The over-ear headphones turned out to be a real heavyweight in my AirPods Max test - in every respect. The large, robust headphone headphones are packed with the latest technology, smart sensors and chips - and impress with their crystal-clear sound, 3D audio (spatial audio), dynamic head tracking and high-quality workmanship with a noble mix of materials. For whom is the AirPods high-end model suitable and who might be better off using the AirPods Pro? Can you do sports, travel and use the headphones in everyday life with the large and heavy Maxi AirPods? In my AirPods Max test, I tested the over-ears extensively and share my experiences with you.

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I am currently wearing the big, downright colossal ones Over-ear headphones, while I'm writing this AirPods Max review - and I'll say right away: I'm biased, because I'm really excited about these headphones. Nevertheless, I would like to share my experiences with the high-end over-ears with you - because I am of the opinion that the model is not necessarily suitable for every purpose and you might prefer a different model such as the AirPods Pro (test), the AirPods 3 (test) or the AirPods 2 (test) should choose.

Because I have to say: Using the AirPods Max as the only headphones doesn't work for me. In addition to the headband headphones, I also use the AirPods Pro in many situations that are unsuitable for the AirPods Max. How did the headphones fare in my AirPods Max test in everyday life, during sports and when travelling? What are the strengths and weaknesses? I have put together my AirPods Max experiences for you.

Video – AirPods Max test while traveling

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AirPods Max test – ideal headphones for travel

A quick overview

• The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones from the manufacturer Apple.
• The headphones are available in space gray, silver/white, sky blue, green and pink.
• The headphones impress with their strong active noise cancellation and the 3D audio function with dynamic head tracking (head movement detection), which produces outstanding sound.
• Thanks to the completely state-of-the-art technology Apple H1 headphone chip (in each earcup) and numerous sensors: optical sensor (in each earcup), position sensor (in each earcup), case detection sensor (in each earcup), acceleration sensor (in each earcup) and gyro sensor (left earcup)
• In my opinion, the AirPods Max are exceptionally well made and clearly belong in the category of the best headphones on the market.
• On the negative side, the over-ears are very heavy and, at least in terms of the RRP, very expensive - although they are now being offered by third-party sellers at steep discounts.

Buy AirPods Max on Amazon

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AirPods Max test and experiences – my impression in everyday life, during sports and when traveling

I've been using the large over-ear headphones for several months at work every day for several hours to concentrate while writing, so I can really tell you a lot in my AirPods Max review. However, my first impression was very clear: Wow! The headphones look very spacey, totally futuristic. The design is very different from conventional high-end headphones. No matter which headphones you put next to it for comparison - they look old and boring, at least that's my impression.

The design is a matter of taste

You can argue about appearance, but if you place the AirPods Max next to ordinary headphones, they really stand out, especially in the blue shade of sky blue. The AirPods Max are also really nice in green with white temples - my brother bought the color variant. And they look very high quality processed. Everything is well made and the materials also feel very high quality - at an RRP of 612,70 euros, that should be the case.

Don't feel that hard at all

When you put on the AirPods Max for the first time, something unusual reveals itself: They don't feel as heavy as they look. They feel big on your head and look like this when you look in the mirror: The AirPods Max sit pretty big and dominant - the sight is not exactly a pleasure. But they are very comfortable and can be adjusted to the perfect fit. So far so good. The AirPods Max connect to the instantly iPhone and by Apple Music can be played with High Res Lossless Music, which often even supports Dolby Atmos.

The sound is bombastic

And when I first listen to it, I'm completely blown away: the sound of the large over-ear headphones is really bombastic. You get used to everything over time, but at first the sound of the AirPods Max really knocked me out of my socks. I've had a lot of headband headphones like this one over the last few years Bose NCH 700 (test) or the Bose QC35 II (test), but the big headphone headphones are in their own league - but are accordingly expensive and have a few other, smaller weaknesses.

