AirPods Max (USB-C) Review: Still Worth It in 2025?

#ad Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) Review – Premium Sound Meets Premium Price

Apple’s foray into the high-end over-ear headphone market was always going to turn heads, and the AirPods Max continue to be a statement product. With the latest update featuring USB-C charging and enhanced compatibility with iOS 17 features like Personalised Spatial Audio, the AirPods Max remain a strong contender in the premium headphone space. But in a world full of excellent audio gear at every price point, are these luxurious cans still worth it? After several weeks of daily use, I’ve gathered my thoughts on Apple’s most ambitious headphones yet.

First Impressions and Design

There’s no mistaking the AirPods Max for any other pair of headphones. Apple’s industrial design is as bold as it is refined. The Midnight finish, in particular, is elegant with a subtle deep-blue tone that catches the light nicely without being flashy. It’s a mature, understated look that feels both premium and contemporary.

Build quality is exceptional. The ear cups are made from anodised aluminium, giving them a solid, almost weighty feel in the hand. The stainless steel headband frame is wrapped in a soft-touch material and covered with a breathable mesh canopy on top, which helps distribute weight across your head. At 385 grams, they’re definitely on the heavier side, but the weight is surprisingly well-balanced once they’re on your head.

Adjusting the fit feels smooth and intentional, and the telescoping arms have enough resistance to stay in place without any wobble. The memory foam ear cushions are plush and deep, creating a natural seal around your ears. They’re also magnetically attached, making them easy to swap out if needed.

One minor gripe: the Smart Case, which comes included, still feels like an afterthought. It doesn’t offer much protection, and its handbag-like design continues to divide opinion. For headphones at this price point, a hard-shell travel case wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Features and Connectivity

The new USB-C port is the headline change, aligning with Apple’s broader move away from Lightning. While there’s still no support for lossless audio over USB-C, charging is noticeably faster, and it’s convenient for those already deep into the USB-C ecosystem.

Pairing with Apple devices is seamless, as you’d expect. Open the case near your iPhone, tap connect, and you're set. Switching between Apple devices—whether it’s an iPad, MacBook, or Apple TV—is handled automatically via iCloud and works with impressive reliability.

They also support Bluetooth 5.3 for use with non-Apple gear, though you do miss out on some of the smarter features. There’s no 3.5mm jack, so if you want to use them wired, you’ll need to buy a separate USB-C to audio cable. Typical Apple.

Onboard controls are handled through a digital crown and a single button on the right ear cup. The crown adjusts volume, skips tracks, and activates Siri, while the button toggles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. Both are intuitive and satisfyingly tactile—a refreshing change from the sometimes fiddly touch controls found on rival headphones.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Apple’s ANC is nothing short of outstanding. The AirPods Max do an incredible job of suppressing external noise, whether it’s the hum of public transport, office chatter, or a noisy street. The noise cancelling adapts in real-time, and it works subtly but effectively to immerse you in your music without any pressure on the ears.

Transparency Mode is equally impressive. It sounds remarkably natural, almost as if you’re not wearing headphones at all. This is particularly handy for quick conversations or staying aware of your surroundings without needing to take the headphones off. Apple’s implementation remains one of the best in the industry.

What’s more, the transition between modes is nearly instantaneous, and the lack of audio artefacts when switching is a testament to Apple’s polish.

Audio Quality

Now onto the most important bit: sound quality. The AirPods Max deliver a beautifully balanced and refined sound that feels expansive and rich without being overwhelming. Apple isn’t chasing exaggerated bass or overly sharp highs—instead, there’s a real sense of clarity and separation across the frequency range.

Vocals are crisp and natural, mids are well-defined, and there’s enough low-end punch to satisfy most tastes without becoming muddy. Whether you're listening to acoustic tracks, hip-hop, classical, or podcasts, the AirPods Max maintain an impressive consistency.

Spatial Audio, powered by Apple’s H1 chips and supported in Apple Music, TV+ and other compatible apps, adds another layer of immersion. With head-tracking enabled, it’s genuinely like sitting in a cinema or at the centre of a surround-sound system. Personalised Spatial Audio, which uses the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to map your ears, tailors the experience even further, and the difference is noticeable—particularly with Dolby Atmos content.

It’s worth noting, however, that the AirPods Max don’t support lossless audio natively, even with a wired connection. Audiophiles may see this as a shortcoming, but for the majority of listeners, the overall experience is still top-tier.

Battery Life

Battery performance is solid. You’ll get around 20 hours of listening with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled, which aligns with Apple’s claims. That’s not class-leading, but it’s more than enough for a full day of use or a long-haul flight.

Charging via USB-C is quick and painless. A 5-minute top-up gives around 1.5 hours of playback, which is great if you're in a pinch. That said, the lack of a power button still feels like an odd omission. Instead, the headphones rely on placing them in the Smart Case to trigger ultra-low power mode, which isn’t always reliable. Fortunately, they enter a low-power state automatically after a period of inactivity.

Comfort and Long-Term Use

Despite the hefty build, the AirPods Max are surprisingly comfortable over long sessions. The breathable mesh and plush ear cups do a good job of minimising fatigue, though some users may feel the weight over extended periods. Still, for commutes, office work, or home listening, they’re a joy to wear.

One nice detail: the ear cushions don’t get overly warm, even after a few hours of wear—something that can’t be said for many other over-ear headphones.

The Apple Ecosystem Advantage

If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Max offer the best experience of any headphones on the market. Features like automatic switching, audio sharing, Find My support, and seamless Siri integration all work flawlessly and make the headphones feel like an extension of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

However, if you’re using Android or Windows devices, you won’t get access to Spatial Audio or many of the smarter features, which makes the high asking price harder to justify.

Price and Value

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. The AirPods Max are not cheap. Even with occasional discounts, they sit firmly at the luxury end of the headphone market. For some, that price tag will be justified by the design, sound quality, and integration with Apple products. For others, it’s simply too steep—especially when excellent alternatives from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser can be had for significantly less.

That said, if you value beautiful design, class-leading ANC, and a seamless Apple experience, the AirPods Max do deliver.

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Verdict

The #ad AirPods Max remain a bold statement from Apple. They’re not just about sound—they’re about experience, integration, and style. With stunning build quality, brilliant noise cancellation, rich and balanced audio, and a touch of Apple magic, they’re among the best wireless headphones available today.

The addition of USB-C charging and support for Personalised Spatial Audio keeps them current, even if they haven’t had a full generational refresh. They’re not for everyone, and the price remains a hurdle, but for those who want a premium all-round package—particularly within the Apple ecosystem—the AirPods Max are an easy recommendation.

Score: 4.5/5

 

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