It’s disappointing that Apple hasn’t invested more in enhancing the AirPods Max. I’ve used the same pair daily since their release, and prior to that, my over-ear headphones typically lasted only a couple of years. I agree with Mark Gurman’s observation that there’s a market for them. However, the recent USB-C update wasn’t substantial enough to motivate existing users to upgrade. It would be great to see the AirPods Max receive the same level of attention and innovation as the AirPods and AirPods Pro. Additionally, considering that they still feature the same electronics as the 2020 model, a price reduction would be beneficial, as they continue to be priced at a premium.
The headphones aren’t a hot enough seller to justify pouring money into development, but they’re also not a big enough flop to kill them outright. If you’ve ever been to an upscale gym in Los Angeles or New York, you can see these $550 headphones have a market — even with the high price and outdated technology.
| Brand | Model | Key Features | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | AirPods Max | High-fidelity audio, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Spatial Audio, seamless integration with Apple ecosystem. | $549 |
| Sony | WH-1000XM5 | Industry-leading ANC, superior sound quality, 30-hour battery life, touch controls. | $399 |
| Bose | QuietComfort Ultra | Renowned comfort, effective ANC, balanced audio performance, 24-hour battery life. | $429 |
| Sennheiser | Momentum 4 Wireless | High-resolution audio, premium build quality, customizable sound settings, 60-hour battery life. | $349 |
| Beats by Dre | Studio Pro | Emphasis on bass, stylish design, integration with Apple devices, 40-hour battery life. | $349 |
| Jabra | Elite 85h | Smart ANC, water-resistant design, voice assistant integration, 36-hour battery life. | $249 |
| Anker Soundcore | Space Q45 | Affordable pricing, decent ANC, solid 50-hour battery life. | $149 |
| Bowers & Wilkins | Px7 S2e | Luxurious design, adaptive ANC, high-quality materials, 30-hour battery life. | $399 |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on retailers and ongoing promotions.
