AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalised Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone, Starlight ​​​​​​​

Fantastic headphones. Microphone quality is great, lovely variety of colours and like all Apple products the item is of the upmost quality finish. Charging is easy with USB-C so compatible with the newer generation iPhone chargers. Fit is great however in my experience aren't the most secure when doing things such as bench press in the gym, as when lying horizontally they can slip. For the price it's not an item that's worth saving up for for ages to purchase, but if you're like me, someone who is often studying in busy places where there is lots of noise, the noise cancelling is superperb. Unlike other headphones where music needs to be blasting at a high volume to drown out noise, on low volume with noise cancelling on, no other sound can break through. If you can afford these and your main priority is comfort, noise cancelling and overall aesthetic, these are good value for money.

Music will understand the importance of picking a new set of headphones, in most cases these will be living on your head for two to three thousand plus hours over the years that you will own them. For the last year and a half I have been using Sony WH1000XM5s (XM5s) as my daily headphones and have racked up 1400 hours on them so far. Two weeks ago I switched these out for a pair of Apple AirPods Max. Here’s my honest thoughts of the two, and my recommendation for which you should buy. # Noise Cancelling When comparing the noise cancellation the AirPods Max have the clear win, with both excellent cancellation of constant noises such as the drone of an airplane and sporadic noises such as cars, passers by etc which most lower end noise cancelling headphones struggle with. The XM5s feature some seriously impressive noise cancelling, which is a very close second to the AirPods Max. The AirPods Max take the win here due to much better cancellation of wind noises. # Transparency Mode For me, transparency mode is just as, if not more important than noise cancellation. I love being able to enjoy the listening experience of a premium pair of headphones such as the AirPods Max or XM5s while being able to hear discussions around me at work and not be completely isolated. The transparency algorithms on the AirPods Max and XM5s have clearly taken different approaches here. Both have crystal clear transparency when indoors or in a quiet environment, with the AirPod Max’s having a slight edge over the XM5s - but as with noise cancellation, wind causes problems here. When the wind picks up, the XM5s take the approach of attempting to replicate the wind, which can be overwhelming but is just an amplified version of reality. The AirPods Max take the opposite approach by reducing the wind noise, and almost blocking it out entirely in most cases, which means that all other sounds passed through are muffled. This leaves a strange semi-transparent experience. I personally prefer the approach taken by the XM5 of letting it all in, but this preference will vary person to person. # Sound Quality While neither of these headphones will be replicating studio quality wired headphones due to the fact that most users will be connecting wirelessly, there is no debate here - both the AirPods Max and XM5s qualify as some of the best headphones you can buy. Out of the box the AirPods Max put the XM5s to shame, giving a much more hifi-esque and balanced sound profile. The XM5s have a much more bass leaning sound profile. The XM5s allow users to specify a custom EQ using the Sony Connect app, which is when the XM5s start to shine and get very close to the AirPods Max. I am by no means an audiophile but both headphones are phenomenal after reducing the bass then increasing the mid and higher ranges of the XM5s EQ - although the AirPods Max always seem to have a ”wider” sound. This is most likely due to their 40mm drivers compared to the XM5s 30mm drivers. It is worth noting that Apple has recently added support for true lossless audio to the Apple AirPods Max, which requires a USB C to USB C cable to be connected from the headphones to a compatible Apple device. # Build Quality There is no discussion or competition to be had here, the AirPods Max are a premium, extremely well built pair of headphones as would be expected from Apple. The XM5s feel well put together, but use a fully plastic construction that does not feel comparable to the AirPods Max’s metal build - the AirPods Max