AirPods Max aren't very comfortable

[kmanmx]

I've worn them for 2 hours in one sitting so far, and didn't find them uncomfortable. I wouldn't describe them as super comfortable though, either. My old ATH-AD700's were 100 grams lighter and had a great 3D Wing support for the head, they will forever be the comfiest headphones I've worn I think. But regardless, after 2 hours I was okay interns of clamping force and head pressure due to the band. So I think it's going to vary person to person. The most uncomfortable thing about them to me at the moment is on some tracks they can be a little harsh in the treble, sometimes even sibilant, at least compared to other headphones I've had. They fatigue my ears because of that if I'm listening to tracks that are prone to doing it. Though I do think I am quite sensitive too it, as it's as issue I've had with other headphones in the past.

But yes, while the metal is nice - it looks and feels good, I think it would have been better if they were lighter. At this price point, if they really wanted to keep the 'premium' metal, why not go magnesium ? About 1/3rd lighter than aluminium.

 

[falainber]

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).

"Better design" is subjective. Design always is about trade-offs. APMs are heavier and do not fold as compact as XM4s.

 

[Rogifan]

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.

And? MKBHD has no problem publishing smartphone camera reviews that don’t show iPhone as the best. I fully expect he’ll be honest in his full AirPods Max review. iJustine I have no comment on other than to say from day one I asked why she got a review unit. I don’t care how popular she is on YouTube I would never look to her for advice on whether to buy a pair of $550 headphones.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wouldn't describe them as super comfortable though, either.

on some tracks they can be a little harsh in the treble, sometimes even sibilant

Eeks..
Not great

Heavy - "maybe" comfortable for longer sessions (like movies), but possibly bothersome with sibilance

It's a shame these aren't much more of a clear "win", particularly for over half a grand

 

[LongWayHome]

And? MKBHD has no problem publishing smartphone camera reviews that don’t show iPhone as the best. I fully expect he’ll be honest in his full AirPods Max review. iJustine I have no comment on other than to say from day one I asked why she got a review unit. I don’t care how popular she is on YouTube I would never look to her for advice on whether to buy a pair of $550 headphones.

You have to remember though, Apple prohibited reviews of the headphones to be published before today. Every single video or blog post that came out before today was specifically titled "First look" or "hands on" due to the fact that Apple did not want a single negative thing said about their headphones before the release and absolutely did not want a reviewers opinion to sway a buyer in the other direction. YouTubers oblige to this because it gets them millions of views and a ton of cash. When they go out and buy them that's when they can give a more subjective review, if they feel the need to.

Again, this is on me because I should know better. But I highly doubt that the weight of these headphones wasn't bothersome to a point for almost all of the reviewers (especially Justine who's so little she's barely gonna be able to turn her head wearing these). I am just not going to watch that stuff anymore becuase its just essentially a paid commercial for whatever product they are showing off and am going to just go by common sense which is that if you have the heaviest consumer headphones by a ton then they are probably not going to be comfortable for long stretches.

 

[turbineseaplane]

especially Justine

To your points above, her and all the reviewers are smart enough to NEVER, and I do mean never, bite the hand that's feeding them oh so well.

It's a shame, but essentially all the sources with "early access" are by necessity going to be unbelievably biased.

To me it's all useless beyond just seeing what something looks like. They are all more of an infomercial than anything, and certainly not "reviews".

 

[kmanmx]

You have to remember though, Apple prohibited reviews of the headphones to be published before today. Every single video or blog post that came out before today was specifically titled "First look" or "hands on" due to the fact that Apple did not want a single negative thing said about their headphones before the release and absolutely did not want a reviewers opinion to sway a buyer in the other direction. YouTubers oblige to this because it gets them millions of views and a ton of cash. When they go out and buy them that's when they can give a more subjective review, if they feel the need to.

Again, this is on me because I should know better. But I highly doubt that the weight of these headphones wasn't bothersome to a point for almost all of the reviewers (especially Justine who's so little she's barely gonna be able to turn her head wearing these). I am just not going to watch that stuff anymore becuase its just essentially a paid commercial for whatever product they are showing off and am going to just go by common sense which is that if you have the heaviest consumer headphones by a ton then they are probably not going to be comfortable for long stretches.

