AirPods Max aren't very comfortable

[Herrpod]

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.

People who "know audio" wouldn't be caught dead paying money for bluetooth headphones, let alone overpaying 550 dollars for the privilege of hearing sub-standard audio. APM aren't for audiophiles.

 

[macnmac]

you know its bad when bose bass is better lol

 

[LongWayHome]

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.

You know how to check the web. Its been reported through several tests that the AirPods Max don't go into ultra low power mode until the 2 hour mark if they aren't put into the case.

 

[G5isAlive]

You know how to check the web. Its been reported through several tests that the AirPods Max don't go into ultra low power mode until the 2 hour mark if they aren't put into the case.

Really? I just showed you actual data. Real measurements. And the best you get is 'trust me, google it'? But I did google it. There are no tests on the web that show what you claim. One early YouTuber made the comment, but no one can figure based on what. And others repeated his comment. But there is no data out there. If you got data, please please share it. Many of us are really trying to understand the limits of this device, not just trash it.

 

[anticipate]

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.

This is my feeling as well. I got them yesterday. You really have to properly adjust them. The ONE thing I noticed is after wearing for 4 hours is I can feel the pressure a bit on the top of my head (I have no hair.). I am not sure how they'd handle a transatlantic flight; I suspect the top of my head would hurt a bit. But other than that - hours of use - I barely notice they are there. If I move my head around you have a sense something is on your head, but "heavy" I wouldn't say they feel that way at all.

I have used far heavier/bulkier headphones.

 

[gtg465x]

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

I imagine they are far more comfortable than Beats Studio 3. I got a free pair of Beats Studio 3 and sold them immediately because putting them on felt like putting my head in a vice grip... the strongest clamping force I've ever felt on headphones. Before trying them, I had always wondered how professional athletes wore them while warming up without them falling off. Pretty sure anyone who can tolerate those things for more than 30 minutes has an especially hard head and won't find any headphones uncomfortable.

 

[Maukey]

After using these pretty much for 4 hours straight today, the comfort for me is excellent. I too was concerned about the weight, but apple has done something with the ear cups and mesh like headband where it just sits so comfortably on the head and over the ears. No pressure points at all for me. Don't get me wrong, if you're trying to do a lot of moving with these outside of walking around, for example, working out, or something like construction work where you're doing a lot of bending and leaning, these aren't designed for that in my opinion. They sit comfortably but the weight doesn't really allow them to feel really secure. I could see them moving and sliding all over the place in really active situations. These in my opinion were designed to be used at home, in the office, and in day to day commute situations. I wouldn't do more than walk with these. I think Apple didn't want to step on the role of their AirPods Pro, Beats Studio, and PowerBeats which are all better for more active situations. But as far as sitting or just walking around with these, they are right up their in comfort for me with the Sony 1000XM4 and Shure Aonic 50, 2 of the more comfortable headphones I've worn.

 

[LongWayHome]

Really? I just showed you actual data. Real measurements. And the best you get is 'trust me, google it'? But I did google it. There are no tests on the web that show what you claim. One early YouTuber made the comment, but no one can figure based on what. And others repeated his comment. But there is no data out there. If you got data, please please share it. Many of us are really trying to understand the limits of this device, not just trash it.

Oh geez, I am in no way trashing these headphones. I have stated over and over again in here and other threads that I think they are terrific headphones with excellent sound and ANC. I personally do think the case is terrible and think that they are heavy. I haven't trashed them at all. In my opinion you are being way too defensive over these. You don't have to run in every time someone says something critical of them and try to say why their opinion isn't correct. MOST people do think the case is garbage. You don't, and that is fine, but the case's function isn't just to protect it from scratches. It is the ONLY way to immediately put the headphones into a low power mode.

And to your other question, I can see with my own eyes that when I take the headphones off without putting them into the case that they will stay connected for an extended period of time. I haven't tested the time, but right now they have been off of my head for over an hour and they are still showing as connected to my iphone and showing the battery percentage. If I took them and put them into their case they would lose that connection and go into low power. Is it enough to drain them significantly? I don't know yet. I do know that I wouldn't want to just throw them in a random case and hope that the battery doesn't drain too much if I was travelling.

 

[G5isAlive]

facepalms.

It is cool to have a subjective opinion on sound quality, that's different for all of us. Just as cool is a subjective opinion on comfort for you. Again, different for all of us. But something as simple as power use/management is not qualitative but quantitative.

So. Please. Show me the data. Pretty pretty please. You earlier said there were plenty of reviews out there with actual data on power management. data = numbers. I have googled my fingers out trying to find it. I am about numbers... not anecdotal statements or opinions or 'I can see'. when it comes to power management we can be factual and precise.

