We know AirPods as earbuds, but with AirPods Max, Apple has launched their first headphones. It has top-class noise canceling, a clear and powerful sound and has a luxurious appearance. Because the headphones have a luxurious look, they are less user-friendly.
Top class noise canceling
When noise canceling works well, I think it's a nice addition to headphones. With noise canceling, disturbing ambient noises are muffled. With some headphones this works better than others and with AirPods Max this works great. I don't hear anything from my surroundings. On the train, in the supermarket, outside on the street. I enjoy getting lost in my favorite songs.
Clear, powerful sound
The sound of AirPods Max is exactly what I like. Powerful, but not overpowering. For example, a bass guitar sounds extra deep, but I still hear a lot of detail in the voice of a singer. All tones are given space to be heard, which makes it a joy to listen to music. When I watch a movie with the headphones, the sound is spacious thanks to Surround Sound.
Luxurious appearance
The headphones are made of luxurious materials. The ear cups are made of anodized aluminum and the ear cushions are made of memory foam. This gives it a luxurious look in my opinion. It is slightly less user-friendly due to this luxurious appearance. For example, the headband feels fragile, there is no on/off button and you cannot fold the headphones compactly. This makes it less easy to fit in my jacket pocket or backpack.
High wearing comfort
The memory foam of the ear cushions ensures that the headphones sit comfortably. With most headphones, my ears or head hurt after 2 hours, but this is not the case with AirPods Max. Only during extra long listening sessions, of about 4 to 5 hours, do I feel a pressure around my ears.