What makes the Apple AirPods the best earbuds for most iPhone owners?

AirPods are very easy to use.

In short, all AirPods are great for iPhone owners. My mom, brother, and the whole family will tell you, “AirPods just work.” AirPods seamlessly switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and work within Apple’s advanced Find My network. When paired specifically to an iPhone, you also get personalized Spatial Audio and Audio Sharing, the latter of which lets you share your music with a friend.

Apple’s H1 and H2 chips power its AirPods and perform much of the heavy lifting that allows them to work without a hitch when connected to an Apple device. These proprietary chipsets make pairing instantaneous, let you speak to Siri hands-free, and maintain a reliable connection. Of course, there is a catch: these features are limited to Apple devices. When you buy the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you also get the U1 chip baked into the case. This chip allows you to precisely locate the case, which emits a “chirp” sound when you need to find it.

As an iPhone owner, when you buy AirPods, you're paying for convenience.

As an iPhone and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) owner, my favorite perk from this iconic duo is power efficiency and battery optimization. Grossly simplified, the AirPods use less power when paired to an iPhone than an Android phone. Additionally, battery optimization manages your AirPods’ battery health, slowing overall degradation, and extending their lifecycle. After a couple of weeks, my iPhone learned my listening habits and only charges my AirPods to 80%, topping them off at 100% right before I use them.

Although I’ve been using the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) since their release, I get that they’re not for everyone. Let’s explore why an iPhone user might want to sniff out other wireless earbuds.

Why you shouldn’t get AirPods

The Nothing Ear (right) are OS-agnostic and fit my ears better than Apple’s.

AirPods are generally not a great value for your money. For instance, the Nothing Ear () wield a similar feature set and cost $100 less than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). On top of that, Nothing’s buds include a powerful companion app that works on Android and Apple phones. Apple, on the other hand, locks you into the Apple ecosystem for complete control, and even then it’s lacking some basics. Nothing also supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for instantaneous pairing across a wider range of devices than Apple’s one-touch pairing.

Audio enthusiasts will mostly stay away from the AirPods Max and AirPods earbuds because you can’t customize the sound (easily). Apple doesn’t let you adjust the EQ directly in its Settings app, forcing you to tweak it within your preferred music streaming app. Changing the settings in your streaming app means the changes only apply to that single app. Meanwhile, the Nothing X app hosts a multi-band EQ that lets you create a custom EQ profile and even share it with friends via QR code.

If you generally have a hard time getting earbuds to fit well, avoid the un-tipped AirPods (3rd generation).

Another con of AirPods is that they only stream over AAC. It is the highest-quality Bluetooth codec supported on iPhones, so this may not matter to Apple device owners, but many iPhone owners also use Windows machines for work (like I do). A Windows computer supports LDAC for higher audio quality than AAC as well as imperceptible lag. Certain Android phones also support LHDC, which delivers the highest streaming quality at up to 1Mbps (24 bit/192kHz) to compatible hardware like the Nothing Ear. While AAC is very good, some people want the highest bitrate, end of story, and you won’t get that from AirPods.

My last major gripe revolves around fit. While we’ve had good luck fitting the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max to our staff’s varying head and ear shapes, the untipped AirPods series has always given us trouble. Admittedly, Apple improved the fit stability with the AirPods (3rd generation), but even now, these open earbuds tend to shake loose from my ears and require constant readjustment. This is something you won’t find with other buds because many AirPods alternatives come with ear tips like the AirPods Pro line.

Apple doesn't allow listeners to directly customize the AirPods' sound profile.

I’m using the Nothing Ear as a case study, but you’ll find similar features and audio quality from sub-$100 earbuds too. A huge chunk of the AirPods’ price tags ($179, $249, or $549) goes toward convenience. Ultimately, you’re paying for the ease of having a decision made for you; Apple is telling customers that the AirPods are the best choice and the only choice worth considering. As we well know, that’s not true.

What are some of the best AirPods and AirPods Pro alternatives?

The Headphones Connect app lets you customize how the earbuds act in various situations.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 () are the best wireless earbuds for most people. At $299, the WF-1000XM5 carry a higher retail price than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), but regular sales get the buds down to $229 – expensive but palatable. These active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds boast a better fit than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) due to their memory foam ear tips and ergonomic design. On the whole, the WF-1000XM5 block out even more noise than the AirPods Pro line, canceling out more low-frequency rumble than the AirPods Pro. On top of the active noise cancellation, Sony’s proprietary memory foam ear tips isolate you from midrange and upper frequencies (where ambient noise falls), effectively muting your environment.

Like the Nothing Ear, the WF-1000XM5 support LDAC for high-quality streaming with virtually no lag on Android and Windows devices. Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides extensive customization options that let you create personalized sound profiles and adjust controls to their preference. If you take phone calls, pick up Sony’s flagship buds. They cancel out almost all background noise while relaying your voice clearly. We can’t say the same about the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) mic quality, though it is very good.