Don't make claims about data if you can't reference it. In science we have a saying, if you don't document it, it didnt happen.

I am working on another study. I charged to 100% and then started using it listening to music. At the one hour mark it was still 100%. And the two hour mark it was 97%. We all know Apple products tend to hover at high percentage levels before going down. I am going to try to wait until 90% to start testing it with the headphones off. Because I want data.

Your aversion to third party cases, do you only use Apple cases on any other Apple devices you have? Do you own any? Because I have never ever had a problem with a third party cases doing what it claims to do. This is a simple thing. Magnet works. Or it doesn't work. Shrugs.

 

[G5isAlive]

After using these pretty much for 4 hours straight today, the comfort for me is excellent. I too was concerned about the weight, but apple has done something with the ear cups and mesh like headband where it just sits so comfortably on the head and over the ears. No pressure points at all for me. Don't get me wrong, if you're trying to do a lot of moving with these outside of walking around, for example, working out, or something like construction work where you're doing a lot of bending and leaning, these aren't designed for that in my opinion. They sit comfortably but the weight doesn't really allow them to feel really secure. I could see them moving and sliding all over the place in really active situations. These in my opinion were designed to be used at home, in the office, and in day to day commute situations. I wouldn't do more than walk with these. I think Apple didn't want to step on the role of their AirPods Pro, Beats Studio, and PowerBeats which are all better for more active situations. But as far as sitting or just walking around with these, they are right up their in comfort for me with the Sony 1000XM4 and Shure Aonic 50, 2 of the more comfortable headphones I've worn.

yeah, I agree with you I would probably not use these for exercise or strenuous manual labor. Apple is clear they are not waterproof and I would hate to get a lot of sweat on them. My wife laughed at me a moment ago because I tested your theory on the headset coming off by moving my head and upper torso around in violent abrupt movements. All I accomplished is a headache. These things were not letting go of my head lol.

 

[G5isAlive]

This is my feeling as well. I got them yesterday. You really have to properly adjust them. The ONE thing I noticed is after wearing for 4 hours is I can feel the pressure a bit on the top of my head (I have no hair.). I am not sure how they'd handle a transatlantic flight; I suspect the top of my head would hurt a bit. But other than that - hours of use - I barely notice they are there. If I move my head around you have a sense something is on your head, but "heavy" I wouldn't say they feel that way at all.

I have used far heavier/bulkier headphones.

Actually, and I have no data to back this up, just a gut feeling (yeah I know bad me), my fear on transatlantic flights is falling asleep in them. For some reason these large ear cuffs intimidate me lol. It's irrational I know. I just don't worry about my cheaper headphones that way. if they break, they break.

 

[Herrpod]

After using these pretty much for 4 hours straight today, the comfort for me is excellent. I too was concerned about the weight, but apple has done something with the ear cups and mesh like headband where it just sits so comfortably on the head and over the ears. No pressure points at all for me. Don't get me wrong, if you're trying to do a lot of moving with these outside of walking around, for example, working out, or something like construction work where you're doing a lot of bending and leaning, these aren't designed for that in my opinion. They sit comfortably but the weight doesn't really allow them to feel really secure. I could see them moving and sliding all over the place in really active situations. These in my opinion were designed to be used at home, in the office, and in day to day commute situations. I wouldn't do more than walk with these. I think Apple didn't want to step on the role of their AirPods Pro, Beats Studio, and PowerBeats which are all better for more active situations. But as far as sitting or just walking around with these, they are right up their in comfort for me with the Sony 1000XM4 and Shure Aonic 50, 2 of the more comfortable headphones I've worn.

The rumors were that there's an AirPods Sport that was going to launch alongside these. They might still come, and I would expect those would be more suited to an active lifestyle.

 

[eneisch]

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.

I think Waterfield is designing their case to work with the Apple "bra" on. At least that was the way their sketch looked like it will work.

I've been wearing these for about 6 hours straight while working from home. They have been very comfortable for me. I especially like the memory foam mesh earcups. My ears usually get hot and sweaty with leather/vinyl pads. Haven't had that issues with the APM. The weight hasn't been an issue yet for me either, but everyone is going to have a different experience because of head size/shape.

 

[G5isAlive]

The rumors were that there's an AirPods Sport that was going to launch alongside these. They might still come, and I would expect those would be more suited to an active lifestyle.

eh, always lots of rumors. Apple seems to let Beats handle the sports side of things (the PowerBeats Pro Wireless) and the lower cost over the ear (Beats Studio etc). But if any company is willing to cannibalize its own sales, it is Apple.

