AirPod Max buy or not?

[KUKitch]

I’ve had all the versions of AirPods except for gen 3 (as I have the APP and APM), and the APM are my favorite by far. I’ve been on Bluetooth headphones since the first version of Jaybirds, kickstarted the Bragi Dash headphones, and the AirPods were a revelation. To be honest, every pair of AirPods has been my favorite - until I got the next! The Pros are great, but the transparency and ANC are not close to the Maxes.

They both make a massive difference on long flights or public transport though - used to have to have my AirPods at max volume on a plane to be able to semi-hear what I was watching… now with the Maxes I can have it at low volume and it’s fine - better for my ears I’m sure too! I use my Maxes for almost everything, except exercise (mostly), where the Pros are a much better fit.

They’re both great for calls as well, but to me, the Maxes are worth the price difference. I had gotten a bonus when they came out, so I could justify getting them more easily - but I don‘t really have an issue with the price… but so much better when you get them cheaper!

 

[Brachaci]

I’ve had all the versions of AirPods except for gen 3 (as I have the APP and APM), and the APM are my favorite by far. I’ve been on Bluetooth headphones since the first version of Jaybirds, kickstarted the Bragi Dash headphones, and the AirPods were a revelation. To be honest, every pair of AirPods has been my favorite - until I got the next! The Pros are great, but the transparency and ANC are not close to the Maxes.

They both make a massive difference on long flights or public transport though - used to have to have my AirPods at max volume on a plane to be able to semi-hear what I was watching… now with the Maxes I can have it at low volume and it’s fine - better for my ears I’m sure too! I use my Maxes for almost everything, except exercise (mostly), where the Pros are a much better fit.

They’re both great for calls as well, but to me, the Maxes are worth the price difference. I had gotten a bonus when they came out, so I could justify getting them more easily - but I don‘t really have an issue with the price… but so much better when you get them cheaper!

I agree with the use cases you have mentioned, that is why I did not mentioned the ANC or Transparency mode. Just the sound quality which to me seems very similar. I am curious if anybody else have the same opinion.

 

[Htsi]

SQ vastly different between pro & max

 

[KUKitch]

I agree with the use cases you have mentioned, that is why I did not mentioned the ANC or Transparency mode. Just the sound quality which to me seems very similar. I am curious if anybody else have the same opinion.

SQ vastly different between pro & max

I agree with Htsi - I personally feel that there’s a significant difference… the Pros are still quite good, but the Maxes I find to be MUCH better

 

[doolar]

I have the Airpods Pro, Beats Solo 3, and Beats Studio 3. Music is by far my first choice for entertainment and the listening experience is very important to me. The Airpods Pro are my favorite in ear buds and easily deliver the listening experience I like. My Beats on ear and over the ear(Apple Products) are great headphones also. The best of the two is the Beats Studio 3 and to me they sound just as good as the Airpods Max for $200.00 less and have the same Apple technolgy in them as the Airpods Max. I tried the Airpods Max for a couple weeks and sent them back because I couldn't justify keeping $549.00 headphones when I already had something that I liked just as well. I would suggest trying them both and seeing what you like best.

This argument I heard time and time again regarding the Beats Fit Pros when they came out contra AirPods Pro, “they sound the same and for less money”. I was sceptical as per usual, and the Beats Fit Pro are a lot bassier and not at all sounding like the APP’s. Not bad necessarily, but definitely not the same. Nothing bad with the Beats Fit Pro’s, I love them for running. But they are not a cheaper same-experience as the APP’s.

I would suspect it is the same regarding Beats Studio 3 and the APM’s. If you are a critical listener looking for a specific sound - like the sound in the APM’s, be sure to test both cans before you decide. The APM’s are… different than most consumer headphones in that they are one of the more neutral sounding one’s, even though they are not as neutral as a high end wired pair of cans. They are in my view quite unique, and if you want that experience, they are one of a kind really.

 

[AjTee]

Definietly buy

 

[DMG35]

I say yes. To me, they are worth every penny.

 

[kp98077]

I found them hard to travel with, and used only at home.. i prefer Bose or even beats that fold up... they look good! sound good but to me honestly, not that practical for wearing on the Trian, traveling etc.

 

[nappes]

I just purchased and returned.

They sound great but I was looking for the, potentially not possible, level of noise cancelling that would block out my wife in a video meeting in the same room.* I was tempted to keep them, because it’s nice to have a good quality pair of over ears (I also have APP) but I felt discomfort in my jaw that reminded me of the pain I get with a tight N95.

*AirPods Pro in noise cancelling mode underneath AirPods Max in noise cancelling mode does work, but that’s a bit absurd.

 

[KUKitch]

I just purchased and returned.

They sound great but I was looking for the, potentially not possible, level of noise cancelling that would block out my wife in a video meeting in the same room.* I was tempted to keep them, because it’s nice to have a good quality pair of over ears (I also have APP) but I felt discomfort in my jaw that reminded me of the pain I get with a tight N95.

*AirPods Pro in noise cancelling mode underneath AirPods Max in noise cancelling mode does work, but that’s a bit absurd.

Lol, I have often thought about trying that with my headphones - but I've never gotten around to it. Good to know it does work though!

 

[Geoff777]

Reviving this old-ish thread as it's the first one (I found) with largely positive comments.

Recently received a pair for my birthday and I'm blown away. They are excellent. Sound quality is excellent, they're comfortable and the noise cancelling / transparency modes are the best I've had so far (to be fair I can only compare NC with Sony HearOn 2s, not Bose or any of the other leaders).

One thing I tried today was Spatial Audio. Didn't show up as an option on my iMac because it has an Intel chip, but tried it on iPhone and it's truly amazing. Listened to a few Spatial Audio tracks on Music and it's stunning - can't wait to watch a movie with it!

One tip if you have them is to get a music player app for your Mac - I use Fidelia and it sounds much better than Music. No idea why!

 

[CWallace]

I bought a pair yesterday on the latest Amazon sale and have to say I am very impressed. I have a pair of Beats Studio3 I used for music prior and the APM are noticeably better (and I personally liked the BS3). The noise isolation is excellent and I find they fit comfortably with no pressure on my scalp and the clamping force of the earcups is not uncomfortable for me.

 

[assquatch]

I don't like the APM. I have the APP and prefer them in almost all cases.

APMs are too heavy, and squeeze tightly on the sides of your head which can cause discomfort after a while. They aren't portable at all, and the case is cumbersome. Audio quality and ANC are great, but I find them too clunky to travel with and bring on flights.