Headphones Jack | Lightning |
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Model Name | AirPods Max |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless, Wired |
Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth, NFC |
Included Components | Smart Case, Documentation, AirPods Max, Lightning to USB-C Cable |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Material | memory foam |
Specific Uses For Product | Music |
Recommended Uses For Product | Calling, Disc Jockey (DJ), Exercising, Gaming, Recording |
Compatible Devices | Cellphones, Tablets, Telephones, Music Production Equipment, Laptops, Desktops |
Theme | TV Series |
Control Type | Call Control, Media Control, Volume Control, Voice Control, Noise Control |
Cable Feature | 1 meter |
Item Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Style | Lightning |
Control Method | Touch |
Number of Items | 1 |
UPC | 194252244968 194252244944 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 30194252244945 |
Manufacturer | Apple |
Product Dimensions | 9.43 x 9.57 x 3.15 inches |
Item Weight | 13.6 ounces |
ASIN | B08PZHYWJS |
Item model number | MGYH3AM/A |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Date First Available | December 8, 2020 |
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Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray
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Brand | Apple |
Color | Space Gray |
Ear Placement | Over Ear |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
About this item
- BREATHTAKING AUDIO QUALITY — Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio. Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences.
- FOCUS ON WHAT’S PLAYING — Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise so you can immerse yourself in music.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — Transparency mode lets you hear and interact with the world around you.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
- ACOUSTIC-FIRST DESIGN — Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional over-ear fit that perfectly seals in sound.
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Pair AirPods Max by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen. AirPods Max pause audio when you take them off. And Automatic Switching makes listening between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac completely effortless.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Up to 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled.
- PRECISION CONTROL — Use the Digital Crown to play and pause music, to answer, end, and mute yourself on calls, and to control volume and skip between tracks.
- A SMARTER CASE — Store in an ultra low-power state with the slim Smart Case.
- LEGAL DISCLAIMERS — This is a summary of the main product features. See “Additional information” to learn more.
Top Brand: Apple
Compare Apple AirPods
Price | From: $199.00 | From: $168.99 | From: $119.00 | From: $478.00 |
Ratings | 4.6 out of 5 stars (17,261) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,192) | 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,488) | 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,656) |
Fit | Customizable | Universal | Universal | Customizable |
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode | Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation compared with AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode | Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode | - | Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation compared with AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, with Transparency mode |
Chip | Apple H2 headphone chipU1 chip in charging case for Precision Finding | Apple H2 headphone chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | Apple H1 headphone chip (each ear cup) |
Hearing Health | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection features | - | - | - |
Hey Siri | Hey Siri and Siri Interactions | Hey Siri and Siri Interactions | Hey Siri and Siri Interactions | Hey Siri |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | ||||
Battery life (listening time on one charge) | Up to 6 hours of listening time | Up to 5 hours of listening time | Up to 5 hours of listening time | Up to 20 hours of listening time |
Battery life (listening time with charging case) | Up to 30-hours | Up to 30-hours | Up to 30-hours | – |
Bluetooth | ||||
LED Charging Light Location | Front of Case | Front of Case | Front of Case | – |
Qi Compatible | - | – | ||
Adaptive Audio |
Technical Details
AirPods Max
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Microphones |
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In the Box |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality, comfort, and build quality. They find the sound rich, deep, and clear, making them great for listening to music and watching TV shows. The ear cups are soft and comfortable, creating a snug seal without feeling heavy. Many customers say the headphones are good, with studio-quality sound and spatial separation of vocals. However, some dislike the weight. There are mixed opinions on value for money, connectivity, and functionality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality. They say the sound is rich, deep, and clear, like they are hearing the original source. The noise cancellation is praised as excellent, making them great for listening to music and watching TV shows.
"...Yes, they're pricey, but for the audio quality and features, the AirPods Max are definitely worth the investment. Highly recommend!" Read more
"...ONE LAST THING One last thing, the spatial audio is pretty Amazing. If I had to watch movies on my iPad these headphones would be a must...." Read more
"...These have a wide range sonically and reproduce all kinds of music well. And unlike some Beats models they are not bass heavy...." Read more
"...The sound was so rich, deep, and clear that it was like I was hearing the song for the first time. “Ok, there is no way these sound this good.”..." Read more
Customers appreciate the headphones' comfort. They say the memory foam ear cushions and breathable knit mesh canopy provide good support. The sleek design and premium build justify the weight.
