So, over two years ago Apple launched their first ever over-ear headphones the AirPods Max and they were a hit at launch they were sold out for months, even though they were criticized for their high price tag, lack of lossless audio, and the very questionable SmartCase but a lot has changed since then and the AirPods max have improved over time with significant software upgrades so here is my long-term review of the airpod max and let’s explore if these are still worth the premium price tag of $479.99
After using them for 2 long years, here is what I think based on these features.
Performance and sound quality
Noise cancellation
Battery life
Build and feel
Bass and loudness
Airpod Max Sound Quality and Performance
Since its launch with the release of iOS 14, we have been given spatial audio which is incredible on the AirPods Max it gives you an impressive surround sound experience based on the real-time orientation of your head so it feels like instruments and voices are coming from several different positions on your headphones, iOS 16 also introduced the new lc3 Bluetooth codec which meant further audio quality improvements for the AirPods Max and it even saw lower latency and improved battery life I found that the updates addressed the issues.
Airpod Max Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation is the best, thanks to its new H2 chip, these fit great around your ear, and they’re honestly, just as great for most situations for me like going to the gym sitting, in a cafe or just working at home, I don’t know where I am. A big thumbs up to its iconic design and Stellar aluminum and mesh build quality.
Airpod Max Build Quality and Feel
Even today, I get people saying, Hey Debbie, those AirPods look premium and that’s because they are designed to feel premium, ( and yes! the cost ) They’re probably the best-looking headphones I’ve used.
In the past, while using other headphones for long sitting hours, I could feel some moisture building up which made the foam feel uncomfortable, but not with these, the mesh band on top has been comfortable and breathable for me, and the memory foam cups covered in mesh also have held up well even when I have used it for so long.
Airpod Max Battery Life
I didn’t have much problem with the battery. It comes with 2 Lithium Ion batteries which give up to 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled.
Bass and Loudness
Issues with Airpod Max
1. They require everyday charging, they do have a low-power mode which is very helpful, when you put your AirPods Max down and leave them stationary for 5 minutes, they will go into a low-power mode to preserve battery charge.
2. If you’re an audio enthusiast you’ll already know that lossless audio is not supported with these headphones, Unfortunately, and that’s because Apple only uses standard AAC codec over Bluetooth but to be fair it’s still not yet possible to hear true lossless audio from any wireless headphones yet but here is where I appraise apple and it’s in their persistent software updates to improve the Airpod max.
Should you buy the Airpod Max
Still, a premium pair of headphones, it leads the charge even with companies releasing newer headphones like Sony’s xm5 the Bose 700 series, and qc45. The Airpods Max still holds up well in terms of build quality, small details, finishing, and sound quality.
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, it’s still an amazing buy, being able to instantly switch between an iPhone to a Mac and even an Apple TV does make it a PRICELESS purchase.
I bought mine from Amazon for 449 so roughly 100 off.