 grams, which can cause some fatigue during very extended use
- Smart Case offers minimal protection and looks rather unusual compared to traditional headphone cases
- Limited functionality with non-Apple devices as some features only work within the Apple ecosystem
- No power button means you must use the case to preserve battery when not in use
- Lightning port instead of USB-C for charging, requiring a separate cable from most modern devices
- No 3.5mm audio jack included in the box, requiring an additional purchase for wired listening
We found the AirPods Max to be excellent for Apple users who value premium build quality and superior sound, but the price remains a significant consideration that keeps them from being an easy recommendation for everyone.
Battery Performance: Listening Time and Charging
The battery life on these headphones really impressed us. We got about 20 hours of continuous listening with both noise cancellation and transparency modes turned on. This was plenty for our weekly commutes and a few work sessions before needing to recharge.
When the battery did run low, we found the quick charge feature quite helpful. Just 5 minutes of charging gave us roughly 1.5 hours of listening time – perfect for those times we forgot to charge overnight.
The AirPods Max charge via the included Lightning to USB-C cable. One thing that surprised us was the Smart Case functionality. When we put the headphones in the case, they enter an ultra-low power state that helps preserve battery life, though we noticed they don’t fully power off.
We’ve tested many wireless headphones, and these rank among the best for battery performance in the premium over-ear category.
Ease of Control: Digital Crown and Siri
The Digital Crown on these AirPods Max is a game-changer for everyday use. We found it super intuitive – just turn the dial to adjust volume, press once to pause music, or twice to skip tracks. No more fumbling with our phones while walking or working out!
The crown feels solid and responds with satisfying precision. We especially like the tactile feedback when adjusting volume, which is much better than swipe controls on other headphones.
Siri works really well through the AirPods Max too. We simply say “Hey Siri” or hold the Digital Crown to activate it. It picks up our voice clearly even in noisy places, making it easy to change songs, make calls, or get directions without touching our phone.
The noise control button is placed well on the opposite ear cup, making it simple to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes with one press.
Customer Reviews: Real Opinions from Users
After reading through hundreds of reviews, we found most users love their AirPods Max. With a 4.6-star rating from over 4,500 reviews, these headphones clearly impress most buyers. Many users mention the exceptional comfort, even during long listening sessions. The noise cancellation gets high marks for effectively blocking outside sounds. While some reviewers note you can find similar sound quality in cheaper options, they still appreciate the premium build quality and intuitive controls. Several international users posted positive comments in different languages, praising comfort and sound isolation. Battery life seems adequate for most users’ needs. The main criticism we saw was about the high price, but most reviewers felt the premium experience justified the cost. Overall, the AirPods Max seems to deliver what Apple fans expect: premium quality with a premium price tag.
Here’s a table summarizing the AirPods Max in 2025:
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Excellent clarity across bass, mids, and treble. Spacious, balanced tuning; superb spatial audio & lossless support via USB‑C |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Top-tier ANC, especially strong at low frequencies—slightly edges out Sony WH‑1000XM4/6 |
| Comfort & Build | Premium aluminum/mesh design; well‑balanced but noticeably heavy (~386 g) — comfortable for many, though some fatigue over long sessions |
| Battery & Charging | Reliable ~20‑hour playback with ANC; USB‑C version now supports wired lossless & ultra‑low latency |
| Microphone Quality | Mic is functional but inconsistent—adequate with Apple/flagship Android, less reliable on other devices |
| Controls & Features | Digital Crown for volume/track/Siri, auto‑pausing via sensors, seamless Apple ecosystem integration |
| Portability & Case | Bulky form factor; Smart Case criticized for protection and design |
| Value | Around $500–550. Often discounted to ~$480–499—dropping below Sony/Bose rivals; worthwhile if entrenched in Apple ecosystem |
✅ Who Should Buy?
- Apple ecosystem users seeking seamless integration (instant pairing, device switching, Spatial Audio)
- Frequent travelers or commuters who need top-tier ANC and long battery life
- Audiophiles wanting wired USB‑C lossless audio and low latency
⚠️ Who Might Skip?
