AirPods Max aren't very comfortable

[LongWayHome]

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.

Lol I don't know why you are getting so riled up. You seemed to think that the case has no function and that Apple maybe shouldn't have included one. They obviously serve a purpose which is why they included it. Do you think they didn't realize this was a hideous monstrosity? Of course they did but they needed a way to put the headset into low power mode so that they could claim 20 hours of battery life.

 

[LongWayHome]

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 had 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.

You realize that outside of my first post I was responding to people regarding the Youtube reviews. I wasn't just out of the blue bringing them up.

 

[G5isAlive]

Lol I don't know why you are getting so riled up. You seemed to think that the case has no function and that Apple maybe shouldn't have included one. They obviously serve a purpose which is why they included it. Do you think they didn't realize this was a hideous monstrosity? Of course they did but they needed a way to put the headset into low power mode so that they could claim 20 hours of battery life.

not riled up. just one that prefers being straight and without an agenda. I never said the case has no function, been very clear on what that function is. It protects the cans from scratching. I have also been clear it isn't worth anything for traveling. I just don't get all emotional about it like you calling it a hideous monstrosity LOL. Its just a case. Don't like it, get another.

And btw, their claim of 20 hours of battery life has ZERO to do with the case. It has to do with actual use on your head outside of the case. And so far, it seems to be exceeding that for me. If you are using the case while listening to them, you are wearing them wrong

 

[yanksfan114]

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.

Literally every single review has mentioned the weight compared to other headphones. MKBHD, Dave2D, Gruber, The Verge, etc.

 

[jazz1]

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

Well compared to the Sennheiser HD-650 the PX7 has a higher clamping force. But, note I’ve owned the HD-650’s for several years, and out of the box their clamping force was higher than they are now (the HD-650 does have new ear pads so I’ve taken that into account) The Masters & Dynamic I would say has a little less clamping force than the P9’s. Please know this is all subjective as head size, and pad material would make a difference in pressure feel IMHO. The most comfortable at desk use, for me, are the Sennheisers. If you want to dive deep into headphone opinions check out Headfi.org!

 

[adrianlondon]

Well compared to the Sennheiser HD-650 the PX7 has a higher clamping force. But, note I’ve owned the HD-650’s for several years, and out of the box their clamping force was higher than they are now (the HD-650 does have new ear pads so I’ve taken that into account) The Masters & Dynamic I would say has a little less clamping force than the P9’s. Please know this is all subjective as head size, and pad material would make a difference in pressure feel IMHO. The most comfortable at desk use, for me, are the Sennheisers. If you want to dive deep into headphone opinions check out Headfi.org!

Thanks for the tips. I have a list of wireless 'phones in my head and keep changing my mind which I want to buy as I juggle the advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

[munishp]

Literally every single review has mentioned the weight compared to other headphones. MKBHD, Dave2D, Gruber, The Verge, etc.

I would be interested to see what The Verge say in a detailed review and MKHB. Because they have been known to use good headphones. Everyone else that I have seen doing a review, is comparing to nothing. Just that others say they are heavy. Yes they are weighty, I have managed about two hours before taking them off. I am also comparing them to my my Beoplay H95s and Sony WH1000’s. Initial thoughts are that these good headphones but need further testing

 

[kazmac]

As someone who doesn't like heavy phones or iPads, strangely I do not think the weight is a deal breaker. Yes, they are snug over my ears, but that may also be my glasses interfering with the fit. I've adjusted the cuff length and that helps some.

Not a deal breaker, especially since these are home use only. If I was traveling with them (Different story).

 

[LongWayHome]

As someone who doesn't like heavy phones or iPads, strangely I do not think the weight is a deal breaker. Yes, they are snug over my ears, but that may also be my glasses interfering with the fit. I've adjusted the cuff length and that helps some.

Not a deal breaker, especially since these are home use only. If I was traveling with them (Different story).

I want a pair of noise cancelling headphones that I can travel comfortably with. I don't know if these are going to work.

 

[mdurech]

I want a pair of noise cancelling headphones that I can travel comfortably with. I don't know if these are going to work.