"...They are a bit on the heavier side, but the premium build and comfort justify the weight...." Read more
"...Comfort is about the same! AirPods Max are definitely heavier but do not necessarily feel much heavier on he head as the weight is balanced well...." Read more
"...2. Comfort/Fit. One goes with the other. The head band is comfortable for my large head and does not squeeze my ears...." Read more
"...Max coupled with what they call clamping force makes them very uncomfortable to wear and don’t even think about exercising or running in them...." Read more
Customers appreciate the headphones' quality. They find the sound clear, crisp, and with good separation of vocals. The headphones are a solid choice for Apple users and perfect for iPhone users. Customers like the ANC, comfortable fit, and great base.
"...now, the best of the best have been the Bose NC700 which are spectacular headphones...." Read more
"...This is an excellent headphone. They blow away my bluetooth Sennheisers on sound quality. They even compete with some wired headphones...." Read more
"...They are far superior to any other listening experience I’ve had and think that their price tag is worth the investment...." Read more
"...In closing. If you want studio quality head phones that sound great...." Read more
Customers appreciate the headphones' sturdy build quality. They mention the durable materials and Apple-quality foam that keeps the device in good shape. The deep bass sound protects the integrity of the rest of the track, and the carrying case looks premium and is compact.
"...They are a bit on the heavier side, but the premium build and comfort justify the weight...." Read more
"...The carrying case looks premium and is compact. It is smaller than the NC700 case and even more compact than the QC45’s storage option...." Read more
"...The headphones keep a nice, deep bass sound while protecting the integrity of the rest of the track...." Read more
"...The build quality is premium, as you’d expect from Apple...." Read more
Customers have different views on the headphones' value for money. Some find them worth the price, with great audio quality and noise cancelling functionality that is worth $500 alone. Others say they are very pricey, feel cheap, and have strange design decisions from the company.
"...Yes, they're pricey, but for the audio quality and features, the AirPods Max are definitely worth the investment. Highly recommend!" Read more
"...They are nicer in person. Sleek, premium, modern and minimalistic. COMFORT..." Read more
"...Even though the cost is prohibitive for many, if you want the ultimate listening experience, I can’t recommend the AirPods Max enough." Read more
"...4. They are an excellent value. Usually a substantial discount means that there is a newer model is coming out...." Read more
Customers have different experiences with the headphones' connectivity. Some say the devices pair seamlessly and sync effortlessly with Apple devices, while others mention issues like erratic connections, difficulty connecting to more than one device, and frustrating Bluetooth pairing.
"...The app also just works and all the needed settings are there to easily adjust. The carrying case looks premium and is compact...." Read more
"...Normal Bluetooth pairing can be mildly annoying or, depending on your devices, VERY frustrating. There’s no such hassle with the AirPods Max...." Read more
"...3. They connect easily once you go through the initial connection procedure. Most importantly they have excellent battery life...." Read more
"...Pairing with my iPhone was seamless, and the battery life is excellent—I can go several days without needing a recharge...." Read more
Customers have different experiences with the headphones' functionality. Some find them useful, with good call quality and audio. Others report issues like the headphones stopping working properly after a month, making them difficult to use for extended periods.
"...The buttons are well placed and are useful - even the touch-sensitive volume slider works well enough!..." Read more
"...Fairly pointless and you can see all the jokes online about it. I don’t think it looks bad, it’s just pointless without any protection...." Read more
"...I think they work best with Spatial Audio off. iMy only complaint is that the midlevel sound stage is a bit compressed regardless of volume...." Read more
"...While the price is on the higher side, I believe the performance, comfort, and style justify the investment...." Read more
Customers find the headphones a bit heavy and bulky. They say the weight is slightly more than leading competitors, making it impractical to wear. The headphones are also thicker at the bottom end, but neither too loud nor artificially EQ'd. However, some customers mention that they don't come with a travel case, folding ability, or battery life.