You can toy with the smart case to control your earbuds in your phone’s place.

For an oddly practical twist, we suggest the JBL Live Beam 3 (). Unlike JBL’s competitors, the Live Beam 3 case has an integrated touch screen. Yes, I too was skeptical at first, but the smart case is really useful. Using the case’s touch screen means you hardly have to reach for your phone. Right from the case, you can control playback, cycle through ANC modes and EQ presets, locate your earbuds, and more. Similar to an Apple Watch, you can even personalize the case’s appearance with custom backgrounds.

The JBL Live Beam 3 have effective noise canceling that will quiet the sound of your office printer and morning train commute. Per our testing, the Live Beam 3’s sound quality is great for most listeners — though a bit bass-heavy for my tastes. Still, JBL makes it easy for people like me to de-emphasize the bass response through the mobile app, something that can’t be said of any AirPods. These retail for $199, but most JBL earbuds and headphones tend to go on sale for 25-40% off throughout the year. We expect the Live Beam 3 to follow suit.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers all the features most people need for only $100.

Budget listeners who love stemmed earbuds but don’t want to skimp on features should give the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC () a spin. These earbuds retail for $99, and we’ve seen them go for as little as $69. True to the Soundcore line, the Liberty 4 NC provide a great bang for your buck with ANC, high-quality Bluetooth codec support (SBC, AAC, and LDAC), and wireless charging.

Like the JBL Live Beam 3, most casual listeners will enjoy the bass-heavy frequency response from these buds. If extra bass isn’t your thing, the Anker app supports 22 EQ presets and an 8-band custom EQ for the audio cooks among us. Microphone quality isn’t anything to jump for joy here, but it’s good for cheap earbuds.

Should iPhone users buy AirPods in 2024?

There are plenty of great earbuds beyond Apple.

AirPods have set the standard for wireless earbuds by balancing convenience, sound quality, and features. But it isn’t 2017 anymore, and the wireless earbuds market has expanded rapidly over the past seven years. With competitors rapidly innovating and expanding their offerings, Apple’s crown may be slipping. While next-generation AirPods rumors have been circulating for months, the reality is that the current lineup hasn’t been updated in at least two years. Apple’s rivals have refined their products during the release gap. Now, you can find compelling alternatives with better sound quality, customizations, and often, for less than the competing AirPods model.

Ultimately, the best earbuds depend on your priorities and use case. If seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem is non-negotiable, AirPods may still make the most sense. However, if you want a more blended, balanced package that’s a better value, explore the increasing number of alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll probably want to stick with a nice set of AirPods. Lucky for you, we’re celebrating Amazon Prime Day and Apple’s own headphones and earbuds couldn’t be left behind. All the best Apple AirPods are discounted today, and by quite a bit!

You can grab the Apple AirPods 3rd-gen for just $120, a 29% discount on the full $169 price point. If you want to upgrade to a nicer set of wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2nd-gen are going for $169, which is 32% off the $249 MSRP. Lastly, you can even get the mighty AirPods Max at a 28% discount, bringing the price down from $549 to just $395.

Get the 3rd-gen Apple AirPods for $120

Get the 2nd-gen Apple AirPods Pro for $169

Get the Apple AirPods Max for $395

Apple AirPods 3rd-gen

The base AirPods are for those who want all the functionality without the higher price tag. As such, you get less sound isolation and more basic sound quality. That said, these are still great earbuds, especially if you can find them at just $120, thanks to Amazon Prime Day. The 3rd-generation AirPods come with an H1 chip, an IPX4 rating, adaptive EQ, spatial audio support, and a great MagSafe case with wireless charging.

Like all other AirPods, you will enjoy features like auto-pausing when taking off the earbuds, or switching between Apple devices seamlessly. And battery life is pretty nice at over six hours, based on our internal testing. Learn more about these in our full Apple AirPods 3rd-gen review.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-gen

If you can afford a bit more on the Apple AirPods Pro, you’ll be rewarded with better sound isolation, thanks to the more sealed tip fit. You’ll also get active noise canceling, which has been improved thanks to the H2 chip. We also loved the adaptive transparency modes, as we mentioned in our AirPods Pro 2nd-gen review.

Of course, you also get a wireless charging case. Battery life is also pretty good, albeit a little worse than the base AirPods. We managed to get five hours and 43 minutes out of a single charge, based on our testing.

Apple AirPods Max

These are obviously the biggest, meanest, most capable AirPods. The Apple AirPods Max come with a gorgeous design and solid build quality. The active noise canceling is impressive, and competes only with the best ANC headphones out there. This headset is very comfortable, too. Not to mention, the sound quality is great, with no distortion to be heard.

While Apple claims these should last 20 hours on a single charge, the headphones surpassed these expectations in our internal tests. We got them to last closer to 21 hours! Our only main complaint with these is the price, but at $400, the price is a bit less painful. They are definitely worth it if you can afford it and use Apple products, though.

