Apple AirPods Max: Unparalleled Audio Quality and Brilliant Features Worth Splurging On?

It’s often hard to choose the right headphones for your needs, and it seems the number of options available has grown exponentially in recent years.

One of the most sought-after and talked-about models of 2020 is the Apple AirPods Max, Apple’s first-ever over-ear headphones. We’ve taken a detailed look at the AirPods Max to provide a comprehensive review of the features, specification and quality.

Personal Experience

I recently stumbled across the new Apple AirPods Max headphones and was immediately intrigued by the features and design. As someone who owns a few different pairs of wireless headphones, I was curious to find out how they compared. After putting them to the test, I found them to be surprisingly impressive.

The sound quality of the AirPods Max is outstanding. They offer a much wider and more immersive soundstage than many other wireless headphones, with great detail and clarity. The active noise cancellation is also top-notch, allowing you to block out ambient noise and focus on your music. I also found the transparency feature to be particularly helpful, allowing me to quickly tune in to my environment when needed.

The design of the AirPods Max is unmistakably Apple, with a sleek and simple look that focuses on functionality. The earcups are crafted from stainless steel, giving them a premium feel, although this does make them heavier than other wireless headphones. However, the included headband does help reduce the pressure on the head. The use of physical controls is great too, and I especially liked the reprisal of the Apple Watch’s digital crown, which allowed me to easily adjust the volume, and control my music playback.

The biggest downside to the AirPods Max is the lack of a 3.5 mm audio port, meaning that if you want to hook them up to an amp or DAC, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter. This might be too much of a cost for some, especially when you consider the already high price tag. Additionally, they don’t support high-res audio codecs, meaning that they aren’t the ideal choice for serious audiophiles.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Apple AirPods Max headphones. As an Apple user, they offer an incredibly user-friendly experience, with simple pairing and easy access to features like transparency mode and handsfree Siri activation. Although they are expensive, they are well worth the money if you’re already part of the larger Apple ecosystem.

Design Features of the Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. They feature large flat earcups made from stainless steel, a headband made with mesh to reduce pressure on the head, and physical controls which include the Apple Watch digital crown. This allows users to precisely adjust the volume and easily manage their music. Additionally, the AirPods Max also has powerful active noise cancellation and transparency mode which can be quickly tapped into. All these features make the AirPods Max easy and comfortable to use, and allow for an immersive sound experience.

Do Apple AirPods Max Live Up to Their Premium Sound Quality Claim?

The Apple AirPods Max offer an exceptional audio experience. They boast a wide soundstage and crisp, balanced trebles and mids while providing powerful bass frequencies, making them a great option for music lovers. The active noise cancellation is equally as impressive, putting them on par with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4. The transparency mode is a convenient addition, allowing users to quickly and easily access their surroundings. If you’re looking for top-tier sound quality, the AirPods Max are worth considering.

The link to purchase a pair of AirPods Max from Amazon can be found here

What are the Unique Features of AirPods Max?

The Apple AirPods Max offer a unique combination of features that make them the ideal headphone for Apple users. The impressive sound quality and active noise cancellation technology is class leading and can easily compete with the Sony WH-1000XM4. The headphones boast a simple and functional design that looks unmistakably Apple, thanks to their large flat ear cups and stainless steel build. The included mesh headband helps to reduce the pressure on the head and make them more comfortable. The incorporation of a Digital Crown, similar to that seen on the Apple Watch, makes it easy to precisely adjust the volume and control the music playback. However, the AirPods Max lack 3.5mm audio port, which means you need to buy an adapter to use them with an amp or DAC, and unfortunately, high-res audio codecs are not supported.

What Benefits Are Present for Apple Users?

Apple users have access to a range of exclusive benefits when using the AirPods Max. These include the ability to quickly pair the headphones with your iOS device, hands-free Siri activation, audio sharing, and Spatial Audio. Further, they boast a unique design as well as powerful active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The Digital Crown also offers users precise volume control, as well as easy control of music playback. For those who use Apple services and products regularly, it’s clear that the AirPods Max are the perfect choice.

Connection Options and Audio Codecs Supported by Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max offers the ability to pair easily with iOS devices, hands-free Siri activation and audio sharing, but it does not offer support for high-res audio codecs. It also allows for precise volume adjustment with the inclusion of a digital crown. The Apple AirPods Max does not have a 3.5 millimeter audio port, so users will need to purchase a separate USB-C to 3.5 millimeter adapter if they wish to connect the headphones to an amplifier or digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Besides the benefits given to iOS users, the absence of high-res audio codecs may be a turn-off for audiophiles looking for a more detailed sound experience.

Who Are AirPods Max Best Suited For?

The AirPods Max are best suited for those already devoted to the Apple ecosystem. Thanks to their seamless integration and variety of features, those with an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device can make the most of the AirPods Max. Features such as immersive spatial audio, one tap setup, hands-free Siri activation, and audio sharing are exclusive to Apple users, and the ability to automatically switch between devices makes them a great choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. On top of this, the AirPods Max boast fantastic sound quality and a sleek, eye-catching design.

The link to purchase a pair of AirPods Max from Amazon can be found here

Pros

• Outstanding sound quality with a wide, immersive soundstage and balanced profile.
• Active noise cancellation that is at the same level of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphone 700.
• Transparency mode great for quickly tapping into your surroundings.

Cons

• Heavy due to stainless steel build.
• Price is high, not accessible to casual music listeners.
• Lack of support for high-res audio codecs, limited to Apple Digital Masters.

Final Conclusion regarding the Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max have everything audio connoisseurs could wish for – amazing sound, world-leading active noise cancellation, and a host of great features. However, the high price tag and lack of 3.5 mm audio port limit the potential customer base to those who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and don’t need high-res audio. For these people, we can confidently recommend AirPods Max as the best headphones on the market. However, if you use an Android device or want high-res audio, there are better alternatives available.

FAQ’s regarding the Apple AirPods Max

What are the Apple Airpods Max?

The Apple Airpods Max are the most hotly anticipated headphones of 2020, having been the subject of rumor and speculation for two years. They are Apple’s first over-ear headphones, featuring immersive sound stages, class-leading active noise cancellation, and Transparency mode.

How do the Airpods Max sound?

Audiophiles will be impressed by the Airpods Max sound quality. They provide crisp trebles, smooth mids, and powerful bass frequencies with high levels of detail and clarity. The headphones are capable of easily competing with the Sony WH-1000XM4.

Is the Airpods Max’ design comfortable?

Apple has included a mesh headband designed to reduce the pressure on your head during use, however, their stainless steel build may be too heavy for some people who are sensitive to on-head pressure. Nonetheless, during tests the Airpods Max were found to be comfortable enough.