"...They are a bit on the heavier side, but the premium build and comfort justify the weight...." Read more
"...Comfort is about the same! AirPods Max are definitely heavier but do not necessarily feel much heavier on he head as the weight is balanced well...." Read more
"...I do not notice any weight - these are much lighter than most wired headphones...." Read more
"...But style does not exceed comfort or practicalness. These are too heavy, and not so much just sitting on your head, but moving around...." Read more
Reviews with images
ULTIMATE LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseThe sound quality is top-notch, with deep bass and crystal-clear highs—music and podcasts have never sounded better. The active noise cancelling is incredibly effective, making it perfect for my daily commutes and long flights. The transparency mode is also a standout, seamlessly blending ambient sounds, which is great for staying aware of my surroundings. They are a bit on the heavier side, but the premium build and comfort justify the weight. Battery life has been solid, easily lasting through a day of heavy use. Yes, they're pricey, but for the audio quality and features, the AirPods Max are definitely worth the investment. Highly recommend!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2021Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseUPDATE OCT 2023: Here is my original review which still holds true now that I have owned the Bose NC 700 for a couple of years. Last week, I bought the new Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra over-ear headphones. I added that review and comparison at the bottom.
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Original review……
For the past ten years I have enjoyed and been dependent upon noise canceling headphones. With that has come a journey into the audiophile community with others who are on a quest for high-fidelity sound. My journey led me to many headphones that sound absolutely pristine but none with noise canceling and few are wireless. Until late, the Bose Noise Canceling 700 are my compromise for great sound and noise canceling in a wireless headphone. So, when Apple announced the AirPods Max, I had to try them to know how they compare to my Bose 700. Here are my conclusions so far...
STYLE
The fit and finish on the AirPods Max is absolutely beautiful! Love it much more than the Bose. I just like the way they look and feel. Before I purchased the AirPods I probably watched 50 unboxing and review videos. So, I thought I had a good idea of how they looked. They are nicer in person. Sleek, premium, modern and minimalistic.
COMFORT
Comfort is about the same! AirPods Max are definitely heavier but do not necessarily feel much heavier on he head as the weight is balanced well. I have larger ears and the ear cups on the Bose 700 go a little deeper to make room for my ears. So, over several hours, the Bose do feel slightly more comfortable. The Bose also do not get as warm as the Apple.
TRANSPARENCY MODE
Transparency mode, in my opinion, is actually more natural on the Bose. The Apple headphones actually amplify the sound around you a few decibles too much. In other words, things sound louder than they actually are with the transparency mode on the AirPods Max. Also, the Bose reproduces your own voice much more naturally when in transparency mode.
SOUND QUALITY
Sound quality at certain volume levels is almost exactly the same. Kind of unbelievable. It is as though Apple reverse engineered the Bose 700 and copied its sound signature and noice canceling to within 5 percent. There is a definite sound quality difference though that changes with the volume level. This is all about the DSP. Of course, the digital signal processing (DSP) is called Computational Audio on the Max and Volume Optimized EQ on the Bose. This is what works differently and what accounts for sound differences dependent on the volume. Basically, the Bose sound better at 60 percent volume and below. Bose just has it dialed in so that everything sounds rich and balanced. I usually listen to music at about 55 percent volume on my iPad. So, I prefer the sound of the Bose. The sound at 60 percent and below on the AirPods Max suffers from a veiled upper midrange. An alto saxophone, for example, will sound as though it is being played behind a wooden door.
Now between 60 and 70 percent volume is where both headphones sound virtually the same. It is uncanny! Both sound absolutely wonderful. Probably the best you will ever hear on wireless noise canceling headphones (yes, the Sony has an amplified and unnatural mid-bass making them sound deep but not high fidelity).
At 70 percent volume and above the Bose DSP begins to lower the bass response to avoid distortion. The bass gets progressively quieter as you increase on the Bose to where there is virtually no bass at about 90 percent volume. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, handle bass very nicely from 70 all the way up to 100 percent. In fact, they sound perfectly balanced all the way from 60 to 100 percent volume with no sound quality degradation. If there is a fault it is that the bass loses a little nuance. In other words at high volumes the bass is a little over controlled. The softer vibrations like on the trail of a bass string get lost a little.
