Airpods Max: Still Worth in 2024?

Summary

In this video, Josh reviews the AirPods Max three years post-launch, detailing their build quality, comfort, controls, and audio performance. He highlights the headphones' stainless steel and aluminum construction, innovative mesh headband, and deep, breathable ear cups. Despite the hefty price and some issues with the 'smart case', Josh finds the noise cancellation, sound quality, and ecosystem integration with Apple devices to be top-notch. He concludes that, despite competition and minor drawbacks, the AirPods Max remain a solid choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem, especially considering their durability and comfort for long-term use.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The AirPods Max are praised for their build quality, featuring a stainless steel frame and aluminum ear cups.
• 💪 Despite being heavy, the AirPods Max are comfortable for the reviewer, who is a six-foot tall man, and can be worn for up to 8 hours a day.
• 🔄 The headphones have simple controls with a digital crown for play/pause and volume, and a noise control button for toggling between noise cancellation and transparency mode.
• 👂 The unique feature of pressing both control buttons simultaneously allows the user to pause music and activate transparency mode at the same time.
• 🌟 The mesh headband is innovative and comfortable, avoiding pressure points and offering breathability, but there are concerns about its durability.
• 💰 Replacing the mesh costs around $100, which is considered reasonable by the reviewer.
• 📦 The 'smart case' is criticized for not being smart and for being just a bra with magnets, but it does protect the headphones.
• 🔋 The AirPods Max have a 20-hour battery life, which is considered short, and not putting them in the smart case can lead to disconnection issues.
• 🎵 The noise cancellation and sound quality are top of the class, even three years after their release.
• 🎶 The headphones do not support lossless audio, but they offer an immersive listening experience with a strong bass response and spatial audio.
• 🏠 The seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem allows for easy switching between devices and a full surround sound experience without disturbing others.

Q & A

What are the AirPods Max known for in terms of build quality?

The AirPods Max are known for their unmatched build quality, featuring a stainless steel frame with telescoping arms, smooth movement, and aluminum ear cups.

Are the AirPods Max considered heavy by some users?

Yes, some users, particularly those with smaller heads or who are more petite, may find the AirPods Max too heavy, leading to discomfort or fatigue after about 10 to 15 minutes of use.

How long can the reviewer wear the AirPods Max comfortably?

The reviewer, who is a six-foot guy, can wear the AirPods Max comfortably for about 8 hours a day without any issues.

What are the two main controls on the AirPods Max?

The two main controls on the AirPods Max are the Digital Crown, which is used for play/pause and volume control, and the Noise Control button, which toggles between noise cancellation and transparency mode.

What unique feature allows users to pause music and activate transparency mode simultaneously on the AirPods Max?

A unique feature of the AirPods Max is the ability to press both the Digital Crown and the Noise Control button at the same time to pause music and activate transparency mode simultaneously.

What concerns does the reviewer have about the mesh headband on the AirPods Max?

The reviewer is concerned about the longevity of the mesh headband, as it could potentially rip due to accidents like a dog getting to the headphones or sharp objects in a backpack.

How much does it cost to replace the mesh on the AirPods Max, according to Apple?

According to Apple, it costs about $100 to replace the mesh on the AirPods Max.

What are the advantages of the mesh ear cups on the AirPods Max compared to faux leather?

The mesh ear cups on the AirPods Max offer advantages such as breathability, durability (as they don't peel over time with moisture like faux leather), and a deeper cup design for better comfort.

What is the main issue with the AirPods Max's smart case?

The main issue with the smart case is that it doesn't fully protect the headphones and requires the headphones to be placed in the case to turn off, which can lead to shorter battery life and potential disconnection from devices if not used properly.

How does the AirPods Max's noise cancellation and sound quality compare to other headphones in 2024?

In 2024, the AirPods Max's noise cancellation and sound quality are still considered top of class, with exceptional performance and a good bass response, even when compared to newer models like the Bose Ultra headphones.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the AirPods Max's ecosystem integration and spatial audio?

The reviewer appreciates the ecosystem integration of the AirPods Max, allowing for seamless switching between Apple devices and an enhanced audio experience with spatial audio, especially useful for those living in apartments or sharing living spaces.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the AirPods Max's value at $550 three years after their release?

The reviewer believes that if one can afford the AirPods Max at $550, they are a good investment that will likely last for years due to their durability and quality, despite some annoyances with the smart case and potential disconnection issues.

What precautions does the reviewer suggest for potential buyers of the AirPods Max?

The reviewer suggests watching a video on identifying fake AirPods Max to avoid scams and considering silicone covers for gym use or heavy sweating to protect the headphones.