AirPods Max test - product features

AirPods Max	Features
noise cancellation	Active Noise Canceling (ANC), transparency mode
Audio Properties	3D audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive EQ, by Apple developed dynamic driver
Sensors	Optical sensor (in each earpiece), position sensor (in every earpiece), sensor for case detection (in every earpiece), acceleration sensor (in every earpiece), gyro sensor (left earpiece), nine microphones in total: eight microphones for active noise suppression; Three microphones for voice capture (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and an additional microphone)
Processor	Apple H1 headphone chip (in each earpiece)
water resistance	not protected from sweat and water
Battery life	AirPods Max: Up to 20 hours of playback on one charge with Active Noise Cancellation activated or in transparency mode; Up to 20 hours of video playback on one charge with 3D audio enabled; Up to 20 hours of talk time on one charge; 5 minutes of charging is sufficient for approximately 1,5 hours of playback AirPods Max with Smart Case: Storage in the smart case extends the battery life through extremely low energy consumption; Charging via Lightning connector
Weight	AirPods Max: 384,8 grams; Smart Case: 134,5 grams
charging Case	Charging via Lightning connector
send email now	Bluetooth 5.0
What's in the box	AirPods Max including ear pads, smart charging case, Lightning to USB ‑ C cable and documentation.

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AirPods Max test – with 3D audio and strong noise cancellation in sound heaven?

You have to say very clearly after my detailed AirPods Max test: The Apple Headphones are (at least in the RRP) an expensive lifestyle product, which is of course not only about the excellent sound, but also about the look when you walk around in the office or on the bus and train with the over-ear headphones . But as already mentioned in my first impression, my AirPods Max experiences are confirmed - the headphones simply deliver at maximum.

1. Active noise cancellation of the AirPods Max in the test

I've tested the active noise cancellation of many headphones over the past few years. I tried Active Noise Canceling by turning on my deafeningly loud kitchen blender and then getting close with the respective ANC headphones. Of course, I did the same in my AirPods Max test.

And I have to say: No headphones I've tested so far have active noise cancellation that's even remotely as strong as the AirPods Max. I mean, sure, you can also support active noise cancellation with strong passive noise cancellation - and just like that Apple With this massive case that completely encloses the ears, it was definitely a success. All in all, the AirPods Max have the best noise cancellation I've ever experienced with over-ear headphones.

Conversely, the transparency mode can also be switched on at the push of a button in order to hear the outside world without having to switch off the headphones. Especially when you want to talk to people. The technology is now so advanced that the voices are isolated and background noise is blocked out. Out of politeness, I take the headphones off when I am talking - it is no longer absolutely necessary.

2. AirPods Max test: battery life is extended with Smart Case

The AirPods Max cannot be switched off, i.e. they are always on. Of course, that drains the battery. But you should definitely take a look at the operating instructions: If you always put the AirPods Max back in the supplied smart case, the discharge in sleep mode is significantly reduced. And so I can only report the best about the AirPods Max battery life: I use the headphones for several hours a day - and have never managed to really empty the battery.

The battery performance officially lasts up to 20 hours. But if you use the over-ear headphones a few hours a day, it's really enough to lay them down every few days. After a short time they are full again. In my AirPods Max review, battery life was never an issue - the headphones were always reasonably charged.

3. Lossless Audio, 3D Audio, Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos: new sound settings for the AirPods Max

When I bought the AirPods Max, 3D audio wasn't available yet. Even at that time the sound was excellent. Has taken it to a whole new level Apple lifted the AirPods Max by introducing sound settings and sound quality settings on the software side with a series of updates.

These new features bring the sound quality of the different Apple Headphones to a new level. The newly introduced quality settings include at least the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max and AirPods 3:

• Lossless Audio and High Res Lossless Audio: The whole Apple Music catalog is marked with ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) encoded in resolutions from 16 bit / 44,1 kHz (CD quality) to 24 bit / 192 kHz. It has to be said, however, that the hearing can hardly perceive the difference to conventional AAC. This setting has hardly any real effect on the sound.
• 3D Audio (Spatial Audio): The sound seems to come from different directions and creates a sense of space. The effect is really clearly audible. You can also switch it off if you wish and then you will hear the clear difference.
• Dynamic head tracking: The sound seems to come from a different direction when you turn your head. In my AirPods Max test, there was a strong effect here that is really a pleasure for the ears.

Using these new audio functions, the manufacturer has Apple the sound quality of the AirPods Max headphones has been raised to a new level. In particular, 3D audio (spatial audio) makes a much more audible difference. You really get the feeling that the sound is coming from different directions. This feeling is enhanced by dynamic head tracking, as the sound changes direction when you turn your head. My AirPods Max experiences with this new technology have been consistently positive.

