Apple recently announced the new AirPods Max 2, but we weren't all that impressed with the changes, particularly given that the original headset has received only minor updates in the last five years. If you're feeling left out by the newest model, you can snag the original AirPods Max with USB-C from Best Buy for just $450, a $100 price break. That's a good enough discount to make you forget they even made a sequel.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
Despite their long life on the market, the AirPods Max are still one of our favorite noise-canceling over-ear headsets, and a great choice for any iOS users looking for something more substantial than their regular earbuds. They have a sturdy, refined build quality, with elegant aluminum ear cups, an instantly recognizable look, and a few eye-catching colors to choose from. While they're a bit heavy, they're very premium and comfortable, with an easily accessible multifunction volume knob on top of the right ear.
Of course, they sound as incredible as they look. Back when they released in 2020, our reviewer Parker Hall called them “the best noise-canceling headphones I have ever tested,” thanks to their impressive ANC and transparency modes, super straightforward setup, and impressive feature set. Even up against big hitters like Sony and Bose, they stand out with a high level of detail and richness, with clean midrange and booming bass that all comes through clearly. They even support high-res wireless audio, something very few other headsets can claim.
There are some drawbacks to these impressive headphones, however. The battery life also doesn't quite keep up with some of its competitors, but at around 20 hours it's enough to get you through a long flight. Like other AirPods, the Max have a much more limited feature set if they aren't connected to an iOS or MacOS device, so Android and PC owners will want to look at some of our other favorite headsets. Any iPhone owners who are keen on picking up the AirPods Max should head over to Best Buy where a variety of colors are marked down, including Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.
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