Apple’s AirPods Max Very pricey. These over-ear headphones not only have a premium build but also offer top-notch sound. iPhone and MacBook ownersBut if the price is what’s holding you back, you’re in luck. Prime DayAirPods Max is currently discounted by $154, Price reduced to $395That’s still pretty pricey, but it’s the cheapest price we’ve tracked so far.
WIRED talks about AirPods Max
AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommended) has a unique and quirky aesthetic. Fashion Accessories Over the years, the product has proven popular, and it’s easy to see why. The machined aluminum cases come in traditional options like silver and black, as well as fun, flashy colors like green, pink, and blue. And, as WIRED editor Parker Hall pointed out, the mesh canopy headband is… Herman Miller Aeron ChairThe same mesh padding is used on the interchangeable magnetic ear cups.
We’re fans of built-in controls. At the top of the right ear cup is a volume knob, similar to the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch. It doubles as a play/pause button when you’re listening to audio. Next to that is a small button that adjusts noise control, which you can press to switch between Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. AirPods Max also detect when you’re wearing them; when you slide them over your ear, they automatically wake up from standby mode and connect to your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Lifting the ear cup or removing the headphones pauses the audio.
Most importantly, they deliver great sound quality. You get rich bass, a huge soundstage, and great noise cancellation. As we said in our AirPods Max review, “the sheer clarity of music is phenomenal for noise-canceling headphones.” The addition of spatial audio also makes them great for movies. If you’re watching a movie in a supported app (like Max), the headphones will simulate object-based surround sound. Even if you turn your head, the audio stays locked in the original direction. It creates a home theater-like experience with surround sound speakers all around you.
AirPods Max will be released in 2020. Rumor has itApple will likely launch a next-generation version later this year, but the only major upgrades we’re hoping for are the addition of a USB-C port (yes, the first-generation AirPods Max unfortunately use a Lightning port) and some new color options. If a USB-C port is an important feature for you, we recommend waiting. If not, the original version is still a great choice, with premium build quality, incredible fidelity, ease of use, and (now) a more affordable price.
Other AirPods on sale
The AirPods Pro are the best Apple earphones out there right now.8/10, WIRED RecommendedThey work great with iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and they also have top-notch noise cancellation for when you want to be quiet. I also love that these earbuds have a great microphone, perfect for the never-ending sea of Zoom calls we’re all facing these days. This is the lowest price they’ve had all year. —Parker Hall
Regular AirPods are a bit of a problem.6/10, WIRED Review) but they work very well with iPhones and other Apple devices. If that’s all you want, or if, like reviewer Martin Cizmar, you claim that these are the only earbuds that somehow fit properly in your ears (they’re not, trust me), buy them while they’re on sale.Parker Hall