are as hefty as their price tag. The only area of build quality that Sony has won here is the carry case. The XM5 case feels premium and protects the headphones well, compressing slightly when not in use. The AirPods max case does not even cover the headband and feels out of place when compared to the quality of the headphones, leaving users disappointed and often buying a third party case. # Software If you have an Apple device - which you almost have to if you are considering the AirPods Max then you will be sufficiently impressed by how easy the AirPods Max are to set up and use. To connect these for the first time you have to take them out of the case, put them on and Apples magic will connect them to your iPhone automatically. This is taken to the next level when you also use a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or Apple TV, with the headphones automatically and seamlessly switching depending on the device you are using. The best software feature of the AirPods Max is spatial audio, transforming stereo to a surround experience which can be further enhanced with head tracking powered by the AirPods Max’s built in accelerometers and gyroscope. This is where the tricks end for the AirPods Max, but the XM5s have a whole host of additional features. The Sony Connect app is great, and has gotten significantly better in the year and a half that I have been using these headphones. The app boasts features such as a usage tracker that logs your listening hours and a noise level monitor for hearing protection. The XM5s also support Sonys version of spatial audio but this is limited to certain music providers and I haven’t had the chance to try this out. One of the most useful features of the XM5 is their speak-to-chat feature, which automatically pauses noise cancelling, and your music whenever the headset detects you speaking, to allow you to have a conversation. The headphones will even resume playback and noise cancelling once you are done. # Controls The AirPods Max feature two controls: an extremely nice to use digital crown for playback control, as featured on the Apple Watch, and a button to toggle between transparency mode and noise cancellation. Everyone loves to complain about the lack of power button on the AirPods Max but in all honesty - I don’t care, don’t miss it and haven’t noticed any issues yet. The XM5s, once again, go in the other direction from the AirPods and feature a power button and transparency / noise cancelling toggle button on the left ear cup and a touch pad on the right ear cup. The touch pad is fairly responsive and allows for playback control. The touch pad also enables a pretty cool feature where holding your palm over the ear cup switches from noise cancellation to transparency mode and reduces the volume of your music to almost silent until you take your hand away. # Battery Life The XM5s will get about 30 hours with a mix of transparency mode and noise cancellation from personal experience. The AirPods Max will do about 20 hours in the same conditions. It is worth noting that the XM5s seem to charge much quicker than the AirPods Max. Charging from 10% to 90% on the XM5s will take about 20 minutes whereas the AirPods Max will take about 50 minutes - both using a 100W charger which is more than either of these headphones is capable of accepting. # Price The price will make this an easy choice for most buyers here. The XM5s are £299 and the AirPods Max are £499 (both RRP). To worsen this price difference the XM5s are frequently on sale for £229-£249 with the AirPods Max on sale much less often. # Conclusion Lets be honest, if you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, you are probably almost decided on the AirPods Max; but I want you to consider both headphones here carefully. The Sony XM5s and the Apple AirPods Max are really fighting it out here and are very comparable, but take two different approaches to being top tier headphones. If you want feature packed headphones that are function over form, go for the XM5s. If quality, looks and Apple magic are what you are looking for, its an easy win for the AirPods Max. I did struggle to decide myself; I am fortunate enough to be able to choose from both and I do find myself going for the AirPods Max most of the team due to the better sound quality / noise cancelling and their stylish it girl design, but still lean towards the XM5s for longer listening sessions due to their lightweight build. Either way, you’ve chosen an excellent pair of headphones.

