Apple AirPods Max Review: Solid Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio, but Is It Worth the Price?

So, I got my hands on the AirPods Max and wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Considering these are priced pretty high, my expectations were reasonable, but I wasn't looking to be blown away. I spent a couple of weeks with them, using them daily for music, calls, and even a couple of gaming sessions.

First impressions were solid; the build quality seemed up to Apple’s usual standard. I had some doubts about how necessary some of the features would be in everyday use, but they were worth testing out. They’re marketed with a lot of fancy terms, but I was more interested in how they performed practically.

What struck me immediately was the weight. These things are not light. Out of the box, they felt hefty, which made me wonder about comfort over longer sessions. The included case was also a talking point, but more on that later.

Overall, the AirPods Max made a good first impression, but as always, the devil is in the details. Let’s dive into those.

The big question with the AirPods Max is whether they justify their high price tag. The build quality, sound, and features are all high-end, no doubt about it. However, there are other headphones in the market that offer similar features at a lower price.

Sure, the seamless connection with Apple devices is a plus, especially if you’re already in the ecosystem. The noise cancellation and spatial audio are top-notch, but similar experiences can be found elsewhere for less. The materials and design are premium, but again, you're paying a significant premium for the Apple brand.

In comparison to other headphones, like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose 700, the AirPods Max don't necessarily outperform them in every aspect. They do hold their own but at a higher cost. If brand loyalty and integration are key for you, they might be worth it. But if you're just looking for great sound and ANC, you might find better value elsewhere.

In essence, the AirPods Max are a solid choice but not the best option if you're watching your budget. They’re good, just not the best bang for your buck.

The AirPods Max are undeniably well-built. They have a premium feel with their stainless steel frame and mesh canopy. It's clear Apple went for a robust design, which is both a good and bad thing. On one hand, it feels sturdy, but on the other, that sturdiness contributes to its weight. After wearing them for a good couple of hours, the headband started to feel a bit heavy on the top of my head.

The ear cups are made with memory foam, and they do a pretty good job at sealing around the ears. They offer decent noise isolation aside from the active noise cancellation features. However, the lack of pivot in the ear cups might be a deal-breaker for some, as they don't adapt easily to different head shapes.

I appreciated the Digital Crown for volume control and track navigation; it's intuitive and smooth to use. However, the Smart Case design feels odd. It doesn’t fully protect the headphones, especially if you’re tossing them in a bag. It’s an area where Apple’s form-over-function approach didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

In summary, the design is stylish and solid but comes with practical drawbacks concerning weight and the Smart Case.

Battery life on the AirPods Max is decent but not outstanding. You’re looking at around 20 hours of listening with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) turned on. While that might sound average at best for wireless headphones, they do have a quick charge feature. A five-minute charge gives about an hour and a half of playback, which is quite handy in a pinch.

The transition to USB-C is a nice touch, especially for those who are already in the Apple ecosystem and have moved to devices with USB-C ports. However, if you’re still using older Apple devices, it might mean carrying an extra cable around.

Compared to other high-end headphones, the battery life isn’t mind-blowing. I found myself charging them every couple of days with moderate use, which isn’t too bad, but not the best either. The lack of a proper power-off button also means you have to rely on the Smart Case to put them into a low power mode.

In a nutshell, the battery life is reliable for daily use, but there’s nothing particularly special about it. A bit more juice would’ve been nice for those longer trips or hardcore users.

Comfort is a mixed bag with the AirPods Max. On one hand, the materials used are top-notch. The mesh canopy and memory foam ear cups do a good job of distributing weight and providing a snug fit. However, that doesn't completely mitigate the weight issue.

After prolonged use, I noticed a bit of discomfort on the top of my head, which is mainly due to the weight and the absence of any significant padding on the headband. The clamp force is moderate and provides a nice seal without being too tight, which is a plus for extended wear.

For casual use, like listening to music or taking calls, they’re comfortable enough. But during longer sessions, especially if you're moving around a lot or using them during workouts, you might find them a bit cumbersome. They’re definitely not the kind of headphones you forget you’re wearing.

Overall, they get the job done comfort-wise, but if you’re sensitive to weight or plan on using them for extended periods, it’s something to consider.

When it comes to performance, the AirPods Max do what they promise. The noise cancellation is one of the best out there. In noisy environments, like a busy café or on public transport, these headphones cut out a significant amount of background noise. I found this particularly useful when I needed to focus on work or just enjoy some music without distractions.

The spatial audio feature is interesting; it provides a more immersive experience when watching movies or listening to music with Dolby Atmos. However, not all content supports this, so its utility can be a bit limited depending on your library. That said, when it works, it’s pretty engaging.

Sound quality is crisp and clear, with a well-balanced range. Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and mids come through nicely. Highs are sharp, but they can sometimes be a bit too pronounced, which might not suit everyone's taste. Overall, it's a solid audio experience, but not necessarily a huge leap over cheaper alternatives.

In conclusion, the AirPods Max deliver on performance, especially with noise cancellation and spatial audio. However, the benefits of these features depend heavily on use cases and content availability.