Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A

The AirPods Max deliver top-tier sound and ANC with a gorgeous build, but the high price and heavy weight hold them back. Rivals like the Sony XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offer compelling alternatives with better battery life. 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 comfort. Worth buying on sale, but at full price you have better options.

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).

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 Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 counters with a 60-hour battery, a comfortable lightweight design, and excellent sound at a lower price, though it lacks the Max's aluminum heft and Apple handoff magic. These rivals make the Max feel bulkier and shorter-lived, but none replicate the seamless Apple ecosystem experience.

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.

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.

If you're on a budget, skip these. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 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.

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 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offering lighter designs and much longer battery life at lower prices, 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.