Headphones
Apple Airpods Max 2024
Best For
- Apple ecosystem users who switch between iPhone and Mac constantly
- Frequent flyers who need serious ANC on long-haul flights
- Listeners who want lossless wired audio via USB-C
Consider Carefully
- Users who want the H2 chip's Adaptive Audio features
- Anyone needing lightweight headphones for all-day wear
- Shoppers expecting meaningful upgrades over the 2020 model
Jump to Section
The Bottom Line
We analyzed the latest Apple AirPods Max 2024, and what we found is a product that continues to refine the high-end headphone experience. Despite its hefty price tag, these headphones are broadly appreciated for their premium build quality, with a sturdy all-metal construction that's praised across the board. The new braided USB-C cable is a welcome addition, offering all-digital lossless wired audio connections and compatibility with more devices. Spatial audio with head tracking is another highlight, delivering a more immersive listening experience for iOS users. Comfort is also a strong suit, with many reviewers noting they can wear these headphones for extended periods without discomfort. However, some reservations remain. The design, unchanged from the 2020 original, and the smart case continue to be divisive. Additionally, the headphones' weight is a concern for some, with a few reviewers noting heat buildup and reduced breathability during extended use.
Performance Breakdown
Expert Scores
How 10 professional publications rated this product
In-Depth Analysis
Sound Quality 88
Spatial audio and ANC are the headliners, but whether these actually qualify as audiophile-grade is genuinely contested across sources.
Key Takeaway
→If spatial audio and immersive listening are your priority, this delivers. If you're chasing true audiophile-grade fidelity at this price, the evidence says look elsewhere.
Noise Cancellation 87
ANC is a genuine strength with broad agreement across sources, but one outlier says it falls short specifically on airplanes, which is where most people want it most.
Key Takeaway
→For raw noise blocking on commutes and flights, this is among the best available. If you want adaptive, context-aware ANC, wait for the H2 version.
Apple Ecosystem Integration 82
Eighteen sources agree these are built for Apple users and deliver seamlessly within that world. Outside it, they're a frustrating and expensive Bluetooth headphone.
Key Takeaway
→Deep in Apple's ecosystem and want the best wireless experience it offers? These deliver. If you use Android, Windows, or want the latest Apple audio features, the value case collapses.
Microphone Performance 76
Call quality is solid for office use, but RTINGS found background noise separation lacking, and wired mode kills the microphone entirely.
Key Takeaway
→Reliable for office calls in quiet environments. If you're in noisy spaces, on competitive calls, or want to use the mic while wired, the limitations will show.
Build Quality 74
The stainless steel and aluminum construction is genuinely premium and durable, but the r/AirPodsMax community treats AppleCare+ as mandatory, not optional, which says something about long-term confidence.
Key Takeaway
→The materials and construction are as good as headphones get at this price. Budget for AppleCare+ and eventual cushion replacements, because the community data suggests you'll need them.
Comfort & Fit 74
The mesh headband and deep ear cups earn genuine praise, but 385 grams of stainless steel is a real problem for sessions beyond two to three hours, and glasses wearers get under an hour.
Key Takeaway
→Fine for desk work and shorter sessions. If you wear glasses, use them for more than two hours at a stretch, or work out, the weight will become a problem.
Design & Portability 69
The Digital Crown is universally praised and the USB-C switch is overdue, but nine sources agree the case is still a problem and these headphones do not fold.
Key Takeaway
→If you use these at a desk or in a bag where size doesn't matter, the design is excellent. If you need something that folds, packs small, or travels light, these will disappoint you every time.
Battery Life 69
Twenty hours with ANC on sounds solid until you realize competitors push past that, and there's no way to actually turn these off without the case.
Key Takeaway
→Battery life is adequate for most use cases, but if you frequently forget the case or want to manually power down, the design will frustrate you.
