The AirPods Max 2 have arrived, and they’re not just an incremental update. This review dives deep into Apple's premium over-ear headphones, examining their design, comfort, sound quality, and overall value proposition. We’ll explore whether the luxurious build, impressive noise cancellation, and seamless Apple integration justify the hefty price tag. Expect a detailed analysis covering both the strengths and weaknesses, offering a balanced perspective for potential buyers.This comprehensive review covers everything from the AirPods Max 2's stylish midnight-blue finish and comfortable fit (despite their weight) to their exceptional sound quality, particularly for bass-heavy genres. We’ll delve into the nuances of their noise cancellation performance, the convenience of automatic device switching, and the implications of the choice to retain the older H1 chip. Ultimately, we'll help you decide if these premium headphones are the right investment for you.
Pros And Cons
- Stylish and premium design
- Comfortable for extended wear, even with glasses
- Large earcups provide a good seal
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Great sound quality, particularly managing bass well
- Good transparency mode
- Seamless switching between Apple devices
- Heavy (384g)
- Can flatten hair
- Case offers minimal protection
- No power button
- Uses older H1 chip (missing features of H2 chip like adaptive audio)
- Occasional audio crackles (possibly a specific unit issue)
- High price (£550 from Apple, but potentially cheaper refurbished)
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Design and Build Quality
The AirPods Max boast a premium, stylish design. The midnight color I chose offers a unique dark navy hue, though I personally would have preferred the original space gray for better color coordination with other Apple devices. The aluminum earcups contribute to the premium feel but also impact the weight.
The build quality is excellent, reflecting the high price point. Materials feel luxurious and durable. However, the design choices, like the lack of a power button, might be debated by some users. The case is minimalist, providing little protection but convenient portability.
Comfort and Fit
While some users find the AirPods Max heavy and uncomfortable, I personally found them surprisingly comfortable for extended wear. The wider headband with its elastic mesh material distributes weight effectively, preventing the sharp pain I often experience with other headphones. The larger earcups comfortably accommodate my ears, even with glasses.
The adjustability of the earcups and headband allows for a personalized fit. However, the solid design makes wrapping them around the neck slightly awkward, and they do tend to flatten hair considerably. This might be a drawback for those who prioritize hair styling.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Max deliver excellent sound quality, particularly for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and R&B. The bass is well-managed, allowing other instruments to shine through, unlike some other headphones where the bass can overpower the mids and highs. However, I occasionally experience crackles in the audio when watching movies, which may be a problem specific to my unit.
The noise cancellation is outstanding, effectively blocking out background noises. It significantly surpasses the noise cancellation of the Sony XM5s I reviewed previously, even though the AirPods Max use the older H1 chip. While not perfect, it handles low-frequency sounds very well, making it ideal for working from home in a busy household. Transparency mode is also exceptional.
Features and Ecosystem Integration
The AirPods Max automatically switch between Apple devices, seamlessly transitioning between listening to music on an iPhone and watching a movie on an iPad with spatial audio. The spatial audio with Dolby Atmos is a key benefit but is only beneficial within the Apple ecosystem.
The lack of a power button and the inability to use a wired connection for audio playback are noteworthy design decisions. Though, the low power mode activated when placed in the case or left idle for 5 minutes compensates for the lack of a power button. The automatic switching between devices works well across multiple Apple products, making it more convenient for Apple device users.
Price and Value
The AirPods Max are expensive, and buying them directly from Apple is not advisable. Refurbished models offer better value for money. At a lower price point, like £350 (as I obtained them), they can be a worthwhile investment if you’re planning to use them extensively for several years.
However, unless you find a good deal, the price might deter many consumers focused on value. While luxurious, the overall value proposition needs careful consideration, particularly if you prioritize the latest technology and chipsets.
Overall Conclusion
The AirPods Max provide an exceptional listening experience with premium sound quality, remarkable noise cancellation, and convenient integration within the Apple ecosystem. The comfort level is higher than anticipated, despite the weight.
However, the price remains a significant barrier. The lack of a power button and wired audio connection are odd choices. The choice of the older H1 chip instead of the H2 could be a deciding factor for some. Consider your budget and needs before purchasing.