Best Apple AirPods max Case Review (2024) for Wireless Audio

Best Apple AirPods max Case Review

the Apple AirPods Max worth $549? At first glance, it might seem steep, especially when comparing them to many excellent, more affordable over-ear headphones. Additionally, despite being Apple’s premium offering capable of wired connections, they do not support the latest Apple Adaptive Audio features.

Yet, our answer is a resounding yes: the AirPods Max justify their price tag. They stand out as top-tier noise-canceling headphones, ideal for both professional use and leisure. Their design, sound quality, and advanced features set them apart. While there are cheaper alternatives, the AirPods Max offer a blend of style and substance that’s hard to resist.

And yet, our answer is yes: the AirPods Max are worth $549. They can easily be ranked among the best noise-canceling headphones, the best headsets for working from home, and even the best headphones overall. While there are cheaper alternatives, the design, sound quality, and features of the AirPods Max make them highly appealing.

Currently, you can find the Apple AirPods Max on Amazon for $449. However, they’re certainly not an impulse buy. For those deliberating whether to splurge, here’s a summary: The AirPods Max look stunning, sound even better, and come with enough bonus features to justify the $549 price tag. With Apple’s latest headphones, you truly get what you pay for. Plus, there are some fantastic accessories available, including our top picks for the best AirPods Max cases and covers.

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APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Looking for top-notch sound without breaking the bank? The AirPods Max might just be your perfect fit. Priced at $549 / £499 / AU$899, these headphones offer a premium audio experience that won’t disappoint. Available in space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink, they not only sound great but look sleek too.

One standout feature is the magnetic, swappable ear cushions, which you can replace for $69 if needed. Inside the box, alongside the headphones, you’ll find a Smart Case and a Lightning-to-USB-C cable—though no power adapter. If you prefer wired listening, you’ll have to snag the Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable for an additional $35.

While they’re more affordable than many audiophile headphones, the AirPods Max still come with a significant price tag. But for the quality and convenience they offer, they’re a solid investment for any music enthusiast. Ready to elevate your listening experience? Check them out at Apple stores or online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: DESIGN

Ditching the classic white plastic, the AirPods Max take a bold leap with their vibrant color options, offering a refreshing change from the norm. The pink variant I got my hands on exudes a playful charm that strikes a balance between chic and nostalgic. The headband and case sport a lively shade reminiscent of Pantone’s popular Living Coral, while the ear cups shimmer with a luxurious rose gold finish.

These headphones aren’t just about looks; they’re a statement piece that blends modern technology with a hint of retro flair. Whether you’re strolling through the city or lounging at home, the AirPods Max in pink add a touch of personality to your everyday style. Ready to stand out from the crowd? Embrace the candy-colored charm of the AirPods Max—it’s more than just a headphone, it’s a fashion-forward accessory for the audio enthusiast.

The AirPods Max boast ear cups that pivot gracefully, each encased in oval memory foam pillows. While these cushions may not be as plush as those found on the Sony WH-1000XM4, they still manage to strike a balance between comfort and functionality. They mold snugly around my ears, creating a spongy, secure seal that enhances the listening experience.

The AirPods Max are crafted with a robust stainless steel frame, measuring 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches, and featuring slim, telescoping arms that elegantly extend to support a mesh headband. This design not only provides structural integrity but also contributes to a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Despite weighing 13.6 ounces, which is slightly heavier compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, the AirPods Max feel surprisingly light on the head. This sensation is partly due to the thoughtful design of the breathable canopy, which effectively distributes pressure and enhances comfort during extended listening sessions.

Apple has ingeniously borrowed a feature from its Apple Watch playbook and expanded it for the AirPods Max—the Digital Crown. Much like its counterpart on the smartwatch, the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max serves multiple functions. It acts as a tactile control for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and managing playback with a satisfying twist. Additionally, it doubles as a convenient tool for summoning Siri and handling phone calls—answering or ending them with a simple press.

Using the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max adds a level of intuitive control that enhances the user experience. There’s a certain tactile pleasure in swiveling the dial to adjust volume or navigate through playlists. Although, I’ll admit, in moments of distraction, I’ve accidentally adjusted the volume while adjusting my hair—a minor trade-off for the convenience it brings.