So to summarize the sound comparisons. The two headphones sound equal from 60 to 70 percent volume. The Bose sound bette at 60 percent volume and below. Finally, the AirPods sound better (by quite a bit, it’s not even close) at 70 percent volume and above.
CONTROLS
The final comparison are the controls. Apple wins in my book. The Digital Crown has a perfect feel to it. It rotates very smoothly with a perfect amount of resistance. It presses well also. Apple has hyper dialed-in these controls. It makes me never want to have to use the touch-pad on the Bose 700 ever again.
WHICH ONE IS FOR ME?
Everything is comparable on these two headphones, but in the end, sound quality at my preferred listening level wins out. Since I listen to at about 50 percent volume, the Bose continue to be he choice for me. I just have a fixed routine for when I use noise canceling headphones.
Now, I am sure that Apple could probably update their firmware to adjust the computational audio in order to fix the balance issues below 60 percent volume. If they did, then the fit and finish and controls might win me back over to the AirPods Max. But, the slight compromise in long-term comfort would cause me to hesitate a little.
ONE LAST THING
One last thing, the spatial audio is pretty Amazing. If I had to watch movies on my iPad these headphones would be a must. The surround sound effects are as good (slightly better) than my Bose home theatre system. The overall sound quality for movies is slightly less (more sterile and hollow sounding, probably because of the limited Bluetooth codec) than my Bose home theatre system.
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BOSE QUIET COMFORT ULTRA VS BOSE NC 700 (and AirPods Max)
Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones
Several years ago, I discovered Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. My first pair wore the QC15 and I have owned every iteration since then. Until now, the best of the best have been the Bose NC700 which are spectacular headphones. Now, I find myself the proud owner of the company’s newest over-ear headset, the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra. After thorough comparison, I can confidently say that the new Ultra are an upgrade in every way. There is especially one aspect which causes the Ultra to make them an absolutely must-have for music lovers. I will get to that in a moment, but first here are my thoughts on how the NC700 and QC Ultra compare:
COMFORT
I am very happy to report that the Bose QC Ultra are more comfortable than the NC 700 headphones. They are lighter, there is less clamping force and the headband distributes weight better on the top of your head. I used to consider the NC 700 headphones as the second most comfortable pair of over-ear headphones second only to the QC45. Well, the Ultra now take this 2nd place spot and they are almost as comfortable as the 45. Very Great!
NOISE CANCELING
Yes, Bose has also improved the noise canceling. When in quiet mode the headphones put you in a place where the world simply disappears. Each iteration of Bose headphones through the years has improved upon the previous in this area. The Ultra are no different. In fact, when I was testing them out my wife was standing 3 feet from me and trying to talk to me. I never even knew she was talking. This has never happened with my older NC 700.
SOUND QUALITY
The QC Ultra are more of a spiritual successor to the NC700 than they are the QC45. The sound is much more similar to the NC700. What they retain is the excellent clarity and instrument separation. The mids are just as perfectly present. Also the highs have a very pleasing ring without ever sounding harsh. What was great on the 700 but even better on the Ultra is the bass. Bose says that the new Ultra are now taking samples of sound inside the ear ups and then actively adjusts the bass to sound best dependent on the shape of ears, the seal of the pads, etc. This really does make a difference. I wear glass which compromises the acoustic seal. The Ultra compensates for this and makes the bass sound deeper and have a greater punch than my NC700. So, the sound signature overall is better and gets WAY better with immersive audio. But, we are getting to that.
IMMERSIVE AUDIO
This is the feature! If you are a music lover then this is the feature which gives the biggest incentive to upgrade from the NC 700. Music with immersive audio just sounds better. I have several setups of actual stereo bookshelf speakers around my house. I always preferred a good pair of music monitors over headphones. Why? Because you can hear and imagine the soundstage in front of you. Good recordings place an orchestra or band members several feet from each-other as you listen. With live listening you can hear the music spread throughout the venue and this is what immersive audio on the Quiet Comfort Headphones does. It places the band a couple feet in front of you. It feels like you can point to and reach out and touch the various vocalist and instruments. It is so great! It is exactly like advertised. Immersive audio makes it sound like you are listening to a good pair of speakers in a room acoustically ideal for premium audio. Now that I have heard it, I can never go back to regular headphones.
