Apple AirPods Max (2021)

Superb audio and noise-cancelling ; Cinematic spatial audio ; Exceptional build quality

Near-pointless case ; Audio cable not included ; Practically Apple-only

Sonically speaking, the AirPods Max don’t put a foot wrong – these are among the best premium wireless noise-cancellers you can buy.

Unbelievable audio performance ; Fantastic user experience ; Brilliant extra features for iOS ; Great noise cancellation

Very expensive ; No 3.5mm audio port ; Limited features for Android ; Ineffective carrying case

The Apple AirPods Max are among the best-sounding headphones we've ever tested. They're easy to use, and their noise cancellation can easily stand up to the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. However, their high...

Fantastically wide soundstage Well-balanced audio Slick controls

No 3.5mm audio port Smart Case doesn't feel very protective Very expensive

The Apple AirPods Max are the tech giant's first over-ear headphones, and so far we're impressed with the audio quality and noise cancellation – but we're not entirely sure that the design, and the absence of a 3.5mm audio port justifies the high price...

Great sound and active noise-cancelling (ANC) ; No plastics ; Ease of setting up and running ; Spatial Audio delivers convincing three-dimensional audio

Not foldable ; Weighty due to metal ; Carry case could be more robust ; Very expensive ; No 3.5mm jack ; Spatial Audio not for Apple TV yet

The high asking price will make the over-ear AirPods a luxury rather than a mass-market product, which is a shame as the sound quality and active noise-cancelling (ANC) is superb - but much of the competition offers such features for a cut of the cash.

Rich and detailed sound ; Superb noise-cancelling ; Spatial audio enhances TV and movies ; They just work

Very expensive ; Uncomfortable if worn for long periods ; So-so battery life ; Really bad case

Apple’s first over-ears are big, heavy, often brilliant, and far too expensive

Incredible sound quality ; Premium build ; Great ANC ; Impressive smarts

Limited Android support ; No power button ; An ill-designed Smart Case ; No Lossless support

The AirPods Max are outstanding over-ear headphones for iOS users, boasting exceptional audio quality, great ANC capabilities and one of the most true-to-life transparency modes I've experienced, but software frustrations and the lack of a power button...

— They look lovely, and sound superb

— Very expensive, very heavy, and there are a few ergonomic pitfalls

If you’re an audiophile Apple devotee who has money to burn and wants everyone else to know, then the Apple AirPods Max were made with you in mind; waste no time, and go grab yourself a pair.

Distinctive design ; Incredible build ; Fantastic sound ; Excellent noise cancellation ; Works well with other Apple devices

What is with that case? ; No 3.5mm jack ; Little accessories provided ; Pricey