Specifications & Verdict
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec support
- Charging Port
- USB-C
- Connection Range
- 131 feet
- Connection Types
- USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to 3.5mm
- Multipoint Capability
- two Apple devices simultaneously
- Quick Charge
- available
Ergonomics
- Ear Cup Material
- Anodized aluminum
- Ear Pads
- Foam, swappable
- Headband Material
- Stainless steel with soft silicone and mesh
- Left Earcup Additional
- gyroscope
- Padding
- Knit
- Sensors per Earcup
- optical sensor,position sensor,case-detect sensor,accelerometer
Features
- Adaptive Audio Features
- Conversation Awareness,Personalized Volume,Voice Isolation,Loud Sound Reduction
- Audio Recording
- Studio-quality
- Case
- Smart Case (power control sleeve)
- Ecosystem Features
- Automatic device switching,Find My support
- Siri Capabilities
- Hey Siri and Siri commands, Siri Interactions with head gestures
- Special Controls
- Digital Crown
- Special Features
- Digital Crown control, Active Noise Cancellation
Performance
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Pro-level ANC with 8 microphones (up to 2x better than previous generation)
- Adaptive EQ
- Yes
- Audio Features
- Spatial Audio,Dolby Atmos
- Driver
- 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver with neodymium ring magnet motor
- Lossless Audio
- 24-bit/48kHz via USB-C wired connection
- Spatial Audio
- Supported with dynamic head tracking
- Transparency Mode
- Best-in-class
Physical
- Available Colors
- Midnight,Starlight,Purple,Blue,Orange
- Battery Life With ANC
- Up to 20 hours
- Battery Life Without ANC
- 40 hours
- Color Options
- Multiple
- Construction
- Anodized aluminum earcups, magnetic mesh and foam ear cushions, stainless steel telescoping headband with silicone details
- Earcup Material
- Aluminum
- Fast Charging
- 5 minutes yields 1.5 hours playback
- Frame Material
- Stainless steel
- Item Weight
- 2.83 Pounds
- New Colors
- Midnight,Starlight,blue,orange,purple
- Product Dimensions
- 9.75 x 9.5 x 3.25 inches
- Weight
- 13.6 ounces
Power
- Battery Life
- Rated up to 20 hours
- Charging
- USB-C
- Fast Charging
- 5 minutes yields 1.5 hours playback
- Quick Charge
- available
Our Verdict
The AirPods Max 2024 are the best-sounding headphones Apple makes, and the USB-C upgrade finally brings lossless wired audio to the table. At $549, you're paying for stainless steel construction, class-leading ANC, and deep iOS integration. But the hardware is essentially the same as 2020, the H1 chip means no Adaptive Audio, and 385 grams will fatigue some users over long sessions. Buy them if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want a premium daily driver. Look elsewhere if you want meaningful upgrades over the original or need lightweight all-day wear.
Customer Reviews Amazon
16,585 reviews
Worth It If You’re in the Apple Ecosystem
*sigh* okay, worth it
Best gift I gave myself this Christmas - worth every penny
Pure Audio Bliss – The Gold Standard for Noise Cancellation & Convenience
Show all 9 reviews
Amazing Sound & Comfort — I Love These AirPods Max!
Perfeito
Bom produto, mas o case para o preço do produto é horrível.
Mejor de lo esperado
Para mi, Apple sigue siendo sinónimo de calidad
Reviews shown are from Amazon customers and do not reflect our editorial assessment.
Pricing & Availability
Updated Apr 15, 2026Apple Airpods Max 2024
Sources & Methodology
Every score is built on evidence. This review synthesizes 35 independent sources — expert publications, video reviews, and community discussions — weighted by credibility, depth, and relevance.
Show detailed source analysis ↓ Hide source analysis ↑
Expert Reviews
cnet.com
Top
8.9/10-point
The AirPods Max received minor updates in September 2024 with USB-C connectivity replacing Lightning, enabling all-digital lossless wired audio connections, plus new color options. However, Apple retained the older H1 chip instead of upgrading to the H2 found in newer AirPods models. The headphones maintain excellent build quality with stainless steel and aluminum construction, strong noise canceling, and premium sound. Key Apple ecosystem features persist including automatic device switching and spatial audio with head tracking. At typical street prices around $449, they compete directly with Sony and Bose flagships, offering superior materials but lacking some newer features like adaptive audio and conversation awareness.