If you’re looking for more deals, you can always take a look at our Sound Guys deals hub. We update it daily, and you’re bound to find some great audio deals in there.

Protecting your Apple AirPods Max

The best way to keep your Apple AirPods Max clean is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. To protect the ear cups, grab some protective ear cup covers, . You can also get a case for your AirPods Max that will do more to protect the headphones than the default case provided by Apple, .

Cleaning the Apple AirPods Max ear cups

Cleaning the Apple AirPods Max ear cushions isn’t as difficult as you might think. This is what we found works best:

1. First, mix a teaspoon of liquid detergent with a cup of water.
2. Remove the ear cushions from the headphones by pulling them off.
3. Dip a soft cloth into the solution.
4. Scrub the ear cushions for about a minute.

You can also scrub the headband with the same solution. Check out the video below to see how we got our AirPods Max looking squeaky clean.

Replacing the Apple AirPods Max ear cushions

As a last resort, you can buy some replacement AirPods Max ear cushions directly from Apple. That said, a single set of ear cushions from Apple runs you the same price as some good wireless headphones, so you might be better off looking for a third party replacement.

While the AirPods Max excels in noise cancelation and transparency mode, the Sonos Ace offers more flexibility in terms of wired and wireless connections, as well as codec support. Both headphones deliver good sound quality but with distinct tuning preferences, making the choice between them largely dependent on the user’s ecosystem, preferred audio experience, and specific requirements.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on June 28, 2024, with a video about the differences in sound quality between the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max. 

What’s it like to use the Sonos Ace compared to the Apple AirPods Max?

The AirPods Max have a sleek all-metal design that looks and feels premium but is also quite heavy at 385g. The Sonos Ace opt for a lighter plastic and steel construction that still feels durable yet is more comfortable for extended wear. Both have well-padded ear cups, though the Sonos isn’t as deep, which could be an issue for those with larger ears.

In terms of controls, Apple keeps things minimal with the digital crown for volume/playback and a single button for ANC/transparency. Sonos has a more comprehensive button/slider layout with separate controls for volume, playback, ANC, and even a slider to swap audio to Sonos soundbars.

Which ecosystem do you want to invest in?

The AirPods Max auto-pause audio when removed from your head and resumes when you put them back on—a convenient touch missing from Sonos. However, the lack of a power button means the AirPods Max is always on when not in its case, needlessly draining the battery.

Connectivity differs vastly, too. The AirPods Max lacks a 3.5mm jack and requires pricey adapters for wired use. The Sonos Ace includes USB-C and 3.5mm cables in the box, but the AirPods Max integrates seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem over wireless.

So, in essence, the AirPods Max offers a more streamlined but Apple-centric experience. At the same time, the Sonos Ace opts for greater flexibility at the cost of slightly busier controls and design.

Should you use the apps of either Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

Both the Sonos and Apple apps offer additional features and customization options for their respective headphones.

The Sonos app provides access to an equalizer, head-tracking settings, and Bluetooth multipoint configuration. It also allows you to enable TV Audio Swap with compatible Sonos soundbars, enhancing the home theater experience. The Sonos app is available on iOS and Android.

The Apple app doesn’t offer an equalizer for the AirPods Max, but it does enable features like Spatial Audio and seamless device switching within the Apple ecosystem. While you can connect the AirPods Max to Android phones, Android users will miss out on all the additional features, such as proximity sensors or virtual assistants.

If you’re deeply invested in either ecosystem or want to take advantage of the unique features each app offers, using the respective app is recommended. However, if you’re primarily concerned with basic playback controls, the apps may not be essential.

How do the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max connect?

Both headphones offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, but the Sonos Ace has an advantage in terms of wired options and codec support.

The Sonos Ace support Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound. It also includes USB-C to C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables in the box, allowing for wired use with various devices.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, use Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codecs. It lacks a headphone jack, requiring a separate Lightning-to-3.5mm cable (sold separately) for wired use. It also doesn’t support high-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC.

While the AirPods Max offer seamless connectivity within Apple’s ecosystem, the Sonos Ace provide more flexibility for wired and wireless connections across different devices and platforms.

Is battery life better on the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

The Sonos Ace offer slightly better battery life than the Apple AirPods Max. In our standardized testing, the Sonos Ace lasted for 32 hours and 13 minutes with ANC enabled, while the AirPods Max lasted around 21 hours with ANC on.

Both headphones offer decent battery life, but the Sonos Ace have an edge, providing enough listening time for a couple of days’ worth of commutes or even a transatlantic flight.

It’s worth noting that the AirPods Max lack a physical power button and remains on for a few hours after being removed from the case, potentially draining the battery faster if not used regularly.

Do the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max block noise better?

Both the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max offer excellent noise canceling performance, but the AirPods Max have a slight edge in overall noise reduction.

