Highlights: Over-ear design with optimal noise cancellation, ultra-long battery life, a wide range of color options, older H1 chip, less portable
Prefer an over-ear design? The AirPods Max likely are more your speed. They’re the most expensive of the bunch but also are different enough from the others to be worth the splurge.
The Maxes use the older H1 chip, but testers have previously found that their ANC is actually ever-so-slightly better than the Pros. For reference, the AirPods Max tied for Consumer Reports’ highest score among noise-canceling headphones at 79, while the Pros scored a 72 (though both got full marks in noise reduction and owner satisfaction).
The large ear cups and memory foam cushions provide ultimate comfort and seal in the sound (and keep unwanted sounds out). This model also has the longest battery life of any AirPods, with up to 20 hours of listening time off one charge. When you’re not using them, stick them into the included Smart Case, which preserves the battery life by putting the headphones into an ultra-low power mode.
There are some sacrifices in choosing the Maxes. They’re more expensive, less portable and not water-, sweat- or dust-resistant. But the sound quality is excellent, and for the most fun difference: You can choose a color! There are 10 colors available, including some in the same shades as Apple’s iPhone and MacBook colors if you want to match across devices.
There are two versions of the AirPods Max, one that charges with a USB-C cable and another with a Lightning cable. USB-C tends to charge faster than the Lightning and is a more universal cable but is more expensive.
Bottom line: Apple’s only over-ear design offers optimal noise cancellation and an excellent battery life, but they’re the most expensive option in the lineup and not quite as portable.
