AirPods Max aren't very comfortable

[LongWayHome]

I've owned these now for about an hour, and they sound fantastic and theh noise cancellation is excellent. One thing to keep in mind though, these things are heavy. I've been wearing them for an hour and I can definitely feel the weight of them. I hope this doesn't turn into something that I don't like wearing for extended times due to the weight, but I think most everyone will feel it when they wear them. The early "hands on" reviews I think purposely didn't touch on this too much so they didn't sway people from buying them but I would definitely tell you that the weight of these does matter. This was probably directed by Apple who knows these are heavy and probably told the reviewers to mention the weight but not in a negative fashion. That has to be the case becuase I don't know how people didn't comment on this more.

They are very comfortable around the ears, but its as if the ears clamp to try and balance the weight and I'm starting to feel that clamp and its definitely noticeable.

These are the headphones I own, and ranked in the order of comfort (most comfortable to least):
1. Bose QC 35II
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 - the XM3's as well and they are the same comfort level
3. AirPods Max

This is not to say that I find them too uncomfortable to wear, but people should keep in mind that the weight of them is going to be something that they will feel. I'm 6'6 and weight 220lbs and I can definitely feel it and the longer I wear them the more I can feel them clamping.

Overall a great set of headphones but I'm not yet sold on how well these are going to do when wearing them for several hours like say on a flight. And doing anything outside of sitting down and listening to music or watching a movie is about all that can be done with these due to the weight of them.

Edit: I've changed the title to AP Max aren't very comfortable after switching back and forth between these, the Sony's, and the Bose. There is no question AP Max sound better but they are seriously uncomfortable compared to the other two. I hate that that one factor is making me debate returning them....

 

[cardfan]

I've owned these now for about an hour, and they sound fantastic and theh noise cancellation is excellent. One thing to keep in mind though, these things are heavy. I've been wearing them for an hour and I can definitely feel the weight of them. I hope this doesn't turn into something that I don't like wearing for extended times due to the weight, but I think most everyone will feel it when they wear them. The early "hands on" reviews I think purposely didn't touch on this too much so they didn't sway people from buying them but I would definitely tell you that the weight of these does matter. This was probably directed by Apple who knows these are heavy and probably told the reviewers to mention the weight but not in a negative fashion. That has to be the case becuase I don't know how people didn't comment on this more.

They are very comfortable around the ears, but its as if the ears clamp to try and balance the weight and I'm starting to feel that clamp and its definitely noticeable.

These are the headphones I own, and ranked in the order of comfort (most comfortable to least):
1. Bose QC 35II
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 - the XM3's as well and they are the same comfort level
3. AirPods Max

This is not to say that I find them too uncomfortable to wear, but people should keep in mind that the weight of them is going to be something that they will feel. I'm 6'6 and weight 220lbs and I can definitely feel it and the longer I wear them the more I can feel them clamping.

Overall a great set of headphones but I'm not yet sold on how well these are going to do when wearing them for several hours like say on a flight. And doing anything outside of sitting down and listening to music or watching a movie is about all that can be done with these do to the weight of them.

I’ve noticed same after a bit. Not as comfortable after some time as the others I have. Thing is I wouldn’t travel with these. I’m pretty decided I’m returning these as there’s nothing thats remarkable about the sound compared to similar like Bose or Sony. It almost seems a downgrade. Less comfort. No portability.

 

[rulymammoth]

Thanks for the honest review. Figured this would be the case. Weights were released and they are significantly heavier than the Bose 700 and Sony XM4. That’s a big deal for long flights and other extended wear scenarios.

 

[rulymammoth]

I’ve noticed same after a bit. Not as comfortable after some time as the others I have. Thing is I wouldn’t travel with these. I’m pretty decided I’m returning these as there’s nothing thats remarkable about the sound compared to similar like Bose or Sony. It almost seems a downgrade. Less comfort. No portability.

Yeah, these seem to be for the ultimate fanboy. They look cool but that coolness factor isn’t worth the extra money. Plus the case is such an eyesore and not even functional. I get why they went with that design though. The product is already heavy enough. If they wanted to produce a case similar to what Bose and Sony would’ve done, the combination would’ve been as heavy as a brick.

 

[LongWayHome]

Thanks for the honest review. Figured this would be the case. Weights were released and they are significantly heavier than the Bose 700 and Sony XM4. That’s a big deal for long flights and other extended wear scenarios.

Its really irritating that all of the "reviewers" are afraid to mention this. I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective. The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

 

[MayaTlab]

The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

I can't talk about the AirPods Max but weight itself doesn't necessarily determine comfort, and there is an element of personal variation in this as well. As an illustration to that I prefer for comfort for extended sessions the AKG Y600NC over the Bose 700 and yet they're 70g heavier or so. I wouldn't be surprised to see some variation here in people's opinion about the APM's comfort levels.

