AirPods Max: What You Need to Know About Apple’s First Over-Ear Headphones

Apple just announced the AirPods Max, its first pair of over-ear headphones. They’re designed to deliver all the best features of AirPods Pro — including high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, Adaptive EQ, transparency mode, audio sharing and spatial audio (and Dolby Atmos support) — with an over-ear design. Oh, and they cost $549.

The design of the AirPods Max borrows a bunch of details from its other product lines. Most notably, there’s a Digital Crown, inspired by Apple Watch, on top of one of the earcups, which is allows you to adjust volume, playback controls like play/pause control, answer calls and activate Siri.

Apple

The headband of the AirPods Max is made of stainless steel and a “canopy” of breathable knit mesh fabric, which is designed to evenly distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The earcups are made of memory foam and the same breathable mesh fabric that’s on the headband.

The AirPods Max will charge via a Lightning port just like all of Apple’s current line of AirPods. This is a little surprising because Apple has made moves towards USB-C in the past year, integrated the port into more iPads, and it’d be nice for these to also get that “pro” treatment. Apple says that the AirPods Max will have a battery life of 20 hours. They do not support wireless charging.

Apple

Like the AirPods and AirPods Pro before it, the AirPods Max will have some distinct advantages for people with multiple Apple devices. The integrated H1 chip will allow the the AirPods Max to automatically switch between the audio on your Mac/iPad or iPhone, depending on which you’re listening to. It’ll fast pair to your iPhone, obviously, and allow you to share audio with a friend.

The price of the AirPods Max might be its most interesting detail — because $549 is significantly more expensive that most flagship noise-canceling headphones. The Bose Headphones 700 (~~$399~~ $339) and Sony WH-1000XM4 (~~$349~~ $279), which will be the main competition for the AirPods Max, can be about $300 cheaper.

Aside from their price, the other potential caveat is the weight of the AirPods Max — they’re made mostly of metal and weigh 13.6 ounces, which is substantially heavier than most other wireless headphones. For comparison, the Bose Headphones 700 are 8.78 ounces; the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are 10.93 ounces; and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are 8.96 ounces.

The truth is that Apple’s over-ear cans will have to be seriously high quality (or a significantly big status symbol) to prove their worth against the competition. But judging by Apple’s past forays in the headphones and speaker categories, with the AirPod and HomePod lines, we’re not too worried about it. And we can’t wait to actually test them.

They are available in five different colors, including space gray, silver, sky blue, green and pink. You can preorder the AirPods Max today and they’re expected to arrive on your doorstep next week, on December 15, just in time for Christmas.

Price: $549

SHOP NOW

Editor’s Picks: Best Deals Today

Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask Sale

Presented by Gravity

SHOP NOW

25% Off

If weighted sleep aids are so helpful, why not use more than a blanket? Gravity, maker of one of the best weighted blankets, answers that question with its Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask. Right now, you can save 25 percent on a Weighted Sleep Mask of your own.

Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket

$85 OFF (31%)

For three years running, we’ve awarded the top slot to Mountain Hardwear’s Super/DS StretchDown jacket, and right now, with winter on the horizon, it’s on sale for 31 percent off.

READ OUR BEST DOWN JACKETS GUIDE

Sonos One Smart Speaker

$40 OFF (25%)

This is one of our top smart speaker picks that supports both Alexa and Google Smart Assistant. Great anywhere in your house, it’s also humidity resistant so you can rock out in the bathroom. Grab two and save $80.

READ OUR SONOS BUYING GUIDE

Hyperice Hypersphere Massage Ball

Instant Pot Duo Plus

$60 (37% off)

If you’re not on the Instant Pot train yet, now’s a great time to get onboard with 37% off this 9-in-1 cooking tool that can do it all.

READ OUR GUIDE TO INSTAPOT COOKING

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/AppleWatchSEAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/AppleWatchSEAmazon" data-id="" data-order="6" data-vars-ga-product-price="$269.98" data-vars-ga-product-id="2461edaa-4b90-4c4c-87ef-f366c67a426d" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/AppleWatchSEAmazon" aria-label="$270 ~~$309~~ Apple Watch SE Smart Watch”>

Apple Watch SE Smart Watch

$39 OFF (13%)

Save 13% on Apple’s entry level smartwatch, our budget pick for the best smartwatches of the year, and get a head start on your 2021 fitness goals.

