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AirPods Max aren't very comfortable
- Thread starter LongWayHome
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I know crazy to hear. I saw the same 3 people posting 20 times a day about how bad the headphones and case are that I assumed they stunk!
I don't know if it's the weight or the clamping force, but after wearing the AirPods Max for a couple of hours at a time, I start to develop headaches. I've never had this problem with other headphones. Unfortunately, I bought them from Best Buy Canada and they don't accept returns for headphones 
Perhaps my head can get used to it but I don't know.
Perhaps my head can get used to it but I don't know.
I don't know if it's the weight or the clamping force, but after wearing the AirPods Max for a couple of hours at a time, I start to develop headaches. I've never had this problem with other headphones. Unfortunately, I bought them from Best Buy Canada and they don't accept returns for headphones
Yeah me too and I think that’s the ANC. I read that some people don’t go very well with the vacuum effect that the ANC makes.
I got accustomed to the vacuum effect on my Bose headphones. However, I got a bit of a headache from the AirPods which I think is attributable to the clamping force.
The way the earcups mount to the headband is form-over-function to a T. The tension of the spring is not strong enough to give an even clamping force. Instead, the clamping force (at least on my head) is concentrated on the temples, with almost no clamp at all below the earlobes.
The result, at least for me, was a headache due to that strong clamping force near my temples. Also, the earpads’ seal would tend to break whenever I moved my head (or while chewing) because the clamping force is so unevenly distributed.
You can see it in most pics or video of people wearing them. The earcups are smashed near the top . I too noticed a ”break in the seal” effect near the bottom on one side when noise canceling was on.
Ultimately I returned them due to the pure heaviness on my ears and them moving around too much if I was walking, bent over, etc.
Maybe my head is just right for the AirPods Max.
They are indeed heavy, really heavy, the heaviest headphones I've ever owned - but to me not uncomfortably heavy.
I was getting worried, when I was awaiting my order and reading the reviews.
But the weight is distributed evenly on my head and the clamping force of the earcups is just right.
The earcups are pressed evenly against my head and the seal is just perfect.
I also do not experience any kind of pressure buildup, when using ANC or transparency mode.
Your mileage will vary, though, and I might be just lucky.
They are indeed heavy, really heavy, the heaviest headphones I've ever owned - but to me not uncomfortably heavy.
I was getting worried, when I was awaiting my order and reading the reviews.
But the weight is distributed evenly on my head and the clamping force of the earcups is just right.
The earcups are pressed evenly against my head and the seal is just perfect.
I also do not experience any kind of pressure buildup, when using ANC or transparency mode.
Your mileage will vary, though, and I might be just lucky.
And with ANC, you can finally drown out those nasty surroundings and focus on the boss! Double win!
I have had the AirPods Max for a day now. Everything is good, the build quality, the sound, all good. But this thing is extremely heavy and it's definitely a training of your neck's strength. This alone means that I can't wear this thing for a long time without hurting the neck.
Agreed with everything you said except the weight. It is just a bit too heavy for my liking. It needs to be at least 20% lighter. Now it's just too heavy. I don't feel comfortable wearing it.
Apple needs to sell helium balloons in colours to match the earups, which people can tie onto the headband mesh.
The weight will absolutely be a dividing factor amongst AirPod Max owners. I can sympathize with anyone, who decides to return them, because they are too heavy. Lighter will, of course, be better, but only while retaining the excellent build quality and sturdiness.
Maybe two versions would be a future solution as in the HomePod and the HomePod mini?
They are a good sandwich maker.
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In terms of sound quality and build quality I have no complaints. For the weight, I feel a little bit better into the end of 2nd day of use. But it's still a little bit too heavy for me, but not a deal breaker. I will keep it.
And with ANC, you can finally drown out those nasty surroundings and focus on the boss! Double win!
this is the way
Much heavier than the Studio 3. Over 100 grams heavier if I'm not mistaken. Audio quality can only be better on the APM though, because the Studio's are simply awful in that department. Even if you like a bassy sound signature, the Studio's even destroy the clarity of the bass. The clamping pressure on the Studios isn't bad at all, but that will depend on the shape of the wearer's head.
