Apple
Apple AirPods Max
A solid mid-range over-ear headphone for listeners who care how it sounds, leading with 20 hours.
62/100
20 hours5.0over-earKnitted-meshMemory foamSiri
£367best price at Amazon
In stock at 3 retailers
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Why we rate it
- Carrying case included
- Active noise cancelling
- Spatial audio
- Above-average microphones
- Below-average battery life
Score profile
Scored against the over-ear headphones classWhere the Apple AirPods Max wins and loses
Full specification
Grouped · supported features marked in blueSpecifications
Design and build
Weight385 g
Fitover-ear
Form factorOver-ear
Frame materialKnitted-mesh
Earpad materialMemory foam
Carrying case includedYes
Sound
Active noise cancellingYes
Spatial audioYes
Head trackingYes
Battery and power
Battery life20 hours
Battery (ANC on)20 hours
Full charge time120
USB-C chargingYes
Connectivity
WirelessYes
Bluetooth version5
Microphone and features
Microphones8
Noise-cancelling micYes
Transparency modeYes
Wear detection auto pauseYes
Voice assistantSiri
Touch controlsYes
More specs
Wear detectionYes
Quick charge minutes5
Watch it in action
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Head to head
Highlighted cell = better in that rowApple AirPods Max vs Bose Bose QuietComfort SC
Apple AirPods MaxBose QuietComfort SC
| AppleApple AirPods MaxThis page | BoseBose QuietComfort SC | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62 /100 | 65 /100Better |
| Battery hours | 20 hours | 24 hoursBetter |
| Weight | 385 g | 240 gBetter |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 | 5.1 |
| Battery ANC | 20 hours | — |
Who it's for
Is the Apple AirPods Max right for you?
Buy it if
Buyers on a budget
Anyone who needs a dependable over-ear headphone for the essentials without overspending.
Skip it if
Skip it if
You need reference-grade sound and features, in which case a higher-tier over-ear headphone is the better call.
Critical listener
Cares about detail, tuning and codec support.
good
Everyday listener
Music, calls and commuting, wants a safe all-rounder.
good
Value seeker
Wants the most sound for the least outlay.
good
Common questions
Before you buy
Is the Apple AirPods Max worth it?
It depends on what you need. It scores 62/100 against other over-ear headphones, a solid mid-range result where the class average is around 60.
What stands out on the Apple AirPods Max?
Its carrying case included stands out, a genuinely useful feature if your setup calls for it.
How does it compare to the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e?
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e scores 63/100 versus this one at 62/100, so it is the step up on the spec sheet.
You might also consider
Alternatives & similar over-ear headphones
If you want to spend less
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones covers the basics for less outlay.
See review →If you want the best
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e scores higher and adds headroom for demanding setups.
See review →