Easy set up. Displays battery percent on my iPad or iPhone. Comfortable headband and over my ears. I find beats headphones dig in after a while, causing discomfort over my pierced ears. Great sound, I would describe the sound as clear & crisp for films, music, radio & podcasts. Headphones block out background noises, which enhances the listening experience. Love the light blue colour, subtle would appeal to any age group. I bought the headphone case that was offered when purchased - protects my headphones from being scratched & intact. Case has plenty of room for the charging cable. Also has a carry handle.

Apple really packed this product extremely well but, given the exceptionally high price, they no doubt need to ensure it arrives to customers in pristine condition. I have lately been looking at wireless headphones since my hi fi is at the other end of the room, doesn't have a bluetooth option, and I didn't fancy an extra-long cable running across the floor. The headphone model I was particularly interested was out of stock (everywhere, not just on Amazon) but all independent reviews I've been reading put the AirPods Max to the top of their lists. In spite of the huge price, I decided to order a pair for myself and check them out. I won't go into full specifications since these are available on this Amazon page and the Apple webpages. I will say that I investigated the possibility of an upgrade since Apple frequently upgrades its products and it is generally thought it could be around 2 more years at least before there are any changes to the specs of this product. I chose not to wait for that length of time. I ordered the blue colour (okay, yes, to more match the blue tone of my new iMac) and was impressed, not only with the excellent packaging (all recyclable if you need to dispose of it) but with the feel and the weight of the headphones. Unlike other headphones that are suited also to conversation on an iPhone, these AirPods Max have only two buttons on the top right - nothing could have been simpler! I expanded the headband both sides by about 3cm or so to match the usual size of headphones but that made them too big and so I had to push them back into the original size. These are clearly not designed for people with quite small heads so fit coud be problem for some people. Pairing to the iPhone took seconds and it was all set up ready to use - and, as expected, the AirPods Max were also immediately ready for use with the iMac without any need to do more "work". This is perfect for people who might be using one item and then want to move away and use the other. I selected an assortment of single tracks to listen to, ranging from classical, folk, pop to rock (I have a wide range of music interests) and played some on the iPhone (instead of using the AirPods Pr 3 I have just bought) and then switched to the iMac. Audio quality? I was impressed. I did have to make an adjustment to the balance since I have better hearing in one ear than the other, and I did have to adjust the volume knob on the AirPods Max because the iPhone volumes are always lower than the iMac volumes (caution, beware of loud volumes over extended periods, it will damage your ears). Result? The bluetooth connection held steady throughout and I deliberately walked around my apartment so at times I was around 25m away from both the phone and the computer, and there was no drop in signal or interference. The audio quality was better than I would have expected, it was nicely balanced through the musical ranges without being overloaded in bass or treble. I was hearing sounds in the "background" that my own equipment had never given me, which actually matched comments made by professional reviewers. I also tested with ANC off, half way (which is my preference) and fully on. A "smart case" comes with the headphones. This is, essentially, just a cover for the ear pieces but it is important since when the AirPods are returned to this "case" they go into low power mode and so save battery life. To be honest, when I saw smart case as part of the product I was expecting a solid, fitted case but that is not what we get. Instead, it is a protective cover for the vital parts of the AirPods Max and using it dispenses with the need for an on/off switch. All in all, a nice touch from Apple. As I mentioned, full specs are available on the Apple website and this Amazon page has more than enough to satisfy curiosity. The audio sound (for me, at least) is the most important and I was more than happy with what I heard on the variety of tracks I played. Yes, these are massively expensive but, as many professional reviewers have pointed out, these might not be the best looking headphones, nor the smallest, but you pay for the sound. I will certainly be keeping these and can certainly recommend them.

Love my new Airpods Max! Fits well with outstanding noise cancellation and superior audio quality for music and calls. Absolutely worth every penny, no questions about build quality as it is robustly made from quality parts with grest battery life. Had the first edition Airpods Max, passed it on to my sister and just had to get these USB C ones.

I’ve been wearing my Apple AirPods Max every night for nearly a year, and they’re still as good as new — which really says something about their build quality. The Midnight finish looks sleek and hasn’t shown a single scratch or scuff. They feel extremely comfortable, even after hours of wear, thanks to the breathable mesh headband and plush memory foam ear cushions. The sound quality is phenomenal. Personalized spatial audio truly makes movies and music feel immersive, while the active noise cancellation is powerful enough to block out background sounds completely. I also love being able to switch quickly to transparency mode when needed — everything sounds natural and clear. Battery life easily lasts overnight and recharges fast via USB-C. Bluetooth connection with my iPhone is flawless every time. These headphones aren’t cheap, but the quality, comfort, and reliability make them worth every bit of the investment.

I’ve been using the AirPods Max for a few weeks now, and while there’s a lot to like, I’ve found myself going back and forth on whether they truly justify the premium price tag. Pros: Sound Quality: These sound fantastic, easily among the best in the consumer market. The spatial audio feature is surprisingly immersive, and the clarity and balance across frequencies are top-notch. Build and Materials: The craftsmanship is undeniably premium. The metal ear cups and mesh headband feel substantial and durable, unlike the typical plastic feel of many competitors. Noise Cancellation: Excellent. Apple has done a remarkable job with ANC, comparable to Bose and Sony's top models, if not better in some environments. Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Seamless pairing, instant switching between devices, and hands-free Siri are genuinely convenient if you're already in the Apple world. Cons: Price: This is where things get tricky. For the cost, I expected not just great performance, but also a sense of long-term value. Unfortunately, with no hardware updates since their original release, it’s tough to justify the investment, especially knowing competitors update more frequently at lower price points. Weight and Bulk: They are noticeably heavier than other over-ear headphones I’ve owned. Not unbearable, but after longer sessions, the weight becomes more apparent. The included case also doesn't do much to protect them, which is surprising for a product at this price level. Lack of Updates: Considering how long these have been on the market, I would have liked to see some refresh by now, even something simple like USB-C charging or improved battery life. Final Thoughts: If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and value top-tier audio performance paired with Apple’s design and software integration, the AirPods Max are a very compelling choice. However, for the price, I’d expect more, or at least a sign that Apple is still actively evolving the product. They're impressive, but they sit in a strange place: luxury performance with a premium price, yet overdue for a refresh.

Had these for about a month now, without a shadow of a doubt the best headphones I’ve ever owned, holds charge really well, sound quality is great, a but expensive but worth it. However, they are quite heavy and the case makes it a bit awkward for them to sit in a bag, especially a smaller bag.