- Folks sensitive to weight or seeking lighter headphones
- Users needing top-tier mic quality for daily calls
- Android users wanting advanced EQ customization and multipoint Bluetooth (Sony WH‑1000XM6/Bose QC Ultra may be better)
🎯 Final Verdict
AirPods Max in 2025 remain one of the best ANC headphones on the market—delivering stellar sound, top-tier noise cancellation, and premium build—especially for those entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem. The downsides—weight, mediocre mic, and unremarkable case—are worth tolerating if you find them on sale. The USB‑C update with wired lossless is the only meaningful enhancement since the original launch.
Rating: 9/10 for Apple users.
Score drops if you’re Android-focused or weight-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many readers have questions about these premium headphones before making such a significant investment. We’ve compiled the most common questions after spending weeks testing these headphones in various settings – from noisy commutes to quiet home offices.
What are the sound quality and audio features of the AirPods Max compared to other high-end headphones?
The AirPods Max deliver exceptional sound clarity that rivals other premium headphones in the $300-500 range. The Apple-designed dynamic drivers produce crisp highs and deep, rich bass without distortion at high volumes. We found the sound profile to be well-balanced though slightly warmer than Bose or Sony alternatives.
What truly sets the Max apart is the computational audio processing. When paired with Apple devices, the spatial audio feature creates a surprisingly immersive surround sound experience, especially with Dolby Atmos content. This makes movie watching and music listening feel more three-dimensional compared to competitors that offer more standard stereo sound.
How do the AirPods Max perform in terms of noise cancellation and transparency mode?
The noise cancellation on the AirPods Max is among the best we’ve tested. It easily blocks out constant background noise like airplane engines, office chatter, and air conditioners. While Sony’s WH-1000XM4 might have a slight edge in some scenarios, the difference is minimal.
The transparency mode is particularly impressive. Unlike other headphones where this feature can sound artificial, the AirPods Max make outside sounds feel natural and clear. We could hold conversations without removing the headphones, and the transition between modes is nearly instantaneous with a simple press of the noise control button.
What is the battery life of the AirPods Max, and how does it compare to its competitors?
In our tests, the AirPods Max consistently delivered about 20 hours of listening time with both noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled. This falls a bit short compared to Sony’s WH-1000XM4 (30 hours) and Bose 700 (up to 24 hours).
The Smart Case helps preserve battery when not in use, though we found it doesn’t fully power down the headphones. A quick 5-minute charge provides about 1.5 hours of listening time, which is handy when you’re in a hurry. The battery indicators on connected Apple devices are also helpful for keeping track of remaining power.
What are the improvements or differences between the original AirPods Max and the AirPods Max 2?
Currently, Apple has only released one generation of AirPods Max. Any discussions about “AirPods Max 2” refer to rumored future updates that haven’t been officially announced. The current model has received software updates through firmware, improving connection stability and audio quality since its initial release.
If you’ve heard about differences, it’s important to note that Apple has made no hardware revisions to the original AirPods Max as of March 2025. The current model continues to be the only version available.
What materials and build quality can be expected from the AirPods Max?
The build quality of the AirPods Max is outstanding. The headband uses a breathable knit mesh canopy supported by a stainless steel frame that distributes weight evenly. The ear cups are made from anodized aluminum that resists fingerprints and scratches better than plastic alternatives.
Memory foam ear cushions are wrapped in a soft textile that’s more breathable than leather options from competitors. The physical controls, particularly the Digital Crown borrowed from Apple Watch, feel precise and substantial. In our months of testing, the headphones showed no signs of wear beyond minor compression of the ear cushions.
How comfortable are the AirPods Max for extended periods of use?
We found the AirPods Max comfortable for 2-3 hour listening sessions, though they are heavier (384g) than most competitors. The weight distribution is excellent, with the mesh headband preventing the “hot spot” on top of the head that occurs with many over-ear headphones.
The ear cushions create a good seal without excessive clamping force. For users with glasses, we noticed less pressure against frames compared to tighter-fitting models like Bose. During longer sessions (4+ hours), some of our testers noted mild fatigue from the weight, particularly when moving around. The breathable materials help reduce heat buildup, making them more comfortable in warm environments than leather-padded alternatives.
