Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

What Hi-Fi? praises the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) as a luxurious, well-built over-ear headphone that remains highly appealing for dedicated Apple users. The review highlights their superb audio quality, natural and engaging sound signature, and exceptional noise-cancelling performance, noting that the headphones deliver a spacious, dynamic, and authentic listening experience. The seamless integration with iOS devices and the innovative Digital Crown control add to their premium appeal. However, the review also points out notable drawbacks, including the high price, a near-pointless protective case, lack of included 3.5mm audio cable, and limited appeal outside the Apple ecosystem. While newer rivals offer clearer, more precise sound and longer battery life, the AirPods Max still excel in build quality, comfort, and cinematic spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The USB-C update brings lossless wired audio but no significant performance changes. Overall, the AirPods Max remain a tempting premium choice primarily for those deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem.

RTINGS highlights the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) as premium over-ear headphones with excellent build quality, outstanding noise cancellation, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem thanks to the H1 chip. The review praises their adaptive EQ, balanced sound profile with warm treble and punchy bass, and impressive battery life that easily supports long travel and work sessions. However, the headphones’ heavy, bulky design and high clamping force can cause fatigue during extended use, and their breathability is mediocre, sometimes leading to condensation issues. The microphone performance is a notable weak point, struggling to isolate the user’s voice in noisy environments and disabling when wired. Portability is limited by the non-folding design and a carrying case that offers minimal protection. While the AirPods Max excel in noise isolation and sound accuracy, their limited codec support and lack of lossless Bluetooth streaming may disappoint audiophiles. Overall, RTINGS presents a thorough, balanced review that appreciates the headphones’ strengths while candidly addressing their practical drawbacks.

Becky Scarrott from TechRadar highlights the mixed but ultimately optimistic evolution of the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C). While initially disappointed by the limited September 2024 update—mainly the addition of a USB-C port without major audio improvements or design changes—she finds renewed enthusiasm with the March 2025 software update enabling Lossless audio via USB-C. This wired connection unlocks better-than-CD quality sound, significantly enhancing clarity, spatial detail, and emotional impact compared to Bluetooth streaming. Scarrott appreciates the headphones’ comfort, intuitive controls, and unique features like Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking, especially for music creators using Apple’s ecosystem. She notes some practical quirks, such as device prioritization of Bluetooth over USB-C and challenges with certain hi-res players, but considers these minor trade-offs. Ultimately, she regards the USB-C Lossless upgrade as a meaningful step that finally justifies the AirPods Max’s premium price for audiophiles willing to embrace wired listening.

Tammy Rogers from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) as a beautifully designed, premium-feeling pair of headphones that remain comfortable and tactile, with physical controls that delight upon unboxing. She appreciates the recent hi-res audio update, noting it offers a subtle but worthwhile improvement in detail and dynamic range, though it’s not a compelling reason to upgrade from the Lightning version. While the sound quality is still excellent and more neutral than some competitors, Rogers points out that rivals like Bowers & Wilkins now surpass the Max in wireless sound performance at a similar price. She also raises concerns about durability, citing wear issues with the headband and earcup mechanisms over time, and criticizes the inadequate protective case. Battery life is described as modest at 20 hours, falling short for longer trips. Overall, Rogers recommends the USB-C model mainly for new buyers or those needing a replacement, but advises existing owners to wait for a more substantial next-generation update.

Jerri Ledford from Lifewire highlights that the 2024 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) remain a strong contender in the premium noise-canceling headphone market, delivering excellent sound quality, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, and impressive comfort despite their notable weight. The review emphasizes the headphones’ durable, high-end build and the thoughtful design that distributes weight evenly and keeps ears cool during long listening sessions. However, Ledford points out that the 2024 update is minimal, with USB-C charging and new color options being the only significant changes from the original model. While battery life remains solid and the included case protects well, the lack of meaningful feature upgrades may disappoint existing owners. The review suggests that new buyers or those needing to comply with regional charging standards will find value, especially if they can find the AirPods Max at a discount, but those expecting major improvements should temper their expectations.

Lisa Eadicicco from Business Insider highlights the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) as premium over-ear headphones that deliver impressive sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. She praises the headphones’ rich, balanced audio, adaptive EQ, and intuitive digital crown controls, noting they outperform comparable Bose and Sony models in clarity and noise reduction. However, the review maintains a measured tone about the high $549 price tag, emphasizing that similarly capable headphones from competitors offer better value. The AirPods Max’s heavy metal build and less protective carrying case are noted drawbacks, as is the lack of water resistance, making them unsuitable for workouts. The recent USB-C update and upcoming wired lossless audio support add appeal but don’t fundamentally change the product. Eadicicco concludes that while the AirPods Max are ideal for Apple loyalists seeking top-tier sound and design, Android users or budget-conscious buyers may find better options elsewhere.