READ OUR SMARTWATCH GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/ZojirushiTravelMug" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/ZojirushiTravelMug" data-id="" data-order="7" data-vars-ga-product-price="$45.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="ce4a3d46-96c2-4a0e-ae6c-79dc6281d590" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/ZojirushiTravelMug" aria-label="$20 ~~$45~~ Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug”>

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug

$25 OFF (56%)

Offered in a number of colors and sizes, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.

READ OUR BEST TRAVEL MUGS GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/HillCityWaterproofShell" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/HillCityWaterproofShell" data-id="" data-order="8" data-vars-ga-product-price="$148.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="510e4546-a186-4506-84e8-2173b1729b62" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/HillCityWaterproofShell" aria-label="$80 ~~$198~~ Hill City Rain Shell”>

Hill City Rain Shell

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/EverlaneCourtSneaker" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/EverlaneCourtSneaker" data-id="" data-order="9" data-vars-ga-product-price="$49.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="2fd82d72-f3ae-4108-a859-cb7bc8885c60" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/EverlaneCourtSneaker" aria-label="$49 ~~$98~~ Everlane Court Sneaker”>

Everlane Court Sneaker

$50 OFF (50%)

This versatile leather sneaker is the lowest impact of its kind, which means it uses less waste, less energy, and less virgin plastic. Grab these for half off for a limited time.

READ OUR GUIDE TO SNEAKERS UNDER $50

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/SteelcaseTaskChairWayfair" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/SteelcaseTaskChairWayfair" data-id="" data-order="10" data-vars-ga-product-price="$352.75" data-vars-ga-product-id="476f88a3-790e-46f7-91cc-2c988a7ce0f2" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/SteelcaseTaskChairWayfair" aria-label="$353 ~~$737~~ Steelcase Series 1 Ergonomic Mesh Task Chair”>

Steelcase Series 1 Ergonomic Mesh Task Chair

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasUltraboost20" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasUltraboost20" data-id="" data-order="11" data-vars-ga-product-price="$180.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="d93da84a-0169-432f-ad9f-88cf1e04d3fb" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasUltraboost20" aria-label="$126 ~~$180~~ Adidas Ultraboost 20s”>

Adidas Ultraboost 20s

$54 OFF w/code CELEBRATE (30%)

The Adidas Ultraboost has been a Gear Patrol favorite since it launched in 2015. They’re a perfect crossover for training and run commuting. While they go on sale often, 30% off for all colorways is a good find.

READ OUR BEST RUNNING SHOES GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/TechnivormKBGAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/TechnivormKBGAmazon" data-id="" data-order="12" data-vars-ga-product-price="$247.20" data-vars-ga-product-id="63a99fee-9aee-4916-b3c7-ed1534c96ae0" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/TechnivormKBGAmazon" aria-label="$247 ~~$360~~ Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Coffee Maker”>

Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Coffee Maker

$113 OFF (31%)

The OG best coffee maker is now over $100 off. There’s a reason why this has been the gold standard of drip coffee makers, with it’s classic design and 5 year warranty. Take advantage of this rare discount – they’re certain to sell out fast.

READ OUR GIFT GUIDE FOR COFFEE LOVERS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisTrucker" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisTrucker" data-id="" data-order="13" data-vars-ga-product-price="$89.50" data-vars-ga-product-id="0c83dbad-38d7-4e9f-9191-0dfb3671202b" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisTrucker" aria-label="$63 ~~$89.50~~ Levi’s Trucker Jacket”>

Levi’s Trucker Jacket

$26.50 OFF w/ code YESPLS (30%)

A classic, versatile silhouette from the brand that started it all. Wear it in the spring over a tee, or layer it under an overcoat in colder weather.