According to isolation testing, the Sonos Ace can reduce the loudness of external noises like buses, trains, and airplane engines by about 74% with ANC enabled. This is impressive, but the AirPods Max outperform it, achieving noise reduction of up to 83%.

The AirPods Max consistently cancel low and midrange frequencies more effectively than the Sonos Ace, making for a quieter commute or plane ride. However, both headphones provide good isolation and noise canceling capabilities, making them suitable for noisy environments.

Do the Sonos Ace sound better than the Apple AirPods Max?

Both the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max offer good sound quality, but they have different sound signatures that cater to different preferences.

The AirPods Max have a more neutral and balanced sound profile, with a slightly reduced emphasis in the upper midrange and a minimal boost in the sub-bass region. This results in clear vocals and a modest but controlled low-end response.

In comparison, the Sonos Ace have a more pronounced bass emphasis, especially in the sub-bass and mid-bass regions. This can add warmth and depth to the sound but may also cause fatigue during prolonged listening sessions, particularly with bass-heavy music.

Do the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max have a better microphone?

For microphone quality, the Ace and AirPods Max appear to be on par at the most basic level. Neither was an initial standout as a headphone mic, though their general capabilities should be enough to retain vocal quality under varied use cases.

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Office conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: Price and availability

The Apple AirPods Max was originally released in 2020 and still goes for today. We do expect Apple to release a second-generation version sometime soon, which could mean the original see a price drop. The Sonos Ace launched in 2024 and goes for and is the first and only headphones from Sonos.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

Deciding between the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max depends on how invested you are in their respective ecosystems and what features matter most to you.

The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max look very similar in white.

If you’re deeply entrenched in Apple’s world of devices and services, the AirPods Max is the more logical choice. Its seamless integration with iOS, Spatial Audio support, auto-pause sensors, and superior noise cancelation make it the ultimate wireless headphones for Apple users. However, the lack of a 3.5mm jack and the need for adapters is frustrating.

On the other hand, the Sonos Ace are an excellent option for those who want an immersive, home theater-like experience on the go with Dolby Atmos and head-tracking. Its versatile wired and wireless connectivity also makes it more platform-agnostic. But it can’t quite match the AirPods Max’s noise cancelation prowess. For users deeply invested in the Sonos speaker ecosystem already, the Ace provides cool features like swapping audio to your Sonos soundbar.

Ultimately, if you prioritize a tightly integrated, clean experience centered around Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Max is superb, albeit expensive. But if audio versatility, unique sound tuning, and home theatre capabilities are paramount, the Sonos Ace stands out as the more flexible, if still pricey, option among the best headphones.

Frequently asked questions

Apple has been vying for our ears for years, and the AirPods Max made quite the splash in 2020. Over three years later, these expensive headphones still have some of the best noise canceling around. There is no official word on the Apple AirPods Max 2, but the company has been awarded a few patents over the last three years that suggest the next AirPods over-ear headphones will have a few new tricks.

Here’s everything we know about the AirPods Max (2nd generation).

Will there be an Apple AirPods Max 2 series?

The AirPods Max (2nd generation) are a certainty. Unfortunately, they made no mention at the company’s WWDC 2024 event on June 10, 2024. While we expect several important updates to the AirPods family when the new iOS 18 software launches later this year, we are left clinging to the details of industry insiders. For example, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in January 2023 that there will be a new AirPods Max. In October 2023, respected Apple analyst Mark Gurman remarked on Bloomberg that the AirPods Max 2 will come to fruition soon. These headphones are to coincide with an overhaul of the whole AirPods lineup. In particular, it appears the company plans to phase out the AirPods (2nd Generation) and AirPods (3rd Generation) in favor of two different AirPods (4th Generation) earbuds. We may have to wait until Apple’s September event for more information about the Apple AirPods Max 2.

What is the most likely Apple AirPods Max 2 release date?

Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the AirPods Max may not reach our ears until mid-2024 or early 2025. Mark Gurman takes this further, sharing that Apple’s flagship headphones will come to market at the tail-end of 2024. Given Apple usually debuts its new headphones alongside its latest smartphones, we could see the AirPods Max launch with the iPhone 16 in September this year. Regardless, it looks likely that we will see the AirPods Max 2 come to shelves in late 2024.

Kuo shared that the AirPods assembly may change hands from GoerTek to Hong Teng. This change of manufacturing partner could be responsible for the delayed release of the AirPods Max 2. For reference, Apple announced the original AirPods Max on December 8, 2020. The AirPods Max were available for purchase a week later, on December 15, 2020.

What features and specs could the Apple AirPods Max (2nd generation) have?

The AirPods Max 2 may ditch the Digital Crown for some one-of-a-kind touch controls.

The AirPods Max 2 will have many of the same features as the AirPods Max, including noise canceling and a similar build. Here’s what we surmise will change with the next-gen AirPods Max.

Design

Apple’s debut over-ear headphones use premium materials that stand out from other flagships’ plastic housings. We can expect distinctive materials and a set of new colorways to choose from when the AirPods Max 2 comes to fruition.