Strengths
- +Surprisingly comfortable despite substantial weight
- +Impressive sound quality and premium build materials
- +Top-tier adaptive noise canceling and transparency mode
- +Strong headset performance for voice calls
Weaknesses
- −Expensive at original $549 MSRP
- −Heavy compared to competing models
- −Smart case design remains controversial and impractical
- −No USB-C to 3.5mm cable included for wired use
soundguys.com
Top
8/10-point
The AirPods Max delivers premium build quality with stainless steel and aluminum construction, though at 385g it's noticeably heavy. Deep, comfortable ear cups with removable padding stand out as a highlight, while the digital crown offers smooth volume control. Noise canceling and transparency mode perform excellently. However, the lack of a 3.5mm jack limits wired use, the Smart Case provides minimal protection, and the absence of folding hinges reduces portability. Battery drains when not in the case due to no physical power button. The USB-C variant improves connectivity with Apple devices.
Strengths
- +Sturdy all-metal build with stainless steel and aluminum
- +Top-notch noise canceling and transparency mode
- +Insanely smooth digital crown for controls
- +Auto-pause sensors when removing headphones
Weaknesses
- −No 3.5mm headphone jack limits professional use
- −Heavy at 385 grams compared to competitors
- −Smart Case offers minimal protection
- −No folding hinges for compact storage
techgearlab.com
Top
4.7/5-point
The AirPods Max delivers Apple's signature minimalist design with rich sound quality and top-tier noise cancellation for iOS users. The Digital Crown offers intuitive control, and Multipoint connectivity between Apple devices works seamlessly. However, comfort is a significant drawback due to substantial weight and earcup pressure, especially when wearing glasses. Battery life underperforms at under 23 hours, and the Smart Case provides minimal protection while being required to fully disable Bluetooth pairing. The lack of customization options and cumbersome Android/Windows pairing further limit appeal outside Apple's ecosystem.
Strengths
- +One-Touch Pairing with iOS devices is effortless
- +Digital Crown provides intuitive modern control
- +Multipoint connectivity between Apple devices works incredibly well
- +Rich, wonderfully immersive sound quality
Weaknesses
- −Smart Case offers minimal protection for pricey investment
- −Weight and earcup pressure cause discomfort over time
- −Wearing with glasses reduces comfortable use to under one hour
- −Under 23-hour battery life disappoints against competitors
rtings.com
Top
8.2/10-point
The Apple AirPods Max 2024 feature an aluminum frame with knit padding available in multiple colors, delivering a premium design with powerful adaptive ANC. The H1 chip enables seamless pairing with iOS/iPadOS devices, while adaptive EQ automatically adjusts sound based on ear shape. Audio reproduction offers balanced tuning with warm treble, smooth bass, and clear mids. Battery life supports intercontinental flights and multiple workdays. However, the metal construction creates significant weight that causes fatigue during extended wear. The headphones cannot be powered off, and the microphone underperforms in noisy environments or when wired.
Strengths
- +Outstanding noise cancelling performance
- +Excellent continuous battery life
- +H1 chip enables seamless Apple device pairing
- +Adaptive EQ customizes sound to ear shape
Weaknesses
- −Heavy, bulky design causes wearing fatigue
- −Mediocre breathability during extended use
- −Cannot be turned off completely
- −Microphone struggles with background noise separation
appleinsider.com
Top
3/5-point
The reviewer expresses disappointment with the 2024 AirPods Max update, which adds only USB-C and new colors while retaining the same H1 chip, design, and feature set from 2020. Despite missing modern capabilities like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and H2 chip features found in cheaper AirPods Pro 2, the headphones remain sonically impressive with excellent build quality. The aluminum and stainless steel construction creates a striking but heavy design that cannot fold for travel. Sound quality remains a standout strength with crisp, distortion-free audio and strong bass separation, though wired connections still don't deliver true lossless audio. The Digital Crown continues to work excellently for controls. For Apple ecosystem users, the integration remains unmatched, but the lack of meaningful updates makes them difficult to recommend at full price.