I thought the same thing for the first hour or so, was already getting to return them but after using them almost all day taken them off here and there I think I have adjusted to them. We will see how it goes tomorrow as I will be on Zoom calls all day (Work). But I think its just something over a couple of days you will get used too. I have QC 35 and I remember when I bought them 4-5 years ago, I thought they were heavily too but I got used to those pretty quick.

 

[SHKLMRE]

I’ve listened for about an hour so far and I’m impressed with the comfort. The headband is great, I barely feel it. I had a few pairs of beats over the ear headphones and you definitely noticed the headband on those. Also, the weight surprised me. They did not feel as heavy to as people are making them out to be (now I know it’s comparative to other headphones, but personally I haven’t used any recent Sony or Bose over the EWR headphones)

basically they are more comfy and not as heavy feeling as I thought they would be.

 

[John dosh]

Has anyone had a chance to take them out the house yet? As I want to get a pair but will be using them whilst on the move not so sure if it’s a good idea.

 

[MecPro]

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).

You're wrong with 1) as the Bose aren’t bass heavy. It was well reviewed that they weren’t bass heavy.

In addition there is an EQ so you can adjust the Sony and Bose.

 

[Herrpod]

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).

Did you just call Bose bass heavy? Lol. The knock against them is their neutral sound signature.

 

[Robbosan]

They would want to be comfy at nearly 4 x the price I paid for my Beats Studio 3.

 

[LongWayHome]

not riled up. just one that prefers being straight and without an agenda. I never said the case has no function, been very clear on what that function is. It protects the cans from scratching. I have also been clear it isn't worth anything for traveling. I just don't get all emotional about it like you calling it a hideous monstrosity LOL. Its just a case. Don't like it, get another.

And btw, their claim of 20 hours of battery life has ZERO to do with the case. It has to do with actual use on your head outside of the case. And so far, it seems to be exceeding that for me. If you are using the case while listening to them, you are wearing them wrong

Sigh... Again, the function of the case is more than just to keep scratches off of the headphones. You will burn through 2 HOURS of battery life if you don't put these back into the case when you are done using them. That isn't speculation, that is tested fact. The AirPods pro are going to drain for 2 hours just like if they were on your head if they aren't put back into their awful case. So you go ahead and go out and buy a new case since its so easy to do and watch your headphones battery drain while they are sitting in it.

 

[Easttime]

I thought the same thing for the first hour or so, was already getting to return them but after using them almost all day taken them off here and there I think I have adjusted to them. We will see how it goes tomorrow as I will be on Zoom calls all day (Work). But I think its just something over a couple of days you will get used too. I have QC 35 and I remember when I bought them 4-5 years ago, I thought they were heavily too but I got used to those pretty quick.

Very interested in your APM Zoom meeting experience.

 

[macnmac]

Very interested in your APM Zoom meeting experience.

cant wait to hear my boss yell at me with spatial audio

 

[Novius89]

Sad to read.

after the battery life and max volume of my AirPods decreased, I decided to wait for the Apple headphones.
When they didn’t announce it in the last presentation, I bought a Sony xm3 with discount.
i use the Sony’s for about a month now, and it’s the best headphones I have owned.
I couldn’t justify €600+ for any headphones, and I am sad ( but also happy) that i made a good decision.

 

[The Game 161]

thought this might be the case given the metal and likely why most headphones like these are plastic.

 

[LongWayHome]

thought this might be the case given the metal and likely why most headphones like these are plastic.

I'm going to give them some more time and hope that I can get used to them. Other than the comfort (which is to me a huge deal) I love everything about them. My only other (minor) gripe is the audio leaking out when the volume is around 70% or higher. Outside of the those two things they are really incredible sounding and the ANC is the best I've used in a pair of headphones.

 

[Bluepig45]

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....

One important note, unless you keep them in the Apple Purse, they stay on all the time and drain the battery. Of course Apple wants everything controlled by either the iPhone, iPad, or MacBook when it comes to maintaining their wireless devices, so you can check battery life via an app. Now that audiophile reviews are coming out testing the frequency, clarity, and tone of the AP Max, I'll be buying the new Sony's once they land. I have a 10 year old pair of Bose headphones that do just fine for travel, and have been holding off on the WH-1000XM4 due to a number of reported failures (on one that I know who has them has experienced them). Were I to purchase the Sony's now aging headphones I could get them for as low as $279 v the $549 for the Apple. Even if the Apple AP Max was sonically superior (no indications from the lab tests to that supposition) at double the price, TO ME they are not worth the cost.

