While the AirPods Max have always felt a little overpriced, this is the kind of discount that changes the equation. The updated one AirPods Max (USB-C) cost $429.99what is $120 away from the usual $549.99 Price. You get Apple’s top over-ear headphones with improved USB-C charging, lossless hearing support and all the ecosystem benefits that make them a natural fit for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
What you get
AirPods Max are based on custom Apple drivers that deliver high-fidelity sound with very low distortion even at higher volumes. They combine this with pro-level active noise cancellation that does a great job of reducing aircraft noise, office noise and traffic, as well as a transparency mode that lets you hear what’s going on around you without having to take off the headphones.
You also get personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking that creates a surround effect in supported movies and music, especially if you use Apple TV or an iPhone. Battery life is good for up to 20 hours of listening with noise cancellation and Spatial Audio on, and with a quick 5-minute charge you can get around 1.5 hours of playback time when you’re running out the door.
The big update is USB-C. Charging is easier if you already use a modern MacBook, iPad or iPhone, and with the right setup, USB-C can also enable lossless audio for higher quality listening than standard Bluetooth streams. The aluminum ear cups, breathable knit roof and memory foam cushions round it out to be a very high quality and very comfortable headphone for long sessions.
Why it’s worth it
The biggest disadvantage compared to the AirPods Max has always been the price. Complete $549.99 RRP, many people prefer to use Sony or Bose instead because they can often be found much cheaper. At $429.99 the value is completely different. You’re still paying premium money, but you’re getting premium build quality, excellent noise cancellation, great sound, and the smooth pairing and device switching that’s only possible within the Apple ecosystem.
If you already use an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac, these almost feel like “set it and forget it.” Insert them, press play, and they go wherever you are, be it a Mac on your desk or a phone on the couch. Reviews also point out that while the RRP feels high, the discounted price ultimately matches the quality you’re getting, making it much easier to justify such an offer.
The end result
If you’ve been tempted by the AirPods Max but couldn’t stomach the full price, this $429.99 deal is just the window you’ve been waiting for. You get Apple’s best over-ear experience, updated with USB-C and lossless support, at a price that makes sense $120 out of. For Apple users who care about sound, convenience and seamless integration, this is the moment to seriously consider adding it to your setup.