 

[GeekPandaCH]

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....

I used them today for 6 hours straight. Guess who is with a headache now due the clamp force. Hope this becomes softer over time but doubt it. I can wear Bose QC 35 or 700 for the same time without a problem! What a disappointment. Sound quality, Transparency and Noise cancelling mode are dope, even better than the comparable in price B&O H9

 

[Led-zep]

Your aversion to third party cases, do you only use Apple cases on any other Apple devices you have?

Mate stop defending the god awful case they have.

it’s a slap in the face for a consumer that this, this bra is the best their engineering talent could do

there is no way you will feel safe with your $500+ headphones travelling on long haul flights

all they had to do was do a case like the Sony XM4 and no one would criticise it at all.

I can see in a month or two people damaging and scuffing these whilst travelling, watch this space and you will see plenty of “my AirPods max are scratched/broken the mesh headband has a tear in it” posts and photos

Apple are a trillion dollar company, they are not your friend. You have to be able to criticise stupid decisions without taking it personally Tim Apple

 

[Klschmann]

So weird how things can vary from person to person. While these are heavier in the hand than my Bose 700, I find them to be way more comfortable. I've been listening to music all day on my AirPods Max with no discomfort at all. In fact, I'd say they are way more comfortable to me than the 700s (and I'm a weirdo where I found the 700s far more comfortable than the QC 35).

 

[ct2k7]

People who "know audio" wouldn't be caught dead paying money for bluetooth headphones, let alone overpaying 550 dollars for the privilege of hearing sub-standard audio. APM aren't for audiophiles.

Audiophiles are studio, production, reference grade hardware. APMs are made for consumer luxury consumption.

 

[Robbosan]

I imagine they are far more comfortable than Beats Studio 3. I got a free pair of Beats Studio 3 and sold them immediately because putting them on felt like putting my head in a vice grip... the strongest clamping force I've ever felt on headphones. Before trying them, I had always wondered how professional athletes wore them while warming up without them falling off. Pretty sure anyone who can tolerate those things for more than 30 minutes has an especially hard head and won't find any headphones uncomfortable.

You didn't wear them in..

 

[gtg465x]

You didn't wear them in..

I'd be dead if I tried. Head would get squish just like grape. I bought a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 instead and they were MUCH more comfortable right out of the box.

 

[macnmac]

I'd be dead if I tried. Head would get squish just like grape. I bought a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 instead and they were MUCH more comfortable right out of the box.

out the box, the APM are more comfortable than my broken in xm4s...

 

[Robbosan]

I'd be dead if I tried. Head would get squish just like grape. I bought a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 instead and they were MUCH more comfortable right out of the box.

lol, i only use them now and then so ok, I did have Bose QC3511 and the 700 but connection was terrible between my macs, iPad, iPhone. At least Beats are great in that regard, will never buy headphones without the W1 chip again.

 

[Herrpod]

Audiophiles are studio, production, reference grade hardware. APMs are made for consumer luxury consumption.

There’s nothing luxurious about heavy, treble fatiguing headphones.

 

[ct2k7]

There’s nothing luxurious about heavy, treble fatiguing headphones.

I've yet to receive mine so I'll reserve judgement on the heaviness aspect.

 

[LongWayHome]

facepalms.

It is cool to have a subjective opinion on sound quality, that's different for all of us. Just as cool is a subjective opinion on comfort for you. Again, different for all of us. But something as simple as power use/management is not qualitative but quantitative.

So. Please. Show me the data. Pretty pretty please. You earlier said there were plenty of reviews out there with actual data on power management. data = numbers. I have googled my fingers out trying to find it. I am about numbers... not anecdotal statements or opinions or 'I can see'. when it comes to power management we can be factual and precise.

Don't make claims about data if you can't reference it. In science we have a saying, if you don't document it, it didnt happen.

I am working on another study. I charged to 100% and then started using it listening to music. At the one hour mark it was still 100%. And the two hour mark it was 97%. We all know Apple products tend to hover at high percentage levels before going down. I am going to try to wait until 90% to start testing it with the headphones off. Because I want data.

Your aversion to third party cases, do you only use Apple cases on any other Apple devices you have? Do you own any? Because I have never ever had a problem with a third party cases doing what it claims to do. This is a simple thing. Magnet works. Or it doesn't work. Shrugs.

Again, Apple themselves says "in order to put your APM into low power mode they must be inserted into the smart case."

Also, please go to 11:45 here and watch:

But go ahead and tell me again that the case doesn't matter and any old case will do because the case does nothing to preserve battery life. ?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️