The AirPods Max 2 may come with a fully enclosed Smart Case.

Apple is shifting its products from Lightning to USB-C for charging. According to Gurman, Apple is planning for the AirPods Max 2 to host a USB-C charging port. This switch would make the AirPods Max 2 a little friendlier to Android phone owners.

According to Apple’s patent US-11381892-B1, we could see an upgraded Smart Case. Frankly, anything would be an improvement, and the patent shows a traditional style, all-encompassing case with a flexible magnetic clasp to keep it shut. It will likely have the same functionality as the original Smart Case — forcing the AirPods Max 2 into low-power mode.

The AirPods Max 2 may ditch the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max in favor of some unique touch controls. Patent US-10721550-B2 from Apple covers a gesture-based touch system that’s supposed to work in conjunction with the headphones’ orientation. If the AirPods Max 2 rest against the user’s neck, they may interpret a swipe gesture differently than if worn upright. Controls like this would take some getting used to.

Software features

Like the AirPods Pro, these are compatible with Apple’s Spatial Audio.

Like the AirPods Max before them, the AirPods Max 2 will likely have many Apple-exclusive features. For example, listeners should enjoy one-step pairing and auto-switching between Apple devices. Users should also receive advanced location services through Apple’s Find My app. This is likely given the company’s next high-end AirPods charging case looks set to include speakers for Find My alerts.

The AirPods Max house an H1 chip in each ear cup, and the AirPods Max 2 will likely replace the H1 chips with H2 chips for improved noise canceling and greater processing power. However, Mark Gurman made no mention of this in his recent leak. Instead, only the company’s flagship AirPods Pro look set to host an updated chip. Nevertheless, we expect the AirPods Max 2 to host Adaptive EQ, personalized Apple Spatial Audio, and head tracking.

H2 chips should allow the AirPods Max 2 to support the latest features Apple announced at WWDC for the AirPods Pro 2. These include nod-and-shake interactions, voice isolation, and personalized spatial audio for games. Interactions mean you can answer and decline calls hands-free by nodding or shaking your head. Voice isolation uses the more powerful processing power of Apple’s H2 chip to block out more unwanted background noise while taking calls. Finally, personalized spatial audio in games will mean you can enjoy all your favorite mobile games in a 360-degree surround sound audio sphere.

The AirPods Max 2 will likely use even more machine learning to automatically tune the listening experience to your habits and surroundings.

We could also see Adaptive Audio, Conversational Awareness, and Personalized Volume. Adaptive Audio processes your environmental sounds and enables a hybrid mix of ANC and Transparency pass-through. This mode will tailor the listening experience as you move from one environment to another. With Conversational Awareness, the AirPods Max 2 may sense when you speak. The headphones should then immediately decrease the volume of your audio content, reduce background noise, and enhance the voices of people directly in front of you. We’re eager to see Conversation Awareness on the AirPods Max 2, but it’s nothing new. Personalized Volume would learn the volume levels you prefer in certain environmental conditions and automatically apply those levels when you enter those spaces. This would reduce the number of times you interact with the headphones or your phone to change the volume.

Noise canceling and audio quality.

As we’ve come to expect with iterative upgrades, the AirPods Max 2 should boast better noise canceling than the AirPods Max. Unfortunately, we don’t yet know to what degree. In 2022, the US Patent and Trademark Office approved another of Apple’s patents (US-11250833-B1) to reduce feedback (“audio howl”.) This would improve the user experience by eliminating any perceptible feedback when using ANC or transparency mode with the AirPods Max 2.

The frequency response probably won’t change significantly with the AirPods Max 2. However, we may see improved data rates with the ability to receive 24-bit or lossless Bluetooth audio. During an interview with What Hi-Fi, Apple’s VP of Acoustics, Gary Geaves, shared that the company has been working around Bluetooth’s limitations but wants more bandwidth. Like Samsung, Apple may have its own 24-bit Bluetooth audio solution.

How much might the Apple AirPods Max 2 cost?

The mesh of the ear pads reminds us of a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

The AirPods Max originally retailed for $549; we expect the same for the AirPods Max 2. Apple has kept the price the same for its first and second-generation AirPods Pro. It would make sense for the first and second-gen AirPods Max to share the same price too. Admittedly, $549 is expensive for headphones, and the lowest promotional price for the AirPods Max seen is $429. The AirPods Max 2 should follow a similar promo-price pattern as the AirPods Max.

Apple AirPods Max 2: What we want to see

The AirPods Max are premium headphones, but some basic improvements would take them to the next level — starting with a headphone jack (the analog type.)

A headphone jack and a USB-C port

The Apple AirPods Max require a Lightning cable and dongle for wired playback.