READ OUR GUIDE TO DENIM JACKETS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/SennheiserHD450BT" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/SennheiserHD450BT" data-id="" data-order="14" data-vars-ga-product-price="$149.95" data-vars-ga-product-id="1c3ca55b-0889-4b23-b8f2-f7656542b521" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/SennheiserHD450BT" aria-label="$150 ~~$200~~ Sennheiser HD 450BT”>

Sennheiser HD 450BT

$50 OFF (25%)

The HD 450BT’s standout feature is the price; they cost $200, which is significantly less expensive than the company’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, the $400 Momentum 3 Wireless. Additionally, the HD 450BT charge via USB-C and will get roughly 30 hours of playtime with ANC turned on. Save $50 for a limited time.

READ OUR BEST HEADPHONES GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/PhilipsNorelcoTrimmerAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/PhilipsNorelcoTrimmerAmazon" data-id="" data-order="15" data-vars-ga-product-price="$49.95" data-vars-ga-product-id="3133feab-f739-4766-8d0f-1a28c11edeb2" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/PhilipsNorelcoTrimmerAmazon" aria-label="$50 ~~$70~~ Philips Norelco Showerproof Body Trimmer and Shaver”>

Philips Norelco Showerproof Body Trimmer and Shaver

$20 OFF (29%)

Save on this well-reviewed, versatile grooming tool. With dual sides, five adjustable settings and self-sharpening blades, you can up your grooming game in the shower.

READ OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST BEARD TRIMMERS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/AugustSmartLockAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/AugustSmartLockAmazon" data-id="" data-order="16" data-vars-ga-product-price="$185.98" data-vars-ga-product-id="baef48f3-0f25-408b-93cf-1e29d43732fe" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/AugustSmartLockAmazon" aria-label="$186 ~~$290~~ August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi “>

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi

$104 OFF (36%)

One of our top picks for smart locks, the August Home Smart Lock Pro is easy to install and works with all major smart home ecosystems.

READ MORE ABOUT AUGUST SMART HOME

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/ClarksWallabee" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/ClarksWallabee" data-id="" data-order="17" data-vars-ga-product-price="$160.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="73aebc1a-1ff1-41db-9712-26934f491390" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/ClarksWallabee" aria-label="$96 ~~$160~~ Clarks Wallabee Boot “>

Clarks Wallabee Boot

$64 OFF w/ code EXTRA40 (40%)

A classic, versatile boot that are basically pillows for your feet, now for under $100.

READ OUR BEST BOOTS GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/Mophie3in1ChargerAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/Mophie3in1ChargerAmazon" data-id="" data-order="18" data-vars-ga-product-price="$95.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="bdf92141-715c-4de1-b585-393394dab623" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/Mophie3in1ChargerAmazon" aria-label="$96 ~~$140~~ Mophie 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Pad”>

Mophie 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Pad

$44 OFF (31%)

This class-leading multi-device wireless charger is an easy and now much more affordable way to eliminate annoying wires from your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.

SHOP MORE CYBER MONDAY TECH DEALS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/BrooklinenLinenSheetSet" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/BrooklinenLinenSheetSet" data-id="" data-order="19" data-vars-ga-product-price="$259.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="56d667ad-1b09-442c-b3d1-0c85acf9253e" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/BrooklinenLinenSheetSet" aria-label="$220 ~~$259~~ Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set”>

Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set

$39 OFF (15%)

This linen sheet set is as airy as you’d want it to be, but the weave isn’t too loose either, as was common in testing cheaper linens. The low cost and variety of colors make it a rock-solid starter set.

READ OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SHEETS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/Apple20WAdapterAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/Apple20WAdapterAmazon" data-id="" data-order="20" data-vars-ga-product-price="$16.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="0148917c-2ba9-43aa-9df4-47a7bc5b8cde" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/Apple20WAdapterAmazon" aria-label="$17 ~~$19~~ Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter”>

Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter

$2 OFF (11%)

Did you just get a new iPhone 12? Do you lose chargers all the time like us? While the discount isn’t huge, this is a useful buy if you want to take advantage of your new phone’s MagSafe capabilities.

READ OUR MAGSAFE ACCESSORIES GUIDE

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Editor’s Picks: Best Deals Today

Related Posts

HONOR Announces The Magic8 Pro Air As Its Slim Flagship

How Digital Assets Are Entering Everyday Spending

Kick Back And Relax As The Eufy Lawnbot E18 Does All The Work