Apple AirPods Max (2021)

Best-in-class ANC ; Amazing transparency mode ; Excellent build quality ; Excellent sound quality ; Top-notch call quality

Charges via Lightning cable ; Heavy on head

Superb audio and noise-cancelling ; Cinematic spatial audio ; Exceptional build quality

Near-pointless case ; Audio cable not included ; Practically Apple-only

Sonically speaking, the AirPods Max don’t put a foot wrong – these are hands-down the best wireless noise-cancellers you can buy for the money

High-luxury design ; Terrific, balanced sound quality ; Very effective noise cancellation ; Dependable and foolproof controls ; Spatial audio for immersive entertainment

Heavier than many competitors ; No 3.5mm jack ; Wired listening requires $35 cable ; Case is an abomination ; Apple Music can’t make the most of these headphones

Apple’s AirPods Max are its first noise-canceling, over-ear headphones. They have a stylish design, excellent sound quality, and unique features like spatial audio. But at $550, they also come at a much higher price than competitors like the Sony...

Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs ; High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble ; Stunning, unique design ; Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio ; Hands-free Siri access

Expensive ; Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren't for purists ; No user-adjustable EQ ; Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit ; Smart Case does little to protect the headphones

Apple's AirPods Max headphones deliver excellent audio performance, top-notch noise cancellation, and a bevy of useful features in an absolutely gorgeous design for a bit too much money.

Fantastically wide soundstage Well-balanced audio Slick controls

No 3.5mm audio port Smart Case doesn't feel very protective Very expensive

The Apple AirPods Max are the tech giant's first over-ear headphones, and so far we're impressed with the audio quality and noise cancellation – but we're not entirely sure that the design, and the absence of a 3.5mm audio port justifies the high price...

Great sound and active noise-cancelling (ANC) ; No plastics ; Ease of setting up and running ; Spatial Audio delivers convincing three-dimensional audio

Not foldable ; Weighty due to metal ; Carry case could be more robust ; Very expensive ; No 3.5mm jack ; Spatial Audio not for Apple TV yet

The high asking price will make the over-ear AirPods a luxury rather than a mass-market product, which is a shame as the sound quality and active noise-cancelling (ANC) is superb - but much of the competition offers such features for a cut of the cash.

Gorgeous design ; Great audio quality ; Powerful ANC ; Seamless integration with Apple devices

Expensive

Apple’s AirPods Max headphones combine beautiful design with powerful tech for great audio quality and best-in-class ANC.

Clear, well balanced sound ; Solid noise cancellation and stellar transparency mode ; Terrific controls for volume, playback, and ANC ; Tightly integrated with Apple ecosystem

Still uses Lightning rather than USB-C ; Wired listening requires a pricey adapter ; Smart Case offers no protection from the elements ; Relatively short battery life

If you love fantastic sound and you’re a fan of the clever little touches Apple puts into its products, there’s a lot to love in the AirPods Max.