CONCLUSION
There is so much more good that I could say about the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones. The buttons are well placed and are useful - even the touch-sensitive volume slider works well enough! The app also just works and all the needed settings are there to easily adjust. The carrying case looks premium and is compact. It is smaller than the NC700 case and even more compact than the QC45’s storage option. There are some things I do not like about the headphones. For example, immersive audio for movies is still not as good or immersive as Spacial Audio on Apple’s AirPods Max when watching Dolby content. Also, the placement and function of the buttons is different than what I am used to on the 700. In the end though, I am ecstatic with what Bose has done in their newest iteration of Bose over-the-ear noise canceling headphones. My NC 700 are going on eBay and I look forward to many great years with the Ultra. Well done Bose!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2021Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseSince I mostly work from home and listen to music when I'm not on the phone I use several bluetooth ear pods including AirPod Pros.
The Max version has always intrigued me but I have quite a few over ear headphones so until they went on sale there was nothing compelling me to purchase them.
I've had them long enough to break in the drivers to some degree. Yes like most dynamic headphones these need to be broken in for 20 to 50 hours before they can be judged for sound quality.
1. I'm a headphone guy so sound quality is my first priority. This is an excellent headphone. They blow away my bluetooth Sennheisers on sound quality. They even compete with some wired headphones. They may not reach the level of my Grado 325's but they are much more comfortable. My Focal Clears, which incidentally match well with the output voltage of my iPhone, are superior but are much more expensive. And wired. BTW you can't get Lossless audio through Bluetooth so a wired headphone has that advantage. And you can't talk through the Clears. My wired Sennheisers don't really have the output levels to match an iPhone so they are not in the consideration. These have a wide range sonically and reproduce all kinds of music well. And unlike some Beats models they are not bass heavy. I think they work best with Spatial Audio off. iMy only complaint is that the midlevel sound stage is a bit compressed regardless of volume. Apple did their home work in designing these headphones. I'd go so far to say that you will not find another headphone wired or not that has as good as sound for the money.
2. Comfort/Fit. One goes with the other. The head band is comfortable for my large head and does not squeeze my ears. The ear pad material is not what I'd like but it is surprisingly comfortable. Typical of any headphones they are best used without glasses for maximum comfortable. If you use glasses put the pads on your ears with the glasses on for maximum comfort. I do not notice any weight - these are much lighter than most wired headphones. The ear space fits my large ears although ideally a couple of extra mm's would be better.
3. They connect easily once you go through the initial connection procedure. Most importantly they have excellent battery life. They have double or more battery life than Pros. Put them in the case when you are through with them for the day as it is the only way they turn off. You will otherwise lose battery life as they are otherwise constantly scanning for possible bluetooth targets. The case is not great but it works well for being put into a bag or backpack. Generally they do a good job of picking up your voice in telephone or FaceTime mode.
4. They are an excellent value. Usually a substantial discount means that there is a newer model is coming out. My research suggests that is not the case. There is likely to be a newer model of the Pros coming out which explains their greater discount.
I am very pleased with these headphones and I think that you will be equally as pleased.
Top reviews from other countries
- Truthful ReviewerReviewed in Canada on February 26, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars #1 Wireless Headphones - Best Sound, Excellent Build Quality & Comfort - Full Detailed Review
Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseI took a chance and purchased the Air Pods Max because I’m a big fan of noise cancelling headphones and already own the Sony XM4 and the Bose QC35.
Note: I used to own the Bose 700 but returned them because the head band was so tight it gave me headaches and I couldn’t wear it for more than 20-30 minutes.
Here is my experience with each.
Best Noise Cancelling:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
I use all 3 headphones with televisions in the background, small children and outdoors. The Air Pods Max is very close to the XM4, I would rate it as a 10% difference – it’s almost tied. The QC35 on the other hand, I can hear faint television/small children in the background, even at high volume.
Long Term Comfort:
Bose QC35
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Nothing will ever beat the QC35’s. I can wear them all day and take video and phone calls however, it does give me a slight disorientation effect and minor vertigo, similar to diving or moving to an elevated height (driving up a mountain for example).
