Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A
Apple’s 40mm dynamic driver paired with the H1 chip delivers high-fidelity audio and computational sound, while pro-level ANC removes up to 2x more background noise. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions ensure a comfortable, sealed fit, with a Digital Crown for precise volume and track control. Best for music lovers and commuters who value immersive Spatial Audio and strong noise cancellation, though call quality is a weaker point.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The AirPods Max deliver top-tier sound and ANC with a gorgeous build, but the high price and heavy weight hold them back. Rivals like the Sony XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offer compelling alternatives with better battery life. They score in the 94th percentile for sound quality and 92nd for build, making them a great choice for Apple fans who don't mind sacrificing comfort. Worth buying on sale, but at full price you have better options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich detail and Spatial Audio immersion. 98th
- Premium build using aluminum and memory foam that feels built to last. 94th
- Pro-level ANC that blocks more noise than most competitors. 93th
- Seamless pairing and switching across Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip. 92th
Cons
- Hefty 386g weight can cause discomfort during long listening sessions.
- Battery life at 20 hours is mediocre compared to the latest Sony and Bowers & Wilkins models.
- Silly Smart Case design offers minimal protection and is easy to lose.
- Price starts at $326 but can hit $550, making it a hard sell for non-Apple users.
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 28 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Sound quality is where these shine. Our database puts the AirPods Max in the absolute top tier for audio, with a 94th percentile score. The bass is deep and controlled, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. The ANC is well above average too, effectively silencing plane engines and office chatter. But there are trade-offs. Battery life is just 20 hours, which is solid but behind the Sony WH-1000XM5. And comfort is a weak spot: the 386g weight makes them feel heavy after an hour or two, and the headband can create pressure points. The mic is about average for this price, and connectivity is fine but nothing special (Bluetooth 5.0).
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | No |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | Mesh textile, memory foam |
| Headband | Stainless steel |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Sensitivity | 100 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
| ANC Type | Enhanced |
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
| Wired Connector | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | No |
| Range | 15.2 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 20 |
| Charge Time | 1.5 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 3 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
| Boom Mic | No |
| Detachable Mic | No |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | iOS Only |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Gaming Mode | No |
vs Competition
Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6, the AirPods Max still have a more premium build and richer sound, but the XM6 is lighter, offers 30-hour battery life, and costs less. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 counters with a 60-hour battery, a comfortable lightweight design, and excellent sound at a lower price, though it lacks the Max's aluminum heft and Apple handoff magic. These rivals make the Max feel bulkier and shorter-lived, but none replicate the seamless Apple ecosystem experience.
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A | Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | JBL Live 770NC | TOZO HT3 HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 42 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 16 | 48 | - | 60 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | 20 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 65 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A | 87.3 | 82.8 | 92.4 | 92.6 | 65.9 | 28.4 | 93.7 | 97.5 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 Compare | 97.5 | 91.3 | 92.4 | 90.1 | 72.2 | 79.3 | 99.7 | 83.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare | 97.5 | 99.4 | 95.9 | 99.4 | 72.2 | 50.2 | 97.4 | 97.5 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.5 | 85.1 | 77.2 | 97.6 | 89 | 79.3 | 98.9 | 59.5 |
| JBL Live 770NC Compare | 97.5 | 78.5 | 97.2 | 84.8 | 91.5 | 50.2 | 99.9 | 91.5 |
| TOZO HT3 HT3 Compare | 87.3 | 85.1 | 95.9 | 98.9 | 96.9 | 50.2 | 96.6 | 91.5 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Value is harder to defend now. You can find the AirPods Max for as low as $326, but with the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and TOZO HT3 in the ring, the price gap is glaring. The Px8 offers similar luxury build for a comparable cost, and the HT3 undercuts it drastically with decent ANC, leaving the Max only truly competitive for those deep in the Apple ecosystem. If you live there, the convenience may still justify the premium. Otherwise, the Max are a tough sell against fresher rivals.
Read more
Overview
The Apple AirPods Max are the company's first over-ear headphones, and they make a serious statement. With a premium aluminum and mesh design, they feel like a luxury object. But they also weigh 386 grams, which is on the heavy side, and they cost a lot. The real question is whether the sound and Apple integration justify the price tag.
Inside, you get an Apple-designed 40mm dynamic driver, the H1 chip, and personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The ANC is pro-level, blocking up to 2x more noise than the original AirPods Pro. And now they charge via USB-C, which is a nice convenience upgrade.
Common Questions
Q: How long does the battery last and how fast does it charge?
Battery life is rated at 20 hours with ANC on, which is average for this category. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 4 hours of playback via USB-C.
Q: Can I use AirPods Max with Android devices?
Yes, you can pair them via Bluetooth like any standard headphones, but you lose the seamless integration, Spatial Audio, and automatic switching that make them special on Apple devices.
Q: Are the AirPods Max comfortable for long listening sessions?
Opinions are mixed. The memory foam ear cups are plush, but the 386g weight and headband pressure can cause fatigue after an hour or two. If you have a larger head or wear glasses, comfort may be a concern.
Who Should Skip This
If you're on a budget, skip these. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 deliver strong ANC and comfort for much less. If you prefer lightweight headphones for all-day wear, the 386g weight will be a dealbreaker. And if you don't own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you're paying a premium for features you can't fully use.
Verdict
Buy the AirPods Max if you live inside the Apple ecosystem and want best-in-class sound and ANC in a luxury build. But with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offering lighter designs and much longer battery life at lower prices, the Max are a harder sell for anyone not fully committed to Apple. If you can stomach the cost and the weight, they remain endgame headphones for Apple loyalists.
