Apple’s latest expansion of the AirPods brand is a set of large over-the-ear wireless headphones. The AirPods Max look great, sound great, and are quite comfortable despite their heavy weight. They’re also $549, a difficult price to justify when the competition (primarily the Sony WH-1000XM4 [go.macworld.com/1xm4] and the Bose 700 [go.macworld.com/ b700]) are around $200 to $250 less.
In some ways, the AirPod Max give you what you pay for. Build quality is unmatched at any price, and there are some clever design flourishes. But there are also a few compromises worth noting, like a “Smart Case” that is anything but.
For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max will be worth considering when they’re on sale for $449 or less, but it’s otherwise hard to justify the price tag, and those who regularly dip outside Apple’s product ecosystem should probably look at alternatives.
DESIGN AND COMFORT
It comes as no surprise that Apple designed a set of headphones that looks fantastic and is made from premium materials. But Apple doesn’t always knock it out of the park with ergonomics. (I’m looking at you, Apple TV remote.) Fortunately, the AirPods Max are both great-looking and a delight to use.
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Macworld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Macworld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Apple connects Podcasts app with Music, News+, and other subscriptions
Subscriptions to eligible services automatically appear in the Podcasts app.
How to insert fractions in Word and Pages
Microsoft and Apple try to help you put the numbers in the correct place and have it look good, too.
Three overlooked Apple apps you should start using right now
The company has spent a lot of time working on several of the core apps across its platforms, trying to ensure that they provide a great experience.
RIP Lightning: In lieu of flowers, please send dongles
A eulogy for the little iPhone port that could.
How to create and customize your Contact Poster in iOS 17
It's an all-new way to express yourself to those you call or message.
3 new Apple features I'd literally be lost without
iOS 17 and watchOS 10 get new features to help you find your way (and your remote).
LIMINK AL ALLOY PORTABLE TRIPLE MONITOR (LK14)
While it is easy to connect external displays to your MacBook for expanded desk-based screen space, you can't easily take this set up on the road with you or pack it neatly away in a drawer.
Intel announces Thunderbolt 5 with double the bandwidth
The new standard will likely be available on Macs in 2024 or 2025.
Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new features
In Sonoma, Ventura, and Monterey, Safari helps you be more productive and secure.
How to add widgets to the macOS Sonoma Desktop
Widgets provide quick access to the information you need