Strengths
- +Premium aluminum and stainless steel build quality
- +Excellent sound with crisp, distortion-free audio
- +Digital Crown provides intuitive playback and volume control
- +Strong bass and physical instrument separation
Weaknesses
- −Retains outdated H1 chip instead of H2
- −Missing Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness
- −No water resistance or hearing health features
- −Still uses Bluetooth 5.0 instead of 5.3
techozea.com
Top
8.5/10-point
After five months of daily testing, the reviewer found the AirPods Max to be polarizing premium headphones best suited for Apple ecosystem users. The 2024 USB-C model features exceptional build quality with stainless steel and aluminum construction, though at 13.6 ounces they're noticeably heavy. The weight distribution through the mesh canopy allows 3-4 hour comfortable listening sessions. Pro-level active noise cancellation with 8 microphones and personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking stand out as key features. Battery life reaches 20 hours with ANC enabled, and the 40mm Apple-designed drivers deliver premium sound quality. The magnetic ear pad attachment system enables easy replacement for longevity.
Strengths
- +Exceptional build quality with stainless steel and anodized aluminum
- +Pro-level ANC with 8 microphones, up to 2x better than previous generation
- +USB-C enables 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio wired connection
- +Mesh canopy distributes weight for 3-4 hour comfortable sessions
Weaknesses
- −13.6 ounce weight significantly heavier than competitors
- −Premium $549 price point limits accessibility
- −Smart Case design remains controversial
- −Bluetooth 5.0 lacks newer codec options beyond AAC
thedisconnekt.com
Top
4/5-point
The AirPods Max remain a compelling option in 2024 despite their age. The reviewer, who has owned a pair for nearly four years, praises their distinctive anodised aluminium design with colour-matching memory foam cushions and breathable mesh headband. Build quality rivals Apple's iPad and iPhone lines. The Digital Crown provides intuitive volume and playback controls, while a dedicated button toggles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. Sound quality delivers rich, crisp and spacious audio across all genres tested. ANC performance effectively blocks plane and train noise. The 2024 update added USB-C charging and new colours, though some features remain missing. At £499, they represent a significant investment.
Strengths
- +Superb build quality with anodised aluminium cups
- +Excellent active noise cancellation for travel
- +Rich, crisp and spacious audio performance
- +Comfortable for 12-hour flights with breathable mesh headband
Weaknesses
- −Missing some features compared to newer AirPods models
- −Expensive at £499 price point
- −Smart Case design remains problematic
markellisreviews.com
Top
6.4/10-point
The 2024 AirPods Max update is minimal, swapping Lightning for USB-C and adding five new colors while retaining the same £549 price. Build quality remains impressive with excellent transparency mode, physical digital crown controls, and seamless ecosystem integration including Spatial Audio and Find My support. However, the headphones still suffer from a poorly designed case, a loosening fabric canopy, excessive weight, and notably lack the H2 chip found in cheaper AirPods models—missing features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness. For the price, sound quality underperforms compared to alternatives £200 cheaper.
Strengths
- +Excellent transparency mode unmatched by competitors
- +Physical digital crown controls are intuitive and satisfying
- +Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with automatic device switching
- +Impressive build quality justifies premium positioning
Weaknesses
- −Case offers minimal protection and scuffs easily
- −Fabric canopy loosens over time reducing comfort
- −Heavy weight exceeds most competing headphones
- −Sound quality doesn't match £499 price point
architeg-prints.com
Top
4.9/5-point
The 2024 AirPods Max refresh brings USB-C charging and five new colors while maintaining the same $549 price and core hardware from the 2020 original. The iconic design with anodized aluminum ear cups, breathable mesh headband, and magnetic replaceable cushions remains unchanged. Sound quality and 20-hour battery life with ANC persist as strengths. The controversial Smart Case continues to draw mixed reactions for its minimal protection despite effective power management. Physical controls via the Digital Crown and dedicated noise cancellation button earn praise for tactile intuitiveness. The 384.8-gram weight is noticeable but mitigated by balanced ergonomics. No sweat or water resistance limits workout use.
