Apple’s AirPods Max took the headphone world by storm when they were first released, and while they garnered both praise and criticism, there’s no denying that they’ve made a lasting impact on the market. Now, over three years after their initial launch, the AirPods Max have received several firmware updates and have evolved into an even more refined product. In this blog, we’ll explore how the AirPods Max have improved over time, their durability, the experience they provide, and if they are still worth purchasing in 2025.
How the AirPods Max Have Held Up Over Time
When the AirPods Max debuted, they quickly became the talk of the tech world. However, some users were quick to point out several design flaws. The mesh headband reportedly ripped in some cases, ear cups showed signs of wear and tear, and one of the most notorious issues, “condensation gate,” led to reports of liquid building up inside the ear cups. These problems made many people wonder if Apple had rushed the design or overlooked some critical details.
Now, three years later, the reality is somewhat different. As someone who has used these headphones almost daily since day one, I can confidently say that I’ve experienced none of these issues. I travel with them, work out with them, and use them for long hours at my desk without any visible signs of damage. The mesh headband remains intact, despite my concerns when packing them into my bag, where the headband sometimes gets dangerously close to being squished by zippers. While I’m careful with how I pack them, I’ve had no issues with the headband, which speaks to the overall durability of the AirPods Max.
Best Headphones for Travel
AirPods Max are still, hands down, the best headphones for traveling. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is top-notch, blocking out airplane noise, crying babies, and even the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal. The sound quality during travel is exceptional, and the ANC makes a huge difference when compared to other headphones, including the AirPods Pro, which I’ve also used on planes. The over-the-ear design makes the AirPods Max a more immersive experience, and the noise cancellation is leagues ahead of the competition.
However, there is one downside when it comes to using them on flights: Transparency Mode. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, which have an Adaptive Transparency mode that only amplifies necessary external sounds, the AirPods Max don’t offer this feature. In some cases, you might find that external sounds are amplified to uncomfortable levels, especially when you’re on a plane. For those looking for more seamless functionality when traveling, this is something to consider.
Software Improvements Over Time
While the AirPods Max did not receive some of the advanced features that came with the newer AirPods Pro 2 (like Adaptive Audio or Personalized Volume), Apple has steadily improved the AirPods Max over time through firmware updates. The most significant improvement, in my opinion, is the automatic switching feature. Originally, automatic switching was unreliable, especially between devices like an iPhone and MacBook. Now, however, it works much better. Switching between an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is seamless, and music or calls will automatically transfer to the device you’re using, making multitasking a breeze.
In addition, new features like “Press to Mute” have made phone calls and Zoom meetings much more convenient. No longer do you have to scramble to mute or unmute yourself during a call – a simple press on the button does the job. Another valuable update is the ability to activate Siri without saying “Hey Siri,” which is a simple but significant quality-of-life improvement.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked features is Personalized Spatial Audio. Introduced with iOS 16, this feature uses your iPhone to scan the shape of your ears, delivering a tailored audio experience that significantly enhances the sound quality. It’s an exciting addition for those who appreciate immersive audio, especially when listening to movies, music, or podcasts. When combined with the already impressive sound profile of the AirPods Max, this feature takes the listening experience to a whole new level.
Performance: Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
There’s no question that the AirPods Max offers one of the best sound profiles in the headphone market. Despite competition from heavyweights like Sony and Bose, the sound quality of the AirPods Max stands out. The bass is deep without being overpowering, the mids are crisp, and the highs are clean. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or making a phone call, the clarity and richness of the audio are unmatched.
With the addition of Personalized Spatial Audio, the listening experience becomes even more immersive, especially for movies and TV shows. I can’t stress enough how incredible it is to watch a movie with spatial audio on the AirPods Max, where the sound feels incredibly precise and lifelike. Even loud action scenes don’t drown out the dialogue, making for a more cinematic experience.
When it comes to noise cancellation, it has only improved over the years. The initial reports of AirPods Max offering subpar ANC were exaggerated. Today, the ANC is still as strong as it was when the headphones first launched, and it’s been improved through software updates. Whether you’re in a noisy office, on a plane, or at the gym, the AirPods Max block out the world around you, allowing for an immersive listening experience.
Comfort and Fit: A Surprising Experience
One of the primary concerns when the AirPods Max were first released was their weight. With their all-metal build, people assumed they would be heavy and uncomfortable. However, after wearing them almost daily for the past three years, I can confidently say that comfort has never been an issue. The weight is well-distributed, and the telescoping arms and mesh headband provide a comfortable fit. The adjustable arms ensure a custom fit, making these headphones perfect for long listening sessions. Despite their weight, they never cause discomfort, even after hours of use.
That said, I do prefer using the AirPods Pro during workouts and while grocery shopping. The AirPods Max’s powerful ANC can sometimes be a bit too intense for public spaces, where you need to hear external sounds. In such situations, the AirPods Pro’s Conversation Awareness feature is more practical.
Battery Life: Still Going Strong
The AirPods Max offers impressive battery life, even after years of use. Apple rates the battery life at around 20 hours with active noise cancellation turned on, and I find that this holds true. Over the past three years, I’ve never had to worry about charging them during use. Typically, I charge them every 2-3 days after finishing work, and the headphones are good to go again the next day. One downside, however, is the lack of a USB-C port. While it’s not a dealbreaker for most users, it’s still a bit of a disappointment in 2024, especially when other Apple products have moved to USB-C.
The Controversial Brawl Case
Another point of contention for many users is the AirPods Max’s “brawl case.” While many criticize the soft case for not providing adequate protection, I actually find it to be perfectly functional. Yes, it takes up more vertical space than a hard-shell case, but its slim profile makes it easy to travel with. I’ve used hard-shell cases in the past and quickly went back to the brawl case, which I now prefer for its portability and convenience.
Conclusion: Should You Buy AirPods Max in 2024?
So, are the AirPods Max still worth it in 2024? Absolutely. If you’re someone who wears over-ear headphones for extended periods, whether at work or home, and if you use Apple devices that can take advantage of the automatic switching feature, then the AirPods Max are an excellent choice. With their solid build, superior sound quality, and frequent firmware updates, these headphones remain a top contender in the market.
If you’re looking for a reliable and immersive audio experience, the AirPods Max are hard to beat. While there are rumors of a potential second-generation model, it’s hard to imagine how Apple could improve on this already nearly perfect design. For those who appreciate top-tier sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, the AirPods Max are worth the investment in 2025.
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