The Air Pods Max are comfortable, and the ear cups surround my large ears just like the QC35 however, there the clamp is noticeable – this may go away after some time; the clamp causes minor discomfort with glasses; I removed my glasses for the purpose of this short review and the discomfort has faded, even after 60 minutes of listening – it does clamp more than the QC35 and XM4s.
Something to keep in mind is the XM4 earpads are not thick enough and my ear brushes against the speaker area; this also makes my ears get hot after 30 minutes and I eventually have to take a short break – this does not happen with the Air Pods Max – there is lots of room for my ears and the cushions are thick enough that my ears do not touch the speaker area.
Microphone:
Air Pods Max
Bose QC35
Sony XM4
I completed several zoom video/audio calls, Facetime and regular calls. I asked my friends/family to compare my voice quality on each headset and every time, the Air Pods Max was the winner. Bose QC35 is still great in this department however – I was using them as my primary driver for calls prior to getting the Air Pods Max.
The Sony XM4’s are below average; people cannot hear me clearly. In-fact, I stopped using them entirely for business calls because colleagues would make remarks about my microphone. They are ‘okay’ for personal calls, but not desirable for me at least.
Synchronization:
Air Pods Max
Bose QC 35
Sony XM4
I place the Air Pods on my head and it immediately connects to my phone. I do not have to touch anything on either of my devices. When I place the Air Pods Max around my neck or left one ear cup, the music pauses. When I place both ear cups back on my ears, the music auto resumes. I tested this for several hours and it has never failed.
As for the Bose QC35 and XM4’s, no matter if they both have multi device pairing, I am always having issues. Both headsets never switch to my other device without me having to manually disconnect 1 of 2 devices (the one I’m not using). This is frustrating and I hate doing this multiple times per day.
Music Quality:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
The Air Pods Max I would rate have 30% better music quality than the XM4. I tested Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Classical, Deep House, D&B, Techno, Trip Hop, Dubstep and Lounge. The must is more engaging, and I can hear the instruments and vocals in more detail – an elevated musical experience. The biggest difference for me was Jazz, Classical, Bossa Nova and Salsa – I would say a 50% better listening experience for these genres.
Build Quality:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
Air Pods Max are easily the highest quality headphones I have handled; they look at and feel premium and are crafted exceptionally well – even the buttons are strong and durable; these are basically on another level entirely. When extending the headphones, there is a steel connector with resistance when adjusting the sizing to fit your head properly.
The XM4/QC35 are hard plastic – nothing special or extravagant; the XM4 look better than the QC35 however.
Spatial Audio Note:
I was completely blown away when I loaded an Apple TV series on my phone to test the spatial audio feature. It felt like I had speakers surround me in a 360 fashion at the move theatres. I stood there for 5 minutes with my eyes wide opened in disbelief that headphones were capable of offering this level of experience. It is something that you have to try it to believe it. This is what sold me the most.
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Are the Air Pods Max worth the price? Based on my experience so far, I would say yes. I was actually expecting them to be close to the XM4’s, but on certain categories, they have accelerated immensely.
Truthful Reviewer
Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2021
Note: I used to own the Bose 700 but returned them because the head band was so tight it gave me headaches and I couldn’t wear it for more than 20-30 minutes.
Here is my experience with each.
Best Noise Cancelling:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
I use all 3 headphones with televisions in the background, small children and outdoors. The Air Pods Max is very close to the XM4, I would rate it as a 10% difference – it’s almost tied. The QC35 on the other hand, I can hear faint television/small children in the background, even at high volume.
Long Term Comfort:
Bose QC35
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Nothing will ever beat the QC35’s. I can wear them all day and take video and phone calls however, it does give me a slight disorientation effect and minor vertigo, similar to diving or moving to an elevated height (driving up a mountain for example).
The Air Pods Max are comfortable, and the ear cups surround my large ears just like the QC35 however, there the clamp is noticeable – this may go away after some time; the clamp causes minor discomfort with glasses; I removed my glasses for the purpose of this short review and the discomfort has faded, even after 60 minutes of listening – it does clamp more than the QC35 and XM4s.