Strengths
- +Iconic anodized aluminum design with unique squircle ear cups
- +Magnetic, replaceable ear cushions extend product lifespan
- +Intuitive Digital Crown and tactile physical controls
- +Comfortable for glasses wearers with roomy ear cups
Weaknesses
- −No official sweat or water resistance for workouts
- −Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
- −384.8-gram weight heavier than many competitors
- −No major hardware upgrades beyond port and colors
recordingnow.com
Top
8.2/10-point
The reviewer, a professional music producer with 10 years of experience, has owned the AirPods Max for over 3 years. Sound quality earns strong marks (8.6/10), particularly for midrange clarity that benefits vocal-forward genres like pop, rock, classical, and jazz. Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos enhance soundstage with 3D effects, though compatible tracks remain limited. Highs are detailed without harshness. Bass is punchy and accurate but lacks sub-bass extension compared to some competitors. Comfort scores 4/5 despite a heavy 387.8g weight—the suspension headband distributes pressure well, though clamping force on earcups can cause fatigue. Noise cancelling performs adequately for offices and cafés but falls short for air travel. Build quality and Apple ecosystem integration remain strengths.
Strengths
- +Excellent midrange clarity makes vocals sound full and detailed
- +Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos create immersive 3D soundstage effects
- +Detailed highs without harshness or sibilance
- +Punchy, accurate bass response after extended listening
Weaknesses
- −Heavy 387.8g weight causes fatigue during long sessions
- −Clamping force pressure on earcups rather than headband
- −Sub-bass extension less impressive than competitors
- −Noise cancelling inadequate for airplane environments
lifewire.com
The 2024 AirPods Max received only minor updates from its 2020 predecessor, with USB-C charging and new color options being the sole hardware changes. The headphones retain their premium build quality with anodized aluminum earcups, stainless steel headband, and substantial 13.6-ounce weight, yet remain comfortable for extended wear due to thoughtful weight distribution and breathable mesh materials. Audio performance, noise cancellation, and internal components including the H1 chip remain unchanged. Battery life holds steady at approximately 20 hours. The reviewer notes the same folding case returns, which adequately protects the headphones during travel. For existing Lightning version owners, the upgrade offers little incentive, while new buyers benefit from modernized charging and potential discounts as the product ages.
Strengths
- +Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem devices
- +Excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation performance
- +USB-C charging replaces proprietary Lightning connector
- +Comfortable for multi-hour listening despite heavy weight
Weaknesses
- −Priced higher than competing premium headphone brands
- −13.6-ounce weight feels heavier than expected
- −No meaningful performance upgrades from 2020 version
- −Same folding case design remains disappointing
applevis.com
The reviewer, an audio enthusiast, upgraded from Lightning AirPods Max (2021) to the USB-C version after Apple added wired playback support. Key improvements include lossless audio over USB-C cable and ultra-low latency. The USB-C to USB-C cable delivers true lossless audio, while the USB-C to 3.5mm cable does not due to analog-to-digital conversion. Sound differences are subtle—mainly improved dynamic range, most noticeable in classical music. Bluetooth audio quality remains unchanged from the Lightning version. Wired features require iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4, though non-Apple devices still work for basic lossless playback.
