Apple AirPods Max: An Expensive but Premium Listening Experience

Never in a million years would I have thought I would spend nearly $600 on a pair of headphones. But here I am, writing a blog post all about it.

Released in December 2020 with a pricetag of $549, the AirPods Max are Apple's most expensive, top-of-the-line headphones. Despite initially refusing to even think about them, trying them out at an Apple Store near Grand Rapids, Michigan, quickly enticed me. Two weeks later, I was at Best Buy picking them up.

It was definitely not my most proud purchase, but I must say - I'm glad I did it. Today, let's discuss the design, ease of use, sound quality, and my overall impressions of the AirPods Max.

Design:

The AirPods Max have a simplistic yet elegant design that quickly caught my attention. The close-up shots of the mesh headband and telescoping arms on Apple's website made me amazed at how such simple design traits can come together to make a premium product.

Space Gray Apple AirPods Max. The Telescoping arms are what move the ear cups, and the mesh headband provides breathable comfort. Photo taken by Ethan Roberts.

The telescoping arms allow consumers to easily adjust the size of the headphones without any clicking or force. They also let the ear cups swivel and adjust to the shape of your head, allowing for a better fit.

Furthermore, the mesh headband is very light on the head and does not get too warm. This headband, combined with similar mesh ear cups, make for a comfortable and cool experience.

The only gripe I have with the design is the weight. Coming in at 386 grams, according to Adam Molina of the SoundGuys, these headphones are not light. To put that number into perspective, that is nearly a full pound on your head. While it does not sound very heavy, wearing them for extended periods of time can be a little exhausting. Taking slight breaks while wearing them definitely helps, however.

Ease of Use:

Being invested in the Apple ecosystem has its perks, and the AirPods Max are no exception.

These headphones are completely bluetooth, and the only time a wire even touches the headphones is to charge them.

With iOS 14, all of the AirPods devices are able to automatically switch between devices connected to the same iCloud account. For example, if I am listening to music on my iPhone and then start to play a video on my iPad, the AirPods will automatically switch the audio to the iPad.

This is such a simple feature, but I cannot express how convenient and pleasing it is.

The AirPods Max also have sensors in the ear cups to detect whenever you put them on, so there is no need to turn them on and off - they do it for you.

Overall, the AirPods Max are super easy to use, and all these small features add up to one convenient, quick, and effortless pair of headphones.

The AirPods Max effortlessly and quickly connect to Apple Devices, shown at the top of the image. Photo taken by Ethan Roberts.

Sound Quality:

If these headphones cost $549, one could reasonably expect them to have phenomenal sound, right?

The sound produced by the AirPods Max is easily the best I have ever heard. The crisp highs and the booming lows, combined with extremely effective Active Noise Cancellation, make these headphones a listener's paradise.

The most impressive feature, however, is easily the integration of Dolby Atmos. The easiest way to think of Dolby Atmos with AirPods Max is theater-quality surround sound on your head.

Recently, Apple introduced Dolby Atmos with specific songs on Apple Music, Apple's music subscription service. When listening to Lorde's new song "Solar Power,"I can hear Lorde herself singing close to my ears, the strumming of the guitar from farther away, and the drums all around my ears.

Dolby Atmos with Apple Music truly provides an incredible and unprecedented listening experience.

Wearing the AirPods Max while working on homework. Photo taken by Ethan Roberts.

Overall Impressions:

There's no doubt about it - the AirPods Max are expensive. But, with the premium price tag comes premium features: a comfortable and breathable design, extreme convenience, and mind-blowing sound.

I absolutely love my AirPods Max, and I wear them for multiple hours a day. Whether it be on the commute between campuses or laying in bed watching a movie, they are constantly on my head.

I never thought I would buy headphones as expensive as these. But here I am, and I am extremely glad I did just that.