To be fair, that was Apples policy with the new M1 MacBooks. No reviews until launch day. Turns out they surpassed even the most optimistic of expectations, so I am not sure they necessarily do that because they are expecting bad reviews of their headphones.

Eeks..
Not great

Heavy - "maybe" comfortable for longer sessions (like movies), but possibly bothersome with sibilance

It's a shame these aren't much more of a clear "win", particularly for over half a grand

I need more time with them. I'm sat here with them now and they *are* comfortable, more so than I thought earlier. I haven't seen anyone else say they find them sibilant either, so that seems to just be me. Like I said, I do think I am susceptible to it probably more than most... I'll try and get some extended listening in with them after the initial first day rush of getting a new toy to figure out some more solid opinions.

 

[richard371]

My biggest problem is the case WTF?

 

[tranceking26]

Comfort would be my second concern about these. I can wear my Sony MDR's for like 8 hours and still no discomfort.

I hope when things improve I can try these out at my local Apple store.

 

[ninethirty]

I've got to disagree. I got mine about an hour ago, and I can barely feel them on my head at all. Sound is fantastic, fit is great. I'm quite happy!

 

[Rogifan]

You have to remember though, Apple prohibited reviews of the headphones to be published before today. Every single video or blog post that came out before today was specifically titled "First look" or "hands on" due to the fact that Apple did not want a single negative thing said about their headphones before the release and absolutely did not want a reviewers opinion to sway a buyer in the other direction. YouTubers oblige to this because it gets them millions of views and a ton of cash. When they go out and buy them that's when they can give a more subjective review, if they feel the need to.

Again, this is on me because I should know better. But I highly doubt that the weight of these headphones wasn't bothersome to a point for almost all of the reviewers (especially Justine who's so little she's barely gonna be able to turn her head wearing these). I am just not going to watch that stuff anymore becuase its just essentially a paid commercial for whatever product they are showing off and am going to just go by common sense which is that if you have the heaviest consumer headphones by a ton then they are probably not going to be comfortable for long stretches.

If someone wants to buy these without seeing in-depth reviews first that’s their choice. I would never do that. But I don’t know that Apple prohibited in-depth reviews before a certain day. More likely some have chosen to spend more time with the product before publishing their real review. I prefer that.

 

[richard371]

I'm enjoying mine. Rock solid. Love the spatial audio features etc. as a bonus which you cant get with the Sony or Bose. But really that case? Might be the worst product Apple has ever made period.

 

[Rogifan]

To your points above, her and all the reviewers are smart enough to NEVER, and I do mean never, bite the hand that's feeding them oh so well.

It's a shame, but essentially all the sources with "early access" are by necessity going to be unbelievably biased.

To me it's all useless beyond just seeing what something looks like. They are all more of an infomercial than anything, and certainly not "reviews".

How was MKBHD biased in his preview?

 

[kmanmx]

I'm enjoying mine. Rock solid. Love the spatial audio features etc. as a bonus which you cant get with the Sony or Bose. But really that case? Might be the worst product Apple has ever made period.

Its actually difficult to imagine it genuinely wasn't some kind of joke or marketing ploy. How can a company as meticulous and talented as Apple that creates things like the M1 chip, also be the same company that makes a plastic leather headphone bra ? It's just beyond belief.

 

[G5isAlive]

You have to remember though, Apple prohibited reviews of the headphones to be published before today. Every single video or blog post that came out before today was specifically titled "First look" or "hands on" due to the fact that Apple did not want a single negative thing said about their headphones before the release and absolutely did not want a reviewers opinion to sway a buyer in the other direction. YouTubers oblige to this because it gets them millions of views and a ton of cash. When they go out and buy them that's when they can give a more subjective review, if they feel the need to.

Again, this is on me because I should know better. But I highly doubt that the weight of these headphones wasn't bothersome to a point for almost all of the reviewers (especially Justine who's so little she's barely gonna be able to turn her head wearing these). I am just not going to watch that stuff anymore becuase its just essentially a paid commercial for whatever product they are showing off and am going to just go by common sense which is that if you have the heaviest consumer headphones by a ton then they are probably not going to be comfortable for long stretches.