When it comes to audio clarity, I give the hands down win to my Senniheiser HD800S, but they come at an entirely different cost. Not only 3x the price of the Apple Pods Max, but they are wired and stay connected to my Allen Heath SQ7.

 

[ader42]

You're wrong with 1) as the Bose aren’t bass heavy. It was well reviewed that they weren’t bass heavy.

In addition there is an EQ so you can adjust the Sony and Bose.

I went back and checked. The Bose 700 were better at bass than I was recalling.

On rtings they git 8.1 for bass accuracy: “The range is a bit overemphasized, so audio has extra boom and punch that can please fans of bass-heavy music genres.”

Rtings however only gave them a 7.0 for neutrality overall. Seems the treble performance brought the average down.

Neutrality is the holy grail of high end audio listening so neutrality is something to strive for not criticsise.

The fact that Sony and Bose have a manual EQ tells you they are low-end for people who don’t know audio or to address hardware or environmental limitations. An adaptive EQ is far superior.

 

[G5isAlive]

Sigh... Again, the function of the case is more than just to keep scratches off of the headphones. You will burn through 2 HOURS of battery life if you don't put these back into the case when you are done using them. That isn't speculation, that is tested fact. The AirPods pro are going to drain for 2 hours just like if they were on your head if they aren't put back into their awful case. So you go ahead and go out and buy a new case since its so easy to do and watch your headphones battery drain while they are sitting in it.

not true.

Where is this tested fact? References please. Have you done ANYTHING to test yourself, or are you just misconstruing other people's numbers because you don't understand how things work? I hate to be harsh, but you keep saying things that just are NOT true.

Here IS a tested fact.

I wore these continuous for 4 hours yesterday and had 15% battery drain. that represents a drain rate of 1% per 16 minutes. okay? with me so far?

in use. drain rate, 1 % per 16 minutes.

I then took them off my head and just put them down and let them sit over night our of the case. 15 hours total. and got 8% drain rate.

not in use, not in case, drain rate, 1% per 100 minutes.

That is significantly slower. about 6 times slower. not zero. but not as bad as you say. It predicts if you had a total charge of 100%, and did not use the case, the headphones would drain completely in 7 days.

your claim that you burn 2 hours of battery life automatically if you dont put it in the case is just false. it IS true they consume power just sitting out of case. about 1% every 100 minutes. or... 1.2% in your 2 hours.

I do not represent this as a scientific study with a high degree of precision, it is a n=1 over a short time period, so it is only good to 1 digit, but it is good enough to totally debunk your repeated claim that you drain 2 hours of life by simply putting them down off your head. I do plan in the days to come to further test for myself and so I can get more precise numbers, including how much drain IN the case.

shrugs. you probably will stick to your claims that the sky is falling down. but draining in a week is the industry norm. My iPod drained faster, my Sonos Move drains in 3 days. My iPad will drain in that time, depending on the model. My iPhone will as well. Yes, on my other iDevices I can totally turn them off, but honestly how often do you totally turn off your phone? You don't, you keep it charged. I might want to do that with the headphones if I was only going to use them once a month or so and really just could not bring myself to put it in the 'awful' case. So yeah, maybe I might like an off button that could break, or maybe I just get some real numbers, understand what is really going on, and treat my device accordingly, or just return the thing. Given that it doesn't really matter what I like or dont like, besides returning, I choose to learn what is real.

 

[MecPro]

I went back and checked. The Bose 700 were better at bass than I was recalling.

On rtings they git 8.1 for bass accuracy: “The range is a bit overemphasized, so audio has extra boom and punch that can please fans of bass-heavy music genres.”

Rtings however only gave them a 7.0 for neutrality overall. Seems the treble performance brought the average down.

Neutrality is the holy grail of high end audio listening so neutrality is something to strive for not criticsise.

The fact that Sony and Bose have a manual EQ tells you they are low-end for people who don’t know audio or to address hardware or environmental limitations. An adaptive EQ is far superior.

So every high-end piece of equipment is actually low end, as it has an EQ? And everyone who uses an EQ has no knowledge?