Something to keep in mind is the XM4 earpads are not thick enough and my ear brushes against the speaker area; this also makes my ears get hot after 30 minutes and I eventually have to take a short break – this does not happen with the Air Pods Max – there is lots of room for my ears and the cushions are thick enough that my ears do not touch the speaker area.
Microphone:
Air Pods Max
Bose QC35
Sony XM4
I completed several zoom video/audio calls, Facetime and regular calls. I asked my friends/family to compare my voice quality on each headset and every time, the Air Pods Max was the winner. Bose QC35 is still great in this department however – I was using them as my primary driver for calls prior to getting the Air Pods Max.
The Sony XM4’s are below average; people cannot hear me clearly. In-fact, I stopped using them entirely for business calls because colleagues would make remarks about my microphone. They are ‘okay’ for personal calls, but not desirable for me at least.
Synchronization:
Air Pods Max
Bose QC 35
Sony XM4
I place the Air Pods on my head and it immediately connects to my phone. I do not have to touch anything on either of my devices. When I place the Air Pods Max around my neck or left one ear cup, the music pauses. When I place both ear cups back on my ears, the music auto resumes. I tested this for several hours and it has never failed.
As for the Bose QC35 and XM4’s, no matter if they both have multi device pairing, I am always having issues. Both headsets never switch to my other device without me having to manually disconnect 1 of 2 devices (the one I’m not using). This is frustrating and I hate doing this multiple times per day.
Music Quality:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
The Air Pods Max I would rate have 30% better music quality than the XM4. I tested Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Classical, Deep House, D&B, Techno, Trip Hop, Dubstep and Lounge. The must is more engaging, and I can hear the instruments and vocals in more detail – an elevated musical experience. The biggest difference for me was Jazz, Classical, Bossa Nova and Salsa – I would say a 50% better listening experience for these genres.
Build Quality:
Air Pods Max
Sony XM4
Bose QC35
Air Pods Max are easily the highest quality headphones I have handled; they look at and feel premium and are crafted exceptionally well – even the buttons are strong and durable; these are basically on another level entirely. When extending the headphones, there is a steel connector with resistance when adjusting the sizing to fit your head properly.
The XM4/QC35 are hard plastic – nothing special or extravagant; the XM4 look better than the QC35 however.
Spatial Audio Note:
I was completely blown away when I loaded an Apple TV series on my phone to test the spatial audio feature. It felt like I had speakers surround me in a 360 fashion at the move theatres. I stood there for 5 minutes with my eyes wide opened in disbelief that headphones were capable of offering this level of experience. It is something that you have to try it to believe it. This is what sold me the most.
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Are the Air Pods Max worth the price? Based on my experience so far, I would say yes. I was actually expecting them to be close to the XM4’s, but on certain categories, they have accelerated immensely.
Images in this review - TkReviewed in Canada on December 31, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic headphones
Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseSo first off let me let you guys all know that i was debating between these or the XM5. It was a really hard decision between the two. One deciding factor was that its part of the apple ecosystem so youll get the full support from the headphones. I also have the airpod pros and they by far surpass what i initially thought of them.
• the bass on these are fantastic (XM5 are better in terms of quality of sound) but these were better from expectations, especially after reading reviews prior to the purchase
• they are actually quality made which is why its so expensive, but i would recommend to buy a case for the them (like a silcone skin or something) so they dont scratch the metal part
• the noise cancellation is really good it blocks out better than expected, but i knew that already since i have the airpod pros
• the only downside to this was just the pricing, if it was a bit cheaper maybe 200 dollars cheaper than im pretty sure everyone would buy these.
Overall if you are looking to spend money on these then go ahead, if not then get the XM5 if you are looking to budget. I will be looking to get those in the future.
These are also aesthetically pleasing.
9/10 (just because of the pricing) but hey sometimes you have to treat yourself!
They are also authentic and they were brand new in the box wrapped in its original packaging. I dont know why i saw some reviews saying they got scammed of fakes. They are 100% real.
Tk
Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2023
• the bass on these are fantastic (XM5 are better in terms of quality of sound) but these were better from expectations, especially after reading reviews prior to the purchase
• they are actually quality made which is why its so expensive, but i would recommend to buy a case for the them (like a silcone skin or something) so they dont scratch the metal part
• the noise cancellation is really good it blocks out better than expected, but i knew that already since i have the airpod pros
• the only downside to this was just the pricing, if it was a bit cheaper maybe 200 dollars cheaper than im pretty sure everyone would buy these.