4. AirPods Max operation: intuitive enough for everyday use?

I once had headphones that could be operated with swiping gestures. At the time, I thought this was the best and most intuitive way to use over-ear headphones. But I have to say, the digital crown that many have already had from the Apple Watch will know, also proves itself with the AirPods Max.

With the help of the Digital Crown and the elongated function button, the large headband headphones can be operated intuitively and very easily. Operating over-ear headphones couldn't be easier or more intuitive.

5. Design, workmanship, materials in the AirPods Max test

The design is unusual and futuristic. I like the design in general, but not when I'm wearing the headphones. Wearing the AirPods Max doesn't look pretty in my opinion. The headphones are really huge on my medium sized head.

There are therefore no points for the optics. For the materials and the processing of the headphones, however, yes. The large hanger made of a plastic variant with the mesh is also one Apple-Typical invention and ensures a perfect hold.

Buy in-ears on Amazon

AirPods Max Test – This is how the over-ear headphones perform for different purposes

I have tested the AirPods Max in a variety of uses and tried them in different situations. So much time in advance and I won't list that again as an additional: In my AirPods Max test it has been shown that the headband headphones are best suited for home use in the home and in the office due to the good noise canceling . Outside of these two situations, things get more difficult. I have the headphones on in my AirPods Max test Journeys, while exercising and jogging and, above all, while making calls. And over-ears are not the first choice everywhere.

AirPods Max test travel - with 3D audio around the world?

Yes, I took the AirPods Max with me on vacation and I am basically thrilled in my AirPods Max test while traveling. In the airplane you can switch off the ambient noise almost completely with the active noise canceling. All you can hear is a low hum. And only if you take off the headphones in between, you need the optional AirPods Max audio cable from to connect the AirPods to the entertainment system in the aircraft Apple, which is not included in the scope of delivery and an airline adapter, which is also not included with the AirPods Max. This results in additional costs of around 40 euros. Be who iPad Pro (test) or has a smartphone with you to listen to music or watch videos, however, you can avoid the costs, as the conventional Bluetooth connection then naturally works.

When I arrived at my destination, however, I switched to my small AirPods Pro in-ear headphones. Because at 32 degrees Celsius and direct sunlight, the AirPods Max did not give me any pleasure in the test. You start to sweat very heavily underneath - similar to doing sports. And remember that the headphone headphones are not specially protected against water and sweat.

AirPods Max test during sport and jogging: This is how the in-ears fare in the test

Personally, I think the AirPods Macs are not designed for Sport and jogging are suitable. I tried it out briefly while jogging and wasn't enthusiastic at all. With a weight of over 300 grams, they are simply too heavy for that. I found them annoying while jogging. They don't slip, but they don't sit comfortably either. After it didn't work out while jogging, I tried it again on the elliptical cross trainer, because there is a different sequence of movements. But I wasn't enthusiastic about that either. My conclusion: I still do sports with the small and light AirPods Pro, which are made for all active movements. Accordingly, im Vacation also rather Jogging on the beach trendy with the small earplugs and not with the big headphone.

AirPods Max test while making calls: Voices are now much more pleasant

Making calls is really fun with the AirPods Max. For callers, background noise is blocked out while the voices are isolated. In combination with 3D audio, you have the feeling that the caller is standing right in front of you. In my AirPods Max test when making a phone call, the headphones performed very well. I use them regularly for this purpose.

Strengths and weaknesses of the new AirPods Max in the test

As you may have noticed, I quite like the AirPods Max and have been using them every day since I bought them. In my AirPods Max test, many of the over-ear headphones' strengths emerged. I am particularly impressed by the crystal clear, balanced sound with 3D audio and dynamic head tracking.

It is available not only on the AirPods Max, but also on the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3. In contrast, there are only a few weaknesses. The biggest weakness is the limitation in the purposes of use. In my personal opinion, the AirPods Max are not suitable for sports. With every sport I tried, the huge headphones were rather annoying.

Made more for home

But they are not designed for this purpose, but rather for use at home, in the office, when walking slowly and when using public transport. If we really only want to use a pair of headphones, we should use the AirPods Pro.