Just so good,everything Original from Apple worth getting the amazon used version all Legit!

Bonjour, « Le prix s’oublie, la qualité reste » : 600 € avec quelques accessoires (câble Apple mini-jack—USB-C pour y brancher mes iPods vintages Bluetoothless, boite de transport rigide pour mettre dans mon sac de sport, une petite potence dédiée pour la maison, protections transparentes en silicone pour les oreillettes) : eh bien non, ce n’est pas cher au regard de la qualité du produit ! Le poids est raisonnable, car il y a du métal rassurant (alu, acier inox) au lieu du plastique ; la réduction de bruit est stupéfiante : en fermant les yeux, je me sens seul dans la salle de sport très animée, avec la pure musique d’Apple Music aux 100 millions de titres (sic) en Bluetooth ; le son est à la fois moelleux et TOUTES les fréquences mises en valeur par la reconfiguration numérique 24 bits située dans le casque ; la manipulation : simplissime et très intuitive, comme toujours chez Apple ; quand au design : moi, il m’emballe ! Tellement parfait que depuis 5 ans Apple n’a rien changé, à part la connection à présent en USB-C et de nouveaux coloris ! Une réussite ! Enjoy !

Very comfortable and good sound!

Uso queste Apple AirPods Max da un po’ e la prima cosa che colpisce è la qualità costruttiva: materiali solidi, sensazione premium e attenzione ai dettagli davvero alta. A livello audio siamo su un altro livello rispetto a molte cuffie consumer. Il suono è pulito, ben bilanciato e mai “sparato”. I bassi sono presenti ma non invadenti, medi e alti molto definiti. Perfette per chi vuole ascoltare musica in modo più fedele, non solo “potente”. La cancellazione del rumore è tra le migliori che abbia provato: in viaggio o in ambienti rumorosi ti isola davvero tanto. Anche la modalità trasparenza è fatta benissimo, sembra quasi di non avere le cuffie. L’integrazione con l’ecosistema Apple è comodissima: passaggio automatico tra dispositivi e connessione immediata, tutto molto fluido. Detto questo, non sono perfette: • sono abbastanza pesanti, dopo sessioni lunghe si sentono • la custodia è discutibile, più un accessorio estetico che realmente protettivo • prezzo alto, chiaramente La batteria è buona e copre tranquillamente una giornata di utilizzo normale. In sintesi: cuffie eccellenti per qualità audio, comfort iniziale e cancellazione del rumore, ma vanno scelte sapendo che sono più “oggetto premium Apple” che soluzione pratica per tutti. Se siete già nell’ecosistema Apple e volete il massimo, difficilmente rimarrete delusi.

Teuer? Ja! Gut? Auch ja. Sound? In einem Wort - Beeindruckend. Komfort? Definitiv sehr komfortabel. Geräuschunterdrückung? So gut, dass man kaum den RTW hört wenn der mit Sirene an einem vorbeifährt. Optik? Ich liebe das Orange. Stylefaktor 12/10 und definitiv ein Hingucker. Akku? Hält und hält. Habe es noch nicht geschafft die Kopfhörer leer zu bekommen wenn ich unterwegs war. Koppeln verschiedenster Geräte? Ja, und Apple macht’s so Benutzerfreundlich dass es mein Opa wenn ich Ihn morgens um drei wecke hinbekommt. Fernseher koppeln? Jup! PS5? Klaro! Handy, Tablet, Beamer? Sicher! Kabellos kein Problem! Mit usb c Kabel benutzen? Kein Problem! Steuerung über die Knöpfe an der Ohrmuschel? Einfach & intuitiv. Telefonieren, Sprachnachrichten diktieren oder hören? Absolut und qualitativ hervorragend! Qualität der Verarbeitung und Haptik? Absolut oberstes Regal. Fazit? Beste Kopfhörer die ich bisher hatte. Wenn ich etwas erwähnen soll, was mir definitiv nicht gefällt, dann müsste ich sagen, dass ich mir einen An/Aus Knopf gewünscht hätte. Man hat die Kopfhörer die ganze Zeit im stand by und legt sie mit der Hülle in den „Schlafmodus“. Das finde ich leicht störend, aber reicht nicht um einen Stern abzuziehen. Die Akkuleistung ist trotzdem extrem gut. Unter dem Strich bekommt man hier sehr gute Qualität die allerdings auch ein bisschen was kostet. Ich für meinen Teil bin begeistert und kann die AirPods bedenkenlos weiterempfehlen.