Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A
Apple’s 40mm dynamic driver paired with the H1 chip delivers high-fidelity audio and computational sound, while pro-level ANC removes up to 2x more background noise. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions ensure a comfortable, sealed fit, with a Digital Crown for precise volume and track control. Best for music lovers and commuters who value immersive Spatial Audio and strong noise cancellation, though call quality is a weaker point.
Про цей Headphones
Combining premium materials and advanced audio technology, the midnight Apple AirPods Max wireless over-ear headphones, now featuring USB-C charging, are a comfortable way to immerse yourself in your favorite audio. They are made to rest lightly on your head and ears with a breathable knit mesh canopy and mesh textile-wrapped memory foam earcups. Inside, dynamic drivers with dual neodymium ring magnets work to deliver clear sound with deep bass. Active noise cancellation technology enhances this passive immersion by actively neutralizing ambient sounds with anti-noise.
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—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 like Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency over USB-C. ¹
- FIVE FRESH COLORS—AirPods Max come in five fresh colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange. A color-matched Smart Case is also included.
- FOCUS ON WHAT’S PLAYING—Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise, so you can immerse yourself in music. ²
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Transparency mode lets you comfortably 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. ³
- 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. ⁴
- 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.
- NOW WITH USB-C CHARGING—The new USB-C connector lets you charge your AirPods Max with the same cable you use to charge your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Apple devices.
The 30-Second Version
The AirPods Max deliver top-tier sound and ANC with a gorgeous build, but the high price and heavy weight hold them back. New rivals like the Sony XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and TOZO HT3 offer compelling alternatives. They score in the 94th percentile for sound quality and 92nd for build, making them a great choice for Apple fans who don't mind sacrificing battery life and comfort. Worth buying on sale, but at full price you have better options.
Overview
The Apple AirPods Max are the company's first over-ear headphones, and they make a serious statement. With a premium aluminum and mesh design, they feel like a luxury object. But they also weigh 386 grams, which is on the heavy side, and they cost a lot. The real question is whether the sound and Apple integration justify the price tag.
Inside, you get an Apple-designed 40mm dynamic driver, the H1 chip, and personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The ANC is pro-level, blocking up to 2x more noise than the original AirPods Pro. And now they charge via USB-C, which is a nice convenience upgrade.
Performance
Sound quality is where these shine. Our database puts the AirPods Max in the absolute top tier for audio, with a 94th percentile score. The bass is deep and controlled, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. The ANC is well above average too, effectively silencing plane engines and office chatter. But there are trade-offs. Battery life is just 20 hours, which is solid but behind the Sony WH-1000XM5. And comfort is a weak spot: the 386g weight makes them feel heavy after an hour or two, and the headband can create pressure points. The mic is about average for this price, and connectivity is fine but nothing special (Bluetooth 5.0).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich detail and Spatial Audio immersion. 99th
- Premium build using aluminum and memory foam that feels built to last. 93th
- Pro-level ANC that blocks more noise than most competitors. 92th
- Seamless pairing and switching across Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip. 91th
Cons
- Hefty 386g weight can cause discomfort during long listening sessions.
- Battery life at 20 hours is mediocre compared to the latest Sony and Bowers & Wilkins models.
- Silly Smart Case design offers minimal protection and is easy to lose.
- Price starts at $326 but can hit $550, making it a hard sell for non-Apple users.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | No |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam |
| Headband | Stainless steel |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Sensitivity | 100 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
| ANC Type | Enhanced |
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
| Wired Connector | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | No |
| Range | 15.2 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 20 |
| Charge Time | 1.5 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 3 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
| Boom Mic | No |
| Detachable Mic | No |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | iOS Only |
| Volume Limiting | Yes |
| Gaming Mode | No |
Value & Pricing
Value is harder to defend now. You can find the AirPods Max for as low as $326, but with the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and TOZO HT3 in the ring, the price gap is glaring. The Px8 offers similar luxury build for a comparable cost, and the HT3 undercuts it drastically with decent ANC, leaving the Max only truly competitive for those deep in the Apple ecosystem. If you live there, the convenience may still justify the premium. Otherwise, the Max are a tough sell against fresher rivals.
vs Competition
Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6, the AirPods Max still have a more premium build and richer sound, but the XM6 is lighter, offers 30-hour battery life, and costs less. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 steps up the material game even further with a carbon-fiber finish while shaving weight and adding aptX Adaptive, though it skips the Apple handoff magic. The TOZO HT3 is a wildcard, delivering shockingly good ANC and a comfortable fit at a fraction of the price, but its sound lacks the Max's finesse. These new rivals make the Max feel bulkier, but none replicate the seamless Apple ecosystem experience.
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A | Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra | Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | PEEK/Polyurethane 3-Layer Diaphragm |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 42 | 40 | - | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 16 | 48 | 470 | - | 32 | 34 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 20 | 30 | 60 | 30 | 24 | 50 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A | 87.5 | 82.8 | 92.3 | 92.5 | 66.6 | 41.2 | 91.1 | 98.8 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 Compare | 97.7 | 91.3 | 92.3 | 95.1 | 72.7 | 79.5 | 99.8 | 93.6 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 97.6 | 89.3 | 79.5 | 99 | 79 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare | 97.7 | 99.4 | 95.9 | 99.4 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 97.5 | 98.8 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 87.5 | 78.6 | 95.9 | 47.9 | 69.3 | 79.5 | 99.4 | 93.6 |
| Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 Compare | 92.5 | 98.3 | 77.1 | 96.9 | 83.8 | 50.8 | 93.1 | 98.8 |
Common Questions
Q: How long does the battery last and how fast does it charge?
Battery life is rated at 20 hours with ANC on, which is average for this category. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 4 hours of playback via USB-C.
Q: Can I use AirPods Max with Android devices?
Yes, you can pair them via Bluetooth like any standard headphones, but you lose the seamless integration, Spatial Audio, and automatic switching that make them special on Apple devices.
Q: Are the AirPods Max comfortable for long listening sessions?
Opinions are mixed. The memory foam ear cups are plush, but the 386g weight and headband pressure can cause fatigue after an hour or two. If you have a larger head or wear glasses, comfort may be a concern.
Who Should Skip This
If you're on a budget, skip these. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and TOZO HT3 deliver strong ANC and comfort for much less. If you prefer lightweight headphones for all-day wear, the 386g weight will be a dealbreaker. And if you don't own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you're paying a premium for features you can't fully use.
Verdict
Buy the AirPods Max if you live inside the Apple ecosystem and want best-in-class sound and ANC in a luxury build. But with the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and TOZO HT3 offering lighter designs and longer battery life at various price points, the Max are a harder sell for anyone not fully committed to Apple. If you can stomach the cost and the weight, they remain endgame headphones for Apple loyalists.