Apple was one of the first key players to remove the headphone jack from its phones. Subsequently, it released the AirPods Max with no headphone jack. You must purchase a Lightning-to-3.5mm (male) cable for $35. On top of that, you’ll need a (female) 3.5mm-to-Lightning dongle to plug into your iPhone. This chain converts the digital audio output signal from your iPhone to an analog one, back to a digital one, and then back to analog inside the headphones. These conversions add latency and can introduce distortion, noise, and loss of detail. You cannot use the AirPods Max for wired digital audio with a USB-C device like Apple’s iPad Pro series.

A headphone jack would make wired listening so much easier.

At the very least, we would like the anticipated USB-C port to allow USB digital audio passthrough. Upcoming iPhones will likely have USB-C charging ports, and the headphones should be compatible with other devices. This would mean you should only need a USB-C to USB-C cable to enjoy wired, lossless digital audio with the AirPods Max 2.

Longer battery life

The Smart Case puts the AirPods Max into low-power mode, but the headphones have no power button.

Officially, the AirPods Max have a 20-hour battery life with ANC enabled. Our standardized battery test subjected the headphones to constant music playback peaking at 75dB(SPL.) Under these conditions, the AirPods Max exceeded this by almost an hour. This is impressive, but less so by today’s standards. For reference, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless lasted more than 31 hours and 56 hours, respectively, in our testing.

Improved microphone quality

The AirPods Max have good microphone quality when speaking in ideal conditions. However, the noise suppression isn’t as good as modern flagships like the Sony WH-1000XM5. Improving microphone performance on the AirPods Max 2 could attract more remote workers and those stuck in regular Zoom calls.

You can compare how the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max mics sound below.

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Adaptive Transparency mode

The AirPods Pro 2 have Adaptive Transparency, which is more advanced than the AirPods Max’s Transparency mode.

The AirPods Max have Transparency mode, allowing environmental sounds to pass into the headphones. When you enable Transparency mode on the AirPods Max, you can simultaneously hear your music and the environment. This lets you tune into traffic and train platform announcements without removing the headphones.

Transparency mode is a great safety feature, but the AirPods Max will be that much better with Apple’s Adaptive Transparency mode. This mode is more advanced and can reduce the loudness of sounds greater than 85dB (e.g., a construction drill.) Adaptive Transparency mode on the AirPods Pro 2 promotes more comfortable pass-through listening than the more pedestrian Transparency mode.

Improved durability

The AirPods Max are sturdy, beautifully constructed headphones. However, they lack an IP rating. While few over-ear headphones have water-resistant ratings, adding something as minor as an IPX2 rating would further differentiate the AirPods Max 2 from other flagship cans. Additionally, unexpected rainstorms and drizzles happen. Knowing that the AirPods Max 2 will be okay after light rain exposure before you can sheath them in the case would be a huge relief. After all, we don’t want a few raindrops to take out your $549 investment!

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: this list of the best AirPods Max cases was updated on July 20, 2023, to add the Anker USB-C 65W Charger to the Notable mentions and to update formatting.

Why is the co2CREA Hard Carrying Case the best AirPods Max case for most people?

Apple’s included Smart Case is no match for the books, keys, and assortment of miscellaneous items in your bag, which is where the co2CREA Hard Carrying Case comes in. This zippered case is simple, durable, and it has ample room to store the headphones while sheathed in the proprietary Smart Case. You can even fit a power brick in the center of the case, below the headband.

   

co2CREA Hard Carrying Case

co2CREA’s case is shock, dust, and water resistant, so you can take it anywhere without needing to babysit your headset. Its anti-static lining is nice and does a fine job of repelling lint and hair. The case may not be made from the finest materials, but it gets the job done, and looks good in one of five colors to match. Finally, the external handle makes it easy to fish out of your bag.

Go ballistic with the Urban Armor Gear protective case for AirPods Max

This molded protective case from Urban Armor Gear comes in black or olive ballistic nylon outer shell. Inside you’ll find a couple of pockets for cables and chargers. A handy magnetic strap ensures that your AirPods Max won’t rattle around within the case, even if you drop it.

  

Urban Armor Gear Ration Weatherproof Case

Urban Armor Gear claims the Ration Protective case is weatherproof, although, even with internally lined zippers you probably don’t want to test that too rigorously with your pricey AirPods Max. You can send the headphones into sleep mode with, or without the Apple covers, which the case can accommodate too. If you like (or don’t mind) the overbuilt look, it’s one of the best for its secure protection of your AirPods Max.

The Yinke Smart Case does more than just protect

The Yinke Smart Case retails for under $40 USD. The internal mold is precisely cut to accommodate Apple’s headphones, and Yinke leaves plenty of room below the headband for you to store a power brick and cable. As an intelligently conceived case it balances the need to store your headphones with protection at a good price.

 

Yinke Smart Case

Velvet lines the interior of this water- and shock-resistant case, and the double-zipper enclosure gives you a bit of flexibility when you close or open the case. Yinke’s case puts the headset into sleep mode to conserve battery power, but as is a pattern among AirPods Max cases, the success rate isn’t great. However, you can finagle the AirPods Max and Apple Smart Case into Yinke’s case to ensure the headset enters sleep mode.