Strengths
- +True lossless audio via USB-C to USB-C cable
- +Ultra-low latency audio for wired connections
- +Wired playback works with Bluetooth features enabled
- +Compatible with non-Apple devices via USB-C cable
Weaknesses
- −USB-C to 3.5mm cable does not deliver true lossless audio
- −Lossless features require latest OS versions on Apple devices
- −Sound quality improvement is subtle and not universally noticeable
macrumors.com
The 2024 USB-C refresh brought modest changes to the AirPods Max lineup, primarily swapping the Lightning port for USB-C and introducing new color options. A later firmware update enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over wired USB-C connections, along with creator-focused features like Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio and Spatial Audio mixing with head tracking. For wireless listeners, the experience remains largely unchanged from the original 2020 model. The USB-C version stayed available until the AirPods Max 2 announcement, serving as Apple's current offering without meaningful hardware upgrades beyond connectivity and color choices.
Strengths
- +USB-C enables 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless wired audio
- +New color options: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange
- +Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio for content creation
- +Spatial Audio mixing with head tracking via USB-C
Weaknesses
- −Hardware nearly identical to 2020 original model
- −No H2 chip or Adaptive Audio features included
- −Wireless experience unchanged from predecessor
- −Now discontinued following AirPods Max 2 announcement
Video Reviews
Brandon Butch
After three and a half years of daily use, the reviewer reports the …
After three and a half years of daily use, the reviewer reports the AirPods Max have improved significantly through firmware updates, particularly automatic switching between Apple devices. Despite widespread reports of mesh headband rips, ear cup deterioration, and condensation issues, their personal unit has held up well through travel, gym workouts, and daily work use. The active noise cancellation remains exceptional for air travel, though transparency mode lacks adaptive features found in newer AirPods Pro 2 due to the older H1 chip. Recent additions include press-to-mute for calls. The mesh headband remains vulnerable to damage from zippers, and the "bra case" creates packing challenges.
- →Best choice for frequent air travelers needing superior ANC
- →Improved significantly for multi-device Apple ecosystem users
- →Durable for daily use but requires careful handling during travel
- →Worth considering for those prioritizing noise cancellation over smart features
- →Consider waiting for H2 chip upgrade if adaptive audio matters
Brian Tong
The reviewer examines the 2024 AirPods Max (2nd generation), noting …
The reviewer examines the 2024 AirPods Max (2nd generation), noting minimal changes from the original. The only hardware update is USB-C replacing Lightning. Colors include purple, orange, blue, midnight, and starlight. Sound quality remains excellent with great lows, dynamic range, and mids, though comfort remains poor due to unchanged heavy weight. The carrying case is criticized as inadequate. The H1 chip persists instead of the newer H2, meaning missing features like adaptive audio and conversational awareness. The reviewer expresses disappointment that Apple made no meaningful improvements after four years.
- →Best for Apple ecosystem users prioritizing sound over comfort
- →Skip if you own original AirPods Max—upgrade unjustified
- →Consider alternatives for travel due to weight and case issues
- →Wait for true redesign if H2 features matter to you
- →Fashion-conscious buyers may appreciate new colors
Apfelwelt
The reviewer evaluates the 2024 AirPods Max refresh, noting minimal …
The reviewer evaluates the 2024 AirPods Max refresh, noting minimal changes beyond USB-C replacing Lightning and new color options (Polarstern replacing silver, Mitternacht replacing Space Gray, plus new blue, purple, and orange variants). Build quality and material selection remain exceptional strengths. The mesh headband on older units showed tension loss over time. Condensation inside ear cups remains a reported issue during temperature transitions. Comfort and fit are praised, though weight is acknowledged as a consideration. The reviewer finds the headphones still competitive despite their four-year-old design, with no hardware upgrades to internals or features.
- →Best for users prioritizing premium build over cutting-edge features
- →Ideal for Apple ecosystem integration and seamless device switching
- →Consider headband durability for long-term ownership
- →Avoid rapid temperature transitions to prevent condensation issues
- →Worthwhile upgrade primarily for USB-C convenience needs
Joshua Chang
The reviewer acquired the AirPods Max three years post-release and …
The reviewer acquired the AirPods Max three years post-release and finds the build quality unmatched, with stainless steel frames and aluminum ear cups. Weight remains a genuine concern for smaller users, though the reviewer (6 feet tall) wears them comfortably for eight-hour sessions. The digital crown and noise control button combination enables unique simultaneous-press functionality. Mesh ear cups provide superior breathability and durability versus faux leather alternatives, with deeper driver spacing (3cm vs. 2cm) enhancing comfort. The mesh headband eliminates pressure points but raises longevity questions. The smart case design disappoints despite its practical magnet-based sleep function.