If it is an option to use two headphones permanently, I would recommend the combination of AirPods Max and AirPods Pro - depending on the application. A big drawback is the RRP - 612,70 euros is simply too expensive in my opinion. Fortunately, the AirPods Max are now available from third-party sellers at prices between 430 and 500 euros.

Strengths of the AirPods Max

• Excellent HiFi sound with 3D audio, spatial audio, Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking (head movement detection).
• Intensive, active noise cancellation using eight of the nine integrated microphones.
• Up to 20 hours of playback on one battery charge.
• Easy to use via Hey Siri, a physical button and the Digital Crown.

AirPods Max weaknesses

• At 384,8 grams, the AirPods Max are comparatively heavy. There is also the SmartCase with 134,5 grams.
• At least in terms of RRP, the AirPods Max are quite expensive at 612,70 euros. However, this shouldn't bother the target group - and the AirPods Max are now offered at a significantly reduced price.
• You can't turn off the AirPods Max - they're always on and that uses up the battery. To reduce battery consumption, you must store the headphones in the included SmartCase.
• The SmartCase doesn't suit my taste in design - I find it pretty ugly.

Compatibility of the AirPods Max with others Apple Products and third parties

A Bluetooth connection could also be established relatively quickly with the gadgets from. The comprehensive and comprehensive connectivity is one of the great strengths of the new AirPods Max. Unfortunately, no third party has even come close to it to date. Even my large high-end headphones, which in this context correspond to the latest standards and support AirPlay 2, often have to be paired again - you first have to go into the Bluetooth settings to establish the connection. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, are virtually instantly connected to all devices. Unfortunately, I cannot yet say whether pairing the AirPods Max with third-party products works as well. 

AirPods Max alternatives – the AirPods Pro in particular are worth a look

There are currently a lot of AirPods Max alternatives on the market. The large and powerful over-ear headphones from the premium segment are of course the first choice, especially for at home. And for when you're on the go, there are numerous attractive in-ear headphone models that are also very appealing and already offer active noise canceling.

However, the harmonious overall package of the AirPods Pro ensures that the small plugs do not have to hide from the competitors. In terms of price, with an RRP of 612,70 euros (price including 19% VAT), they are also in the upper average of premium over-ear headphones - even if the price initially feels gigantic.

FAQs AirPods Max - the most important questions and answers about the different Apple AirPods models

Before you buy your first AirPods - AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you have many questions about the small and powerful in-ear headphones that you can use to listen to music in everyday life, while exercising and when traveling. I have therefore put together the most important questions and answers about the various AirPods models for you.

1. FAQs - AirPods Pro test: the most important questions and answers about in-ear headphones

2. FAQs - AirPods test: the most important questions and answers about in-ear headphones

3. FAQs - AirPods Max test: the most important questions and answers about over-ear headphones

AirPods Max test – headphones in combination with Apple Watch use

One of the most pleasant things about the AirPods Max is that it's so easy to use Apple Watch let connect. Anyone who has previously listened to some music or an audio book on the Apple-Smartwatch can - at least when it comes to music, audio books and telephony - leave the smartphone in your pocket. The headphones are on the Apple Watch automatically displayed and can be easily selected and connected.

There is no need for a complicated, manual connection via Bluetooth, as I found in the AirPods Max test. This makes everyday mobile life much easier - both on the way to the office and when Jog And on the plane, the smartphone can stay in your pocket much more often. 

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AirPods Max Test – The high-end over-ear headphones are impressive for home use

My detailed conclusion

My conclusion of the AirPods Max test is clear: The large high-end over-ear headphones are awesome and an absolute buy. Especially at home, in the office and when using public transport and in the Airplane The headphones are convincing. The strong active noise cancellation, the crystal-clear sound with 3D audio and dynamic head tracking are convincing across the board.

However, in my opinion they are very unsuitable for fast movements such as jogging - I would still prefer to use my AirPods Pro in such situations. Overall has Apple However, with the AirPods Max created an absolute top product that I currently use in my everyday work and when traveling to the most beautiful travel destinations in the world accompanied.

AirPods Max review - Which over-ear headphones do you use or have you already gotten AirPods? Share your experiences in the comments.