 

[ninethirty]

Its really irritating that all of the "reviewers" are afraid to mention this. I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective. The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

Welcome to the way the world works.

 

[LongWayHome]

I can't talk about the AirPods Max but weight itself doesn't necessarily determine comfort, and there is an element of personal variation in this as well. As an illustration to that I prefer for comfort for extended sessions the AKG Y600NC over the Bose 700 and yet they're 70g heavier or so. I wouldn't be surprised to see some variation here in people's opinion about the APM's comfort levels.

I'd disagree. I've always found that weight is going to help determine the clamping force on the ears to help offset the weight of the headband. Your AKG's are a good 60 grams lighter than the AirPods Max. I don't know if there is a tipping point were weight causes headphones to become unwearable for long stretches, but I'd say that the AirPods Max are at that level. No chance I could make a long flight with these, and that is very disappointing to me.

 

[G5isAlive]

Its really irritating that all of the "reviewers" are afraid to mention this. I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective. The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

I am not into conspiracy theories, and tend to be a glass half full person. I type this while wearing my AirPod Max and do agree with you that they are heavy. Too heavy? I think I am going to test it longer than an hour to say and I suggest thats what some of the You Tubers did as well. I know more than one mentioned the weight, not flagging it as too much but saying it was noticeable. One said it depended on how he wore it, had to move it a bit forward on his head. I think in the end it's going to be a very personal thing. But I have until after January to see what I think for myself.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I immediately was concerned about these, at any price, when I saw the weight.

Long experience for decades with headphones has taught me there is no way around “too heavy” when it comes to experience of use and long term comfort.

This heavy weight design is a miss by Apple.

I hope they have an “SE or Air version” with high quality plastic in the works.

 

[Ferreal]

Thanks for the honest review and mentioning the weight. This is the reason why I always go with earbuds over the full size headphones.

I’m picking mine up after work today.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

As soon as i saw the specifications and compared the weight to mainstream headphones, I figured they may be too heavy for many people. Some may be able to accommodate them for an hour or so but to wear them for 4 or 5 hours may be too uncomfortable.

 

[tomashi]

That's a bummer to hear. I know when I bought my QC35 the biggest draw was that it was lighter than the Sony equivalents at the time and it was pretty unanimous across reviews that less weight equals more comfort. Period. The other is how hot the ear cups will heat up after extended use (QC35 won out again there). Granted, I bought my QC35 specifically for flying, and from what I've seen so far all signs point to the APM not designed for that purpose (heavy, 3.5mm cable not included, case is not built for travel).

So far for me these seem like a great pair of desk headphones to be used when I'm working and can accommodate video conference calls (although I haven't seen any in-depth reviews on their performance for calls yet). Spatial Audio is kind of cool, but given it's only supported on iOS devices makes it odd (it would be great for travel, but again nothing about these headphones says I'll want to grab them before the QC35s when I head out the door)

 

[Rogifan]

Its really irritating that all of the "reviewers" are afraid to mention this. I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective. The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

It’s good to have a range of opinions. But I take issue with this notion that the only honest review is one that’s critical/negative. My understanding is the people getting these from Apple to review have to return them.

 

[LongWayHome]

It’s good to have a range of opinions. But I take issue with this notion that the only honest review is one that’s critical/negative. My understanding is the people getting these from Apple to review have to return them.

I never said that. I said nothing critical was mentioned about the weight, and it should have been as its completely obvious the moment you put them on.

Yes they have to give them back, but they also get them early which generates tons of hits for their channels and a lot of money. Saying anything negative will cause Apple to not send them out early review units anymore. I should know better, but I thought the weight would have at least been touched on a as something to be concerned with.

 

[tomashi]

Its really irritating that all of the "reviewers" are afraid to mention this. I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective. The weight of these is and should be an immediately complaint.

Actually I've seen plenty of reviewers note that the weight is significantly heavier than the Bose/Sony equivalents. There are different factors for when weight becomes an issue:

• Gym? (quite a few reviewers have said they would NOT be using these to workout)
• Duration: Weight tends to be an issue for people at different durations. Some people will probably wear these for 10 minutes before it's uncomfortable, some will wear it for a few hours. That being said the reviewers did note how long they've tested it for (most said "I've only had a chance to try this out for about two hours so far.")
• Walking around the house - I've seen one reviewer say that movement of his head (looking up and down) while walking around the house caused the headphones to shift dramatically enough where he wouldn't use it for anytime other than sitting still.