- →Best suited for larger users who don't experience weight fatigue
- →Ideal for all-day stationary desk work sessions
- →Strong choice for users prioritizing breathability over isolation
- →Consider replacement headband cost in long-term ownership
- →Simultaneous button press feature benefits frequent context-switchers
Jason T Lewis
The reviewer unboxed the 2024 AirPods Max in Midnight color, noting …
The reviewer unboxed the 2024 AirPods Max in Midnight color, noting it's slightly more blue than Space Gray. They expressed disappointment at the minimal updates—only new colors and USB-C charging—while the $559 price remains unchanged. The H1 chip persists instead of the newer H2, and the 3.5mm to Lightning cable was removed, eliminating any lossless audio capability. Build quality remains identical with the same controversial Smart Case, mesh headband, and magnetic ear cups. The reviewer praised ecosystem integration across Apple devices and strong noise cancellation, but found the four-year wait for meaningful updates frustrating. Sound quality showed marginally improved bass response.
- →Skip upgrade if you own original AirPods Max
- →Best suited for users deep in Apple ecosystem
- →Consider only if specific new color is essential
- →Not recommended for audiophiles needing lossless
- →Wait for meaningful refresh unless urgent need
SoundGuys
The reviewer finds the Apple AirPods Max 2 essentially unchanged from …
The reviewer finds the Apple AirPods Max 2 essentially unchanged from the 2020 original, retaining the same 386-gram aluminum construction and mesh headband. While calling the design iconic, they criticize the excessive weight and strong clamping force as fatiguing for extended wear. The Smart Case remains a sore point—offering minimal protection and still requiring insertion to power off rather than a simple button. The H2 chip brings meaningful software additions including live translation, adaptive volume, and conversation awareness borrowed from AirPods Pro models. Magnetic ear cushions remain swappable, though this is carryover from the original design.
- →Best for Apple ecosystem users wanting seamless integration
- →Avoid if planning multi-hour continuous listening sessions
- →Software features suit travelers needing live translation
- →Consider third-party case for actual protection
- →Not worth upgrade from original AirPods Max
Tech Fowler
The reviewer evaluates whether the original AirPods Max remain worth …
The reviewer evaluates whether the original AirPods Max remain worth purchasing in 2024 with a potential successor rumored for late 2024. They praise the headphones' iconic, minimal design that has become recognizable across popular culture, including NFL players. The build quality receives high marks for premium materials like metal ear cups, seamless extendable arms, and innovative mesh headband padding that feels like a pillow. Magnetic, replaceable ear cushions add practical value. However, the review focuses on the existing 2020 model rather than any 2024 refresh, with no technical specifications or features specific to a "2024" version mentioned.
- →Worth considering despite potential 2024 successor
- →Design has remained iconic since 2020 launch
- →Premium build justifies high price point
- →Replaceable parts extend product lifespan
Community Discussions via Reddit
Comparison
r/Airpodsmax
u/[deleted]
This comparison thread features mixed long-term and short-term experiences with the AirPods Max. The original poster, a 60-year owner of durable goods, purchased the AirPods Max at launch seeking Apple ecosystem integration and quality commensurate with the premium price. Community feedback reveals divergent paths: some users keep them for specific use cases (ANC, spatial audio) while others have moved to competitors like Focal Bathys, B&O H95, or Mark Levinson 5909. The consensus centers on the product excelling within Apple's ecosystem for casual listening and content consumption, but falling short for serious music enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity wired performance. Moisture/sweat issues appear repeatedly as a hardware vulnerability.