You seem to be more on about the evil of Apple and what you perceive as advertising than anything else. Just a tad disappointing because I was hoping this was going to be more about people's perception of comfort. That's why I came here this morning. And at first I agreed with you, they felt different. Strange. Maybe even uncomfortable. I was wondering if I was going to have to return them.

But after more than 4 hours of straight use, and exploring all the things they can do that I don't get from my MX4's, and realizing I never once felt the need to take them off, or even was cognizant of any weight or discomfort past the introduction period, well, maybe just maybe the reviewers went on the same journey as I have been. Sorry your journey has been different.

I won't be returning my Max's. I am totally thrilled with them after 4 hours of continuous use.

 

[richard371]

Its actually difficult to imagine it genuinely wasn't some kind of joke or marketing ploy. How can a company as meticulous and talented as Apple that creates things like the M1 chip, also be the same company that makes a plastic leather headphone bra ? It's just beyond belief.

Agreed. I just don't get it. Amazing product but WTF? It insulting.

 

[LongWayHome]

You seem to be more on about the evil of Apple and what you perceive as advertising than anything else. Just a tad disappointing because I was hoping this was going to be more about people's perception of comfort. That's why I came here this morning. And at first I agreed with you, they felt different. Strange. Maybe even uncomfortable. I was wondering if I was going to have to return them.

But after more than 4 hours of straight use, and exploring all the things they can do that I don't get from my MX4's, and realizing I never once felt the need to take them off, or even was cognizant of any weight or discomfort past the introduction period, well, maybe just maybe the reviewers went on the same journey as I have been. Sorry your journey has been different.

I won't be returning my Max's. I am totally thrilled with them after 4 hours of continuous use.

It was about comfort. I didnt' turn it into anything about Youtube. I just simply commented on how the YouTubers barely touched on weight when it is a major drawback to these cans. That's all. And with that, they aren't very comfortable for long periods.

 

[G5isAlive]

Its actually difficult to imagine it genuinely wasn't some kind of joke or marketing ploy. How can a company as meticulous and talented as Apple that creates things like the M1 chip, also be the same company that makes a plastic leather headphone bra ? It's just beyond belief.

Eh, as I have said elsewhere, I am not defending the case. It is clearly not meant for travel. But then I compare it to the case Apple gave me with my iPhone... oh wait. or the case they provided with my iPad. Oh. yeah. Or my M1 computer. Point is, if you are focusing on the case, you are missing out on the Max. I bought the case I needed and wanted for my iPhone, iPad, and computer. I am not concerned about picking the case I want for my needs for my Max. Shrugs. I just cant get worked up about it. I wonder if Apple would have been smarter to just not provide any case?

 

[LongWayHome]

Comfort would be my second concern about these. I can wear my Sony MDR's for like 8 hours and still no discomfort.

I hope when things improve I can try these out at my local Apple store.

You realize that those MDR's weigh less than the AP Max.

 

[LongWayHome]

Eh, as I have said elsewhere, I am not defending the case. It is clearly not meant for travel. But then I compare it to the case Apple gave me with my iPhone... oh wait. or the case they provided with my iPad. Oh. yeah. Or my M1 computer. Point is, if you are focusing on the case, you are missing out on the Max. I bought the case I needed and wanted for my iPhone, iPad, and computer. I am not concerned about picking the case I want for my needs for my Max. Shrugs. I just cant get worked up about it. I wonder if Apple would have been smarter to just not provide any case?

Actually, its not the same. I don't think you fully understand the function the case provides even though its garbage. A case isn't needed for your phone to fully function. The case for these headphones is needed to put it into low power mode to save battery life. There is no power button on these headphones. And you better be concerned about which case you purchase because if it doesn't have the magnets to put it into low power mode you won't get much battery life out of your AirPods Max.

Also, it wouldn't have killed Apple to put a nice travel case in with their already uber expensive headphones. My Sony WH-1000XM4's come with a much nicer case and were half the price of the Airpods Max.

 

[G5isAlive]

It was about comfort. I didnt' turn it into anything about Youtube. I just simply commented on how the YouTubers barely touched on weight when it is a major drawback to these cans. That's all. And with that, they aren't very comfortable for long periods.