The AirPods Max take a unique approach with their controls, opting for simplicity and integration over traditional buttons. On the right earcup, you’ll find a switch that toggles between noise cancellation and transparency mode, offering quick access to adjust your listening experience to your surroundings.

Now, you might wonder where the power button is located. Interestingly, there isn’t one. Unlike many other headphones that feature a dedicated power button, the AirPods Max rely on sensors and smart technology to manage their power state. They automatically enter a low-power mode when they’re left stationary for a few minutes or placed into their magnetic smart case. This design choice ensures that the headphones conserve battery life effectively, even without manual intervention.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: SOUND QUALITY

The AirPods Max’s sound quality is underpinned by its sophisticated design and engineering. Featuring custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers in each ear cup, these headphones are finely tuned to reproduce a wide frequency range accurately. This means you can expect deep, punchy bass that doesn’t overpower, clear mid-range vocals that bring lyrics to life, and sparkling high frequencies that capture every detail in your music.

Apple’s approach with the AirPods Max goes beyond conventional wireless headphones, integrating cutting-edge technology to elevate the listening experience. Each earcup houses an H1 chip, a component familiar from Apple’s other devices, which alongside a custom acoustic design and advanced software, brings computational audio into play. This setup mirrors the computational photography prowess seen in the iPhone 12, harnessing 10 audio cores capable of performing an astounding 9 billion operations per second.

These technical capabilities enable features like Adaptive EQ, which dynamically adjusts the sound profile to suit the listener’s ears and surroundings. This real-time adjustment ensures that music, podcasts, and calls are optimized for clarity and balance, regardless of the genre or environment.

While these specs underscore the AirPods Max’s technical prowess, it’s important to note their positioning in the audio landscape. For true audiophiles or audio professionals seeking lossless playback, wired equipment still reigns supreme in terms of fidelity and detail. However, Apple’s wireless headphones offer a high-end audio experience that surpasses many popular models on the market. They provide a level of complexity and refinement that enhances the enjoyment of music and audio content, making them a compelling choice for discerning listeners who value convenience without compromising on sound quality.

Listening to Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” through the AirPods Max was a revelation in clarity and detail. The steady bassline reverberated with depth, while Lamar’s vocals were articulated with a crispness that brought new life to the lyrics. In comparison, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 also offer clarity, they didn’t quite capture the same level of definition and nuance that the AirPods Max delivered.

Switching gears to Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name,” the AirPods Max continued to impress with their ability to render smooth yet precise sound. Keys’ vocals in the opening sequence felt like a direct invitation into the studio, where every note and inflection was distinct and immersive.

Exploring the AirPods Max’s capabilities across my diverse music library was an enriching experience, but where these headphones truly shined wasn’t in music, but in their innovative spatial audio feature. Initially introduced with the AirPods Pro, spatial audio represents a groundbreaking advancement in headphone technology.

Imagine surround sound tailored specifically for your headset. Spatial audio achieves just that, supporting formats like 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos for compatible video content. What sets it apart is its integration of built-in head tracking, which dynamically adjusts the audio based on your head movements, creating a remarkably immersive experience.

During my testing, watching Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on my iPhone, I was transported into the action as ships zoomed across the screen. The precision with which the buzzes and hums followed their movement—from left to right and even down towards the planet—was nothing short of impressive. Spatial audio recalibrated seamlessly as I moved my head, maintaining a consistent audio perspective relative to the on-screen action.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: NOISE CANCELATION AND TRANSPARENCY MODE

Having relied on the AirPods Pro recently to create a peaceful work environment amidst the chaos of city living, I’ve come to appreciate their ability to drown out distractions like screaming babies, bustling traffic, and the hum of appliances. They’ve been a game-changer for my productivity. However, now that I’ve experienced the AirPods Max, I realize they’ve set a new standard that will make it hard to go back to earbuds.

