The Apple Airpod Max headphones are the best option for people like me because they are easy to use and have a great design
If you plan to buy something that will last you a long time and are held hostage in Apple's ecosystem like me, get an Apple AirPods Max.
I listen to music all the time. I love having a pair of noise-canceling headphones playing a dog song mix while working, writing, drawing, and sometimes even cooking. I've gone through many a pair of headphones, but I am by no means an audiophile. But I enjoy quality sounds and products designed to last me a long time.
After weeks of debating between SonySony WH-1000XM5 headphones and the Apple AirPod Max in December, I decided on the Apple AirPod Max. a few months later. I did not regret that decision for a second.
Apple Ecosystem
Before further reviewing the Apple AirPod Max, let me get one thing out of the way: the Apple ecosystem.
If you are not fully invested in Apple's ecosystem, if you use an Android phone, or if you use an iPhone but prefer Windows as your computing device, wait to buy an Airpod Max. You might be better off with headphones made by other brands.
I am all in the Apple ecosystem. Everything I have is Apple, including Apple's deplorable idea of voice assistance called Siri.
But if you are all Apple or plan to be, keep reading.
What are AirPod Max
The Apple AirPods Max is a premium set of wireless earbuds with excellent sound quality and a sleek, stylish design. They feature active noise cancellation, which helps to block out background noise and provide a more immersive listening experience. They also have an "Adaptive EQ" that automatically adjusts the sound to the shape of the wearer's ear, giving a customized listening experience.
Apple designed the AirPods Max to focus on convenience and ease of use, with touch controls and the ability to automatically pause music when one removes the earbuds from the head. They also have built-in Siri support for voice commands, making it easy to control music and access other features without reaching your phone.
Sound
Self-described audiophiles describe the sound quality as clear. Not heavy in bass or treble. I am trying to understand what that means. Honestly, most audiophiles think that clear sound, or better sound, is bullshit. Most of it, audiophile mumbo jumbo, is bullshit. The hobby of an audiophile is that of a medieval alchemist. But hey, if it's fun for you, by all means, enjoy.
My hearing is no longer perfect. I won't waste time and money trying to hear something I may never hear. But I digress.
I will say this--I have never heard a more precise sound before putting my Airpod Max. I listen to parts of songs I didn't hear before when I wear them. When I hear "Con La Brisa" from my Airpod Max but then hear it while watching Wakanda Forever, I'm now annoyed I can't listen to the same quality via my TV speakers (I use an Apple Homepod for audio when I watch movies from home) as I can via my Airpod Max.
Battery Life
The battery life of the AirPods Max is also noteworthy, with up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge. They also come with a smart case that puts the earbuds in a low-power mode when not in use, which helps to extend the battery life.
The battery life is fantastic. I never once worried about putting my headphones back in the charger.
I have read that some reviewers don't like that the only way to put Apple Airpod Max asleep truly is to put them back in their case. That doesn't bother me.
Even if I didn't have to do that, I would still plug my headphones in at night because I'm just that kind of person. I always plug my devices to charge at night, even if they are guaranteed to last a month off the battery.
Case
I am trying to determine the big deal with the case. Is it just a case? Is it as protective as other cases included in other high-priced headphones? No. But $35 will get you a comparable case.
The case works for me. Yes, Apple Airpods need to be back in their case else they won't go to sleep. You must keep your headphones in and assume they will be at the same charge they were when you put them on the next day.
But I'm the kind of person who always put their headphones in their case.
Many complaints about the case are a lot of hot air. Mostly Youtubers look for something to nitpick so they can't clickbait you into watching their videos.
Price
One of the downsides of the AirPods Max is the price, and they are considered as expensive compared to other wireless earbuds on the market. Additionally, they are not rated as IPX water-resistant, making them unsuitable for activities where they may get wet.
And the price made me hesitate to buy them for so long. Ultimately, the convenience of a future-proof and easy Apple connection sold me.
Connection Hiccup Criticism
Whenever I first connect my Airpod Max headphones to listen to music, there is always a brief and immediate hiccup, which happens every time. I don't have this problem with Apple's cheaper Airpod Pro. When comparing the costs between the two, Apple should solve this problem. But it does.
Connection
Once connected to your Apple device, Airpod Max will be an option on any Apple device you have. Unlike high-end Bluetooth headphones, you cannot listen to multiple devices simultaneously. However, Apple tries to fix that by automatically connecting you to a device based on usage.
If I use my Apple Macbook and switch to my iPhone, Airpd Max will also change.
The downside is if I'm listening to music from one device and want to check security video footage on another, the AirPod Max will switch to the other device whether I want it to or not.
Conclusion
The Apple AirPods Max is a high-quality set of wireless earbuds with excellent sound quality, convenient features, and a sleek, stylish design. They are perfect for those looking for a premium wireless earbud experience, but the high price point may deter some.
If you plan to buy something that will last you a long time and are held hostage in Apple's ecosystem like me, get an Apple AirPods Max.