With all due respect, you have five posts about the reviews, three about your perception of comfort. Shrugs. But I hear you, you don't find them comfortable with two hours? of testing. I find them comfortable even after 4 hours. Comfort like sound is going to be a personal thing. wouldn't be the first time someone has said I have a hard head. People would be smart to listen to you and either try these on first, or accept they may not like them, as you haven't.

 

[kmanmx]

Eh, as I have said elsewhere, I am not defending the case. It is clearly not meant for travel. But then I compare it to the case Apple gave me with my iPhone... oh wait. or the case they provided with my iPad. Oh. yeah. Or my M1 computer. Point is, if you are focusing on the case, you are missing out on the Max. I bought the case I needed and wanted for my iPhone, iPad, and computer. I am not concerned about picking the case I want for my needs for my Max. Shrugs. I just cant get worked up about it. I wonder if Apple would have been smarter to just not provide any case?

Oh absolutely, I couldn't care less about the case. I will only use it if I ever put them away for a long time to maintain a bit of charge. But I just think it brings the product down, it feels like buying a Ferrari and they give you a free bottle of Wal-Marts own brand dish soap to keep it clean. It feels so out of place.

 

[jazz1]

Just for yucks I decided to compare the weight of the new Apple headphones to ones I own. Note I am not making a cost, sound or construction comparison. I don't even own Apple's new headphone (yet). Some of the headphones listed are not BT capable and are cabled.

They are all very different headphones, and some are not even current models in the manufacturers lines. I'm just trying to get a feel of how these would feel on my head for my intended uses. So please be patient with me.

AirPod Max 384.8 grams
Bowers and Wilkins P9 413 Grams
Bowers and Wilkins PX7 303 Grams
Audeze LCD-2 595 Grams
M&D MW 60 360 Grams
Senheiser HD650 259.9 Grams

I think in the end, at least for me I'd have to determine in which circumstances I'd be using these new Apple headphones. For me I think the advantages certainly outweigh (pun intended) the weight of the AirPod Max headphones.

I suppose the closest comparison, amongst the headphones I own, would be the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 which are lightweight and BT. Heck slap on a pair of Audeze LCD-2 planar magnetic headphones and just about any headphone will seem lightweight

One last weight comparison thought. I've been wearing the Bowers & Wilkins P9's for about three hours a day with my new MacMini. The weight, although not a light weight, isn't bad. I think the ear cups design/leather certainly makes them feel less long term comfortable than the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 ear cups that seem somewhat similar to the AirPod Max.

 

[G5isAlive]

Actually, its not the same. A case isn't needed for your phone to fully function. The case for these headphones is needed to put it into low power mode to save battery life. You better be concerned about which case you purchase because if it doesn't have the magnets to put it into low power mode you won't get much battery life out of your AirPods Max.

Also, it wouldn't have killed Apple to put a nice travel case in with their already uber expensive headphones. My Sony WH-1000XM4's come with a much nicer case and were half the price of the Airpods Max.

Okay dokey. Since you seem to want to argue. My point is I would rather get the case I need rather than pay for one I don't. Doesn't bother me if Apple didnt design the perfect case for all people. I didnt buy the Max for a case, I bought it to listen to/with.

And, I think you are wildly underestimating the marketplace if you think third parties can't put in a magnet where it belongs. They have been doing that since.. well.. at least the original iPad in 2010. You keep comparing to the MX4's. This is Apple. I spent twice on my phone and it didnt come with a case.

And you have no idea at all just how much power the headset consumes when in standby mode versus low power mode. Neither do I. Neither do any reviewers I have read. We just don't know what that two hours of standby means versus putting it in the case and having it immediately power down. All I know is with 4 hours of actual use they have barely used 15% of their power. Apple is pretty good at sipping power in standby, I expect it will be considerably longer. And how often do you actually turn OFF your phone? I mean really off? I do maybe once a year. And in between, if I am not charging it, its sipping power. Seems like the same thing to me.

Let's get some actual numbers to discuss before we declare the sky is falling down. I know I plan to put mine out over night sans case to get an actual feeling for what it does, rather than a vague fear.

In the meantime, I am sorry you find them uncomfortable for you.

 

[adrianlondon]

Bowers and Wilkins PX7 303 Grams

Kind of on topic, about comfort ... do you find the PX7 has a high or higher clamping force than the others you own?