The noise cancellation on the AirPods Max is phenomenal, offering a single but highly effective level that effectively blocks out external noise. It creates a cocoon of silence that allows me to focus deeply on tasks without being disrupted by my surroundings. For those who prefer more granular control over noise cancellation, like the multiple levels offered by the Bose 700, the AirPods Max may seem more straightforward but equally effective.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, the AirPods Max takes a unique approach that challenges the notion that more options always equate to better performance. In direct comparisons with top competitors, Apple’s headphones hold their ground admirably. While they may not dethrone others as the new ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) king, they certainly offer a compelling alternative.

My recent experience, largely confined to my apartment these days, involved using YouTube to recreate the bustling sounds of New York City during rush hour. The AirPods Max impressed by effectively eliminating low-frequency noises like wind and street hum, showcasing their prowess in creating a serene listening environment. However, in the realm of mid- and high-frequency sounds such as car horns and tires squeaking, the Bose 700 demonstrated superior performance.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: CONNECTIVITY AND SIRI CONTROL

For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max offer an unrivaled listening experience. The moment you remove these headphones from their case, the H1 chip ensures they pair instantly with your iPhone. This seamless connection extends across your Apple devices, allowing you to control the AirPods Max via your Apple Watch and effortlessly hand off audio playback between your iPad and HomePod mini.

Moreover, Siri integration, while not everyone’s go-to assistant, proves invaluable for tasks such as sending texts and taking calls. With the AirPods Max, you can also utilize Siri to manage a variety of HomeKit-enabled smart devices, making it easier than ever to control your smart home environment.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: CALL QUALITY

I discovered that the AirPods Max surpass other AirPods models in terms of phone call quality, effectively minimizing background noise according to the feedback from my test calls. I appreciated being able to hear my own voice, preventing unintentional yelling. In transparency mode, the AirPods Max even amplify the sound of my voice in my ears, ensuring clear and balanced communication.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: SMART CASE

I usually wouldn’t focus so much on a device’s case in a review, but the AirPods Max Smart Case has drawn a lot of attention and humor online. To be honest, I don’t dislike it, despite its resemblance to a flashy leather purse. I find the headband useful as a carrying handle, and the sleek design of the case is convenient for storage when not in use.

However, I have two main concerns. First, the exposed headband seems prone to accumulating dirt and germs. Despite being a clean person, I can’t help but worry about picking up the AirPods Max with dirty or crumb-covered hands—just, ew. Second, the Smart Case offers minimal protection. Unlike my AirPods Pro, I wouldn’t feel comfortable tossing the AirPods Max into my backpack alongside other items. One of the top improvements we’re hoping for in the AirPods Max 2 is a more protective case. In the meantime, investing in one of the best third-party AirPods Max cases is a wise choice.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: BATTERY LIFE

During my testing, the AirPods Max consistently met Apple’s claim of 20 hours of battery life, regardless of how I used them—listening to music, taking calls, or just enjoying some quiet time. Over a two-day period, which included 3 hours of phone calls, 10 hours of music or TV, and several hours of silence, my AirPods Max still had around 10% battery remaining. Impressively, when stored in their case overnight, the battery showed minimal drain.

Apple’s decision to forgo a power button is well-executed, as the low power modes effectively extend battery life, allowing most users to get several days of use from the AirPods Max under normal conditions. However, if having an exceptionally long battery life is crucial for you, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers an additional 10 hours.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you choose to use the Lightning to 3.5mm accessory, you’ll still need to charge the AirPods Max. This cable provides a wired listening option, eliminating audio latency, but it doesn’t charge the headphones.

APPLE AIRPODS MAX REVIEW: VERDICT

The AirPods Max stand as Apple’s finest headphones, though their steep price is a drawback. Despite this, they seamlessly integrate into Apple’s ecosystem in a way I didn’t initially realize I needed. Now that I have them, I find it difficult to consider any other over-ear headphones. The AirPods Max deliver an unbeatable combination of plush comfort, impeccable audio quality, and impressive features like spatial audio.

That said, the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 are more affordable alternatives, offering similar noise cancellation and broader compatibility with Android devices. Both also include practical cases, a headphone jack, and an off switch.

However, if these drawbacks don’t deter you and you’re willing to invest, the AirPods Max promise a luxurious listening experience. Joining the ranks of Apple’s dedicated fans is perfectly justified here—the AirPods Max aren’t just an indulgence; they’re truly exceptional.