Keep things organized with the Spigen Klasden Designed for AirPods Max Carrying Case

This case is on the larger end of the size spectrum, but it’s decked out with protective materials to keep your expensive headphones safe. As a custom-molded design for the AirPods Max, it can fit the Smart Case too. Be aware: when you store the AirPods Max without the Smart Case, they may wiggle around a bit here.

  

Spigen Klasden AirPods Max Carrying Case

What makes the Spigen Klasden unique is that the reinforced external carry loop can quickly hook around a carabiner or any kind of attachment system. Inside, there’s a “hidden” panel that you can use to store cables or anything small enough, really. It’s not as rugged as some of the others on the list, but it’s cheaper too. The case is fairly slim and is easy to slide into a backpack or suitcase, but it’s a bit wide if you don’t plan to add other accessories.

Use the Spigen Ultra Hybrid PRO to prevent headphone scratches

One of the draws to the AirPods Max is its minimalist, clean design but the headset is subject to scratches and scuffs like anything else. Spigen protects your investment while you use it with its Ultra Hybrid PRO ear cup covers, which aren’t a full-blown case.

  

Spigen Ultra Hybrid PRO

These protectors are transparent and designed to resist abrasion and discoloration, so your headphones will look good for longer. When you go to sheathe the AirPods Max in the proprietary Smart Case, or in any one of these listed cases, you can keep Spigen’s headphone protectors installed. You still get full access to the Digital Crown and Noise Control button with these shields and they’re easy to snap off when you need to clean them.

The best AirPods Max cases and covers: Notable mentions

The headphones come with its smart case and a charging cable, and nothing else.

While a new case is definitely in the cards for a lot of AirPods Max owners, you might also benefit from a few accessories.

• Fintie Silicone Case Covers for Apple AirPods Max: This handy set includes silicone covers for your earcups and for your headband to match. It’s a cheap ( ) and useful investment to prevent scratches, bumps, and dust.
• Geekria Shield Headphones Case: Designed to fit your AirPods Max, this no nonsense, slim case lacks a handle, but has some internal storage. This one is meant to slip inside another container, like your backpack or suitcase for .
• ProCase Hard Case for AirPods Max: One of the cheaper options out there (), it’s water resistant, although it does not have as much protective reinforcement along the headband as say, the Urban Armor Gear case. You get a set of included covers for the ear cups, which is good for the money.
• SaharaCase Travel Carry Case for Apple AirPods Max: This robust case has a good amount of protection around the entire headset. A sturdy and grippy handle ensures you won’t drop it either. As a trade off, it’s quite large, but the subtle nondescript design is nice for .

What about other Apple AirPods Max accessories?

Apple products look great, but leaves the onus on the consumer to keep them looking that way.

As minimal as the Apple designs are, to truly get the most out of your AirPods Max check out some (arguably) necessary accessories. Alongside a case and covers, these will help prolong the life and expand the usefulness of your AirPods Max.

• Apple Lighting to 3.5mm Audio Cable: This is the official way to convert your wireless AirPods Max into wired. The cable is not super robust, but at least it’s compatible with the AirPods Max, which is not true for a lot of third party Lightning to 3.5mm cables. Pick it up for .
• Anker USB-C Charger 65W: For you get lots of connectivity and quick charging, including for your AirPods Max and MacBook Pro.
• SUPERONE Versatile Headphone Stand & Hanger: One of the few headphone stands we can recommend for the AirPods Max, because it rests the headset on its side. You don’t want to hang the AirPods Max for long periods by the headband, because it’ll stretch out the mesh. Take a look for .
• Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter/Receiver: You bought AirPods Max because you don’t want to plug in your headphones to listen to audio. Unfortunately, the rest of the world hasn’t caught up, but you can plug this Bluetooth transmitter and receiver into your media player’s 3.5mm output and still go wireless, plus it’s useful on planes for .

What you should know about AirPods Max cases and covers

The carrying case looks more like a luxury handbag than something you’d carry audio equipment in.

Not all headphone cases are created equal, and AirPods Max cases need to, well, fit your AirPods Max. Some people may want to use the Smart Case within the third-party case, and not every option can accommodate this. You also want to think about how you intend to carry the headset. Do you plan to clip it onto the outside of a bag? If so, then you’ll want a case with a carry handle that you can attach a carabiner to. If you plan to stow it inside a backpack at all times, the carry handle becomes less important.

Be sure to consider your personal style and how much risk you’re willing to take with your AirPods Max. Those who want a minimal degree of protection for their AirPods Max at all times may opt to purchase AirPods Max headphone covers, rather than a case. The headphone shields keep your headset slim and protected. You sacrifice overall protection though, since this won’t prevent damage to the headband or ear pads. Of course, you could go the most extreme route and deck your AirPods Max out with some protective covers and buy a carrying case.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

We make sure to test products in the lab and beyond to give you a good understanding of how it works.