Key Insights
- →Best for users deeply invested in Apple ecosystem seeking convenience and ANC, not for audiophiles prioritizing wired fidelity
- →Serious music listeners with anxiety or high audio demands may find better satisfaction in kilobuck wired alternatives or premium competitors like Focal Bathys
- →Durability concerns around moisture/sweat resistance represent a recurring hardware vulnerability not adequately addressed
- →Product serves as a specialized tool rather than primary headphone for many owners — kept alongside alternatives rather than as sole device
- →Spatial audio and ANC remain standout features that retain some users despite other shortcomings
Top Comments
Good stuff my man I loved reading this post. I have AirPods Max for a couple months and I actually plan on returning them. Currently I’m deciding between the B&O H95 & Mark Levinson 5909. I …
Having mine for over 18 months I’d say I’m long term. To make it a TL;DR, I now have a set of Focal Bathys and am satisfied with those as they give me the experience of my kilobuck headphones, in a …
Do you use them with apple products, iphone, mac? That should give you the best wireless quality. But bluetooth will never sound as good as wired, at least with current standards. So if you want …
Quick Opinion
r/Airpodsmax
u/NoBody5068
This quick opinion captures a prospective buyer's temptation to purchase AirPods Max after a positive in-store demo, with community input spanning ownership durations from one week to two years. The consensus leans positive for audio quality and noise cancellation, with multiple owners repurchasing after missing the product. However, durability concerns emerge as a significant counterpoint, with one user reporting complete failure after two years of daily use. The discussion centers on whether the premium price is justified for Apple ecosystem users with disposable income, with travel and vocal clarity highlighted as particular strengths.
Key Insights
- →Best suited for Apple ecosystem users with disposable income who prioritize audio quality and travel frequently
- →Noise cancellation performance makes these particularly strong for airplane and commute use cases
- →Long-term reliability remains a community concern given premium pricing; at least one documented case of total failure at 2 years
- →Satisfaction appears high enough that multiple owners repurchase after extended absence, suggesting strong product attachment
- →Vocal clarity and bass tightness specifically praised for pop music listening
Top Comments
Sound stage is better and the ANC is way better. This is just plain wrong. I would hate to have to travel with just my AirPods, Maxs on the plane are perfect
I bought my second pair very recently. I gave my first pair to my wife and missed it for a year. Finally broke down. I also have AirPods 2, which I use daily, but they don’t compare. Soundscape, …
I got mine a week ago and I love them!! I’ve been using them every chance I get. The noice cancellation is very impressive :)
Quick Opinion
r/Airpodsmax
u/[deleted]
Community discussion centers on whether to purchase AppleCare+ for AirPods Max, revealing significant reliability concerns. Multiple owners report hardware failures requiring repeated repairs—one user sent theirs in 5 times since January. Consensus suggests high failure rates compared to other Apple products, with limited DIY or third-party repair options due to complex engineering. Users recommend purchasing through authorized resellers like Best Buy for discounts that effectively cover AppleCare costs, or using Best Buy's $200 membership for free AppleCare. Despite reliability issues, those with functioning units praise the product when working.
Key Insights
- →AppleCare+ considered essential by community consensus due to reliability concerns, not optional
- →Best purchase strategy: authorized resellers with discounts or Best Buy Totaltech membership to offset AppleCare cost
- →Product excels when functional but treat as 2-3 year disposable investment rather than long-term purchase
- →Not suitable for users unwilling to pay for extended protection or accept replacement cycle costs
- →Failure rate appears higher than typical Apple product standards based on owner experiences
Top Comments
Yes, they are pretty solid but there is a decent chance of failure, as with any brand/model of headphones. That extra piece of mind is well worth the extra money. If you get them through Best Buy …
If you get the Best Buy membership that’s $200, you get extended return periods and free AppleCare in all Apple products purchased through Best Buy and Best Buy is not a bad place to get Apple …
I bought them in January, I‘ve already sent them 5 times on repair, so yes I recommend apple care. But maybe that’s me I have been very unlucky.
Scores based on weighted analysis of 35 expert and community sources. How we review →