 

[ukms]

I'm getting sick of companies sending products to YouTubers for free so that the "reviewers" can gush over the product without being the slightest bit objective.

....... most Tech companies do this and use YouTube as part of their ‘marketing’ ...... I know it’s not for everyone but Apple do at least allow the ultimate review for 14 days by the end user assuming the user is prepared to part with the cost temporarily.

 

[cardfan]

It’s good to have a range of opinions. But I take issue with this notion that the only honest review is one that’s critical/negative. My understanding is the people getting these from Apple to review have to return them.

It’s getting them early for exclusive first looks that is the payoff. Being able (or not able) to keep is pretty trivial.

For example ijustine has over a million views on her AirPods “review”. The rest of her recent videos? Not even close.

Mkbhdjd? Over 10m views for his. Just 5 days old.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I’m starting to have a hard time understanding exactly what user and use case these are really “for”.

Some odd choices and compromises for nearly every use case one can think of.

Being quite heavy is objectively bad for all use cases, as one example.

 

[LongWayHome]

I’m starting to have a hard time understanding exactly what user and use case these are really “for”.

Some odd choices and compromises for nearly every use case one can think of.

Being quite heavy is objectively bad for all use cases, as one example.

For me, sitting at my desk for a couple of hours or watching a movie. That is about it. No way I would travel with these as they aren't going to be worn (at least by me) for an extended flight as they are brutal after a couple of hours on my head.

 

[LongWayHome]

Actually I've seen plenty of reviewers note that the weight is significantly heavier than the Bose/Sony equivalents. There are different factors for when weight becomes an issue:

• Gym? (quite a few reviewers have said they would NOT be using these to workout)
• Duration: Weight tends to be an issue for people at different durations. Some people will probably wear these for 10 minutes before it's uncomfortable, some will wear it for a few hours. That being said the reviewers did note how long they've tested it for (most said "I've only had a chance to try this out for about two hours so far.")
• Walking around the house - I've seen one reviewer say that movement of his head (looking up and down) while walking around the house caused the headphones to shift dramatically enough where he wouldn't use it for anytime other than sitting still.

That's good to know, I didn't see anything besides "these weigh more than the Sony's and Bose." Its honestly a huge difference when you wear them. I had mine on for two hours straight and was dying to take them off. I love everything about them but the weight though.

 

[adrianlondon]

Obviously the weight isn't going to change, but maybe after a few days the clamping force will lessen? That'll mean they weigh heavier on the head, but the weird mesh thing might take care of that.

Speakers might loosen up too and improve the sound. (Or make it worse, depending on what type of sound signature you like I suppose!)

Pity the case won't improve over time ?

 

[falainber]

Obviously the weight isn't going to change, but maybe after a few days the clamping force will lessen? That'll mean they weigh heavier on the head, but the weird mesh thing might take care of that.

Speakers might loosen up too and improve the sound. (Or make it worse, depending on what type of sound signature you like I suppose!)

Pity the case won't improve over time ?

I am curious about the clamping mechanism. Many (most?) headphones use a design where the head band connects to the speakers in the middle section. I assume that this is done to let the speakers find a better angle (to fit your head shape). These headphones (and some other models - but seemingly very few - too) are hinged at the top. Is it possible that such design requires higher clamping force?

 

[ader42]

I’m starting to have a hard time understanding exactly what user and use case these are really “for”.

1) People who dislike bass heavy Sony/Bose/Beats
2) People with other Apple devices (auto switching)
3) People who want them for Home Cinema use
4) People who prefer better build quality than Sony/Bose
5) People who prefer better design than Sony/Bose
6) People who want a handbag case

I fit 1-5, I don’t care about ANC except transparency mode, both of which are supposed to be be good anyway (free wins).

 

[turbineseaplane]

1) People who dislike bass heavy Sony/Bose/Beats
2) People with other Apple devices (auto switching)
3) People who want them for Home Cinema use
4) People who prefer better build quality than Sony/Bose
5) People who prefer better design than Sony/Bose
6) People who want a handbag case

I fit 1-5, I don’t care about ANC except transparency mode, both of which are supposed to be be good anyway (free wins).

#1 & #2 - I can get behind this


#3 may be negated on the comfort front by excessive weight (opinions will vary no doubt)

#4 & #5 are somewhat tied to the weight drawback...
"Build quality" can go way too far (like all metal ear cups that add a lot of weight)

#6 - I don't particularly understand. Almost nobody benefits by the design being so large/awkward and "not compact-able". Maybe it doesn't bother them for their use case, but essentially all users are worse off with such an inflexible design.