Overall if you are looking to spend money on these then go ahead, if not then get the XM5 if you are looking to budget. I will be looking to get those in the future.
These are also aesthetically pleasing.
9/10 (just because of the pricing) but hey sometimes you have to treat yourself!
They are also authentic and they were brand new in the box wrapped in its original packaging. I dont know why i saw some reviews saying they got scammed of fakes. They are 100% real.
Images in this review - jean-luc BachelotReviewed in Canada on October 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars If you have appeal stuff just pay the extra.
Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseI own all apple things. Totally worth the extra money.
They sound fantastic, however special audio seems a little quiet to me.
Bad is decent, overall sound is great. Well balanced imo.
Can you get better sounding headphones for cheaper most likely. But it pares with all my apple things and that's more important to me than the slightly better sound.
At the end of the day if I'm fighting to connect my headphones I won't use them much. This just works. And they do sound great!
Very comfortable, maybe slightly on the heavy side, but a few hours of coding and they don't get uncomfortable. The solid feel makes up for the weight.
If you want something that sounds great, and feels premium, as in you did not just spend a bunch of money on some plastic headphones. That's will satisfy that.
If you are an audio snob, and have high end headphones get these for what they are. Easy to use, great consumer sound, with a premium feel. Don't compare to the headache of audiophile equipment.
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Angel SilvaReviewed in Mexico on January 5, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Buenos audifonos
Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseSon muy buenos los audífonos y en cuanto al precio - calidad sin duda cumplen
- Jeff EmmersonReviewed in Canada on March 9, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars I Invested in The Best - Better than XM5's/BOSE QC Ultras and others! THESE are the best.
Style: LightningColor: Space GraySet: Without AppleCare+Verified PurchaseMarch 2024: OK - First off, I've obsessively tried over 10 pairs of premium headphones - from Sennheiser 4's to EVO Crusher, to Sony XM5's, which I also have a pair of....and THESE are the BEST for noise cancelling (I'm a 47 year old Social Work student, so noise cancelling is HUGE for me, as you can probably imagine). *WAY stronger build quality than the BOSE QC Ultras in my opinion.*
Seriously - I wanted to wait for the XM6's, but nope - I'll try them and likely return them when they come out, and I know - the Apirpods Max 2's are coming at some point, but I can't wait. These are SO much more comfortable than the XM5's crappy cushioning that's very cheap in construction. These are also significantly better at noise cancelling, which is HUGE for me, as mentioned.
No one can beat these for ANC and the sound is phenomenal. I'm not even an Apple guy, except for these.
Try them for yourself. I realize sound is subjective, but hot damn, these are the best for ANC and the sound quality is the best I've tried (other than the Skullcandy Crusher Evo's for watching movies or during workouts, where heavy bass is desired in my case).
Thumbs up from Ontario, Canada! As I finish my up-coming mental health memoir and seek a book deal, these have me locked in! I'm sold on Airpods Max, even without the USB-C port, which the Max 2's will have. I'll likely buy a pair of those in a couple years.
Jeff Emmerson
Reviewed in Canada on March 9, 2024
Seriously - I wanted to wait for the XM6's, but nope - I'll try them and likely return them when they come out, and I know - the Apirpods Max 2's are coming at some point, but I can't wait. These are SO much more comfortable than the XM5's crappy cushioning that's very cheap in construction. These are also significantly better at noise cancelling, which is HUGE for me, as mentioned.
No one can beat these for ANC and the sound is phenomenal. I'm not even an Apple guy, except for these.
Try them for yourself. I realize sound is subjective, but hot damn, these are the best for ANC and the sound quality is the best I've tried (other than the Skullcandy Crusher Evo's for watching movies or during workouts, where heavy bass is desired in my case).
Thumbs up from Ontario, Canada! As I finish my up-coming mental health memoir and seek a book deal, these have me locked in! I'm sold on Airpods Max, even without the USB-C port, which the Max 2's will have. I'll likely buy a pair of those in a couple years.
Images in this review