SoundGuys makes sure to test every audio product that comes out way, subjecting each set of headphones to a battery of objective tests for battery life, isolation, microphone quality, and frequency response. We lay the facts bare here at SoundGuys in order to make your buying decision easier, and if we make a mistake, we own up to it.

We don’t just rely on data to inform our recommendations, though; our tests take audio products into the real world to see how they perform on a day-to-day basis. This means we exercise with workout earbuds and commute with noise canceling headphones to give readers a holistic illustration of how a given product performs.

Frequently asked questions about AirPods Max covers and cases

The answer, as usual, lies in what happens when your plans fail.

Are AirPods waterproof?

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) have only an IPX4 rating, meaning these earbuds are not waterproof.

AirPods of any kind are not waterproof. So if you plan to put them in the water’s way, be ready for the likelihood that you’ll somehow damage them. Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro of the latest generation have what’s called an ingress protection rating of IPX4. That may look like a jumble of letters and numbers, but it’s not. The “4” at the end there tells us that the products can take the occasional splash, but not from a constant jet of water — you know, just like what a showerhead produces.

As you can see from the table above, the ingress protection rating for water is only a step below where we’d reconsider telling you that AirPods in the shower wasn’t a foolish idea. However, that’s not the reality of the situation. This rating only applies to the product when its new and water-resistant gaskets and sealing degrade over time. An older product can get damaged by water when its rating says it shouldn’t.

Can you shower with AirPods?

While it’s within the product’s parameters to be able to be used while you’re physically in the shower stall, Apple AirPods and Apple AirPods Pro aren’t designed to withstand water. Not only do these earphones have very little protection against the elements, but these products do not bear an ingress protection rating sufficient enough (IPX4) to withstand constant streams of water. Apple’s support page is extremely clear about this.

You may not be able to shower with AirPods, but you can shower with something made for working out in the rain.

If you were to shower with the AirPods, it would have to be done so that you could guarantee no water came into contact with them. This is a much more difficult thing than it sounds because water also can condense onto cooler pieces of material after getting heated and absorbed into the air — ever notice your plumbing showing excessive condensation? The same thing can happen to AirPods in the right environment, so it’s not always guaranteed they will be safe even if they don’t get wet from a splash of water.

Despite multiple Reddit threads saying otherwise, subjecting products like the AirPods Pro to casual abuse will void your warranty nine times out of ten. So if you take these sensitive not-waterproof things into the shower with you, you are risking their breakage and an inability to recover any part of what you paid for them. Even if you’ve tried using your AirPods in the shower before without incident, your luck will eventually run out.

There are plenty of openings for water to get into your AirPods.

Just don’t risk it. The cost of new AirPods at full price isn’t worth using in the shower for an indeterminate amount of time.

Are there things you can do to use AirPods in the shower?

You can do several things to prevent water from getting into your AirPods. But as we can’t predict how they’ll affect the relative humidity within the earphones themselves, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that the only time you should ever wear your AirPods in the shower is if most of your body isn’t in there — or you can guarantee that your earphones will not come into contact with water.

A shower cap

The obvious solution is a shower cap: as it prevents direct contact with water to your head, and if it can be pulled over your ears, you could potentially prevent direct contact with water. However, it could be better, and thin plastic has a fun habit of tearing easily. Additionally, shower caps often work like a sauna suit. If the shower is hot enough to get you to sweat, the humidity within the cap could find its way into your AirPods and wreak some havoc.

Aiming the shower lower

Another solution is to aim the shower lower. Theoretically, this should work, but not all showerheads create a perfect laminar water flow. Very few do unless you’re using a garden hose. Splashes and errant droplets flung every which way fall under the IPX4 use case, but not as a constant thing — eventually your luck will run out if there’s enough water.

Taking a bath instead

The last major solution proffered by online AirPods bathers is to take a bath instead of a shower. On its face, the act seems reasonable, but if you’re trying to get out of the door in the morning, this is inefficient. There are also several pitfalls here, even worse than taking a shower. For example, if a single earbud pops out, instead of hitting a bathmat that isn’t submerged under a couple of feet of water, it is getting submerged in water until you can find it.

What you should do instead

The IP67 rating protects the speaker from dust, dirt, and water.

Sure, it’s not actually using AirPods in the shower, but the best way to listen to music in the shower is to use something made for that purpose, like a shower speaker. Plenty of shower-proof speakers on the market will make your washroom sound like a concert hall, so grab one before you toss your AirPods — figuratively or literally — down the drain. AirPods aren’t meant to be blasted with water, so don’t do that. Plan for your environment.

Suppose you’re already willing to break your AirPods to listen to music. In that case, chances are good that you may have a few extra bucks lying about — which is good because buying a cheaper speaker is less expensive than having to replace your AirPods and deal with the shower situation. Be sure to look at waterproof speakers, as they can be used anywhere in any condition.