Apple AirPods Max

Apple entered the over-ear headphone market with the release of the AirPods Max in December 2020, marking a significant departure from the brand's in-ear wireless earbuds. The design, which retails in Australia for $999, speaks to Apple's commitment to premium quality, blending luxurious materials with cutting-edge technology. Available in five distinct colours, the AirPods Max are not just about looks; they deliver an elevated audio experience designed to appeal to music lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.

One of the first things that sets these headphones apart is their build quality. The aluminium ear cups are both sturdy and lightweight, creating a balance of durability and comfort. The mesh headband is designed to distribute weight evenly across the head, minimising pressure points during long listening sessions. Similarly, the memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit, sealing the ear and enhancing noise isolation, while also ensuring long-lasting comfort.

Central to the performance of the AirPods Max is Apple's custom-built dynamic driver, which delivers high-fidelity audio across a wide frequency range. The drivers are engineered to reproduce sound with deep bass, accurate midrange, and crisp highs, all without distortion, even at higher volumes. This attention to detail creates a listening experience that feels immersive and precise, whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or making calls.

The noise-cancelling capabilities of the AirPods Max are among the best in their class. Apple's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology continuously adjusts the level of noise reduction, blocking out external sounds like traffic or aeroplane engines while allowing for a clear and uninterrupted listening experience. This feature is especially useful for those who use their headphones in noisy environments, as it creates a private listening space that isolates you from distractions.

For those moments when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, the AirPods Max also has a Transparency mode. This mode uses external microphones to let in environmental sounds, allowing users to stay connected to the world around them without having to remove the headphones. Switching between ANC and Transparency mode is as simple as pressing a button, making it easy to adapt to different environments.

Spatial audio is another standout feature, designed to give listeners a more immersive experience when watching movies or using apps that support surround sound. It uses dynamic head tracking to place sound around you in a 3D space, creating the effect of audio coming from all directions. This technology works particularly well with content encoded in Dolby Atmos, turning your favourite shows and films into cinema-like experiences.

Apple has also incorporated their computational audio technology into the AirPods Max, powered by the H1 chip in each ear cup. This chip allows for real-time audio adjustments, ensuring that music, podcasts, and calls sound consistent and clear. It also enables features like Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound profile based on the fit and seal of the ear cushions, further enhancing audio quality by customising it to the shape of your ears.

Battery life is always a consideration with wireless headphones, and the AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled. Charging is done through the included Lightning to USB-C cable, and a quick five-minute charge provides around 1.5 hours of listening time, which is useful for those moments when you need a quick top-up before heading out.

While the Smart Case provided with the AirPods Max has been the subject of debate due to its unconventional design, it serves a functional purpose. The case puts the headphones into an ultra-low power state to preserve battery life when not in use. This feature ensures that the headphones are ready to go when you need them.

Connectivity with Apple devices is seamless, as you would expect from the ecosystem integration that Apple has become known for. Pairing is instant, and switching between devices, such as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, is automatic, making these headphones an ideal choice for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. Additionally, Siri is always on hand for voice commands, allowing you to control your music, make calls, or check the weather hands-free.

For those who appreciate great sound, a comfortable fit, and modern features, the AirPods Max offer a premium option that stands out in a crowded market. Apple has combined top-tier materials with its signature innovation, creating headphones that appeal to both audiophiles and tech fans alike.

This description was last updated August 2024.