I know these are totally different, but the base iPad Air is the same price from the education store. Please don’t think about devices you already have or need. What would you choose? Let’s say if this was a free gift and you can select one.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Air iPad Air or Airpods Max?
- Thread starter brandonnnnnnn
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Well, if I were an audiophile, I’d choose the AirPods Max, but since I’m not, I’d choose the iPad.
I personaly would choose the iPad Air. I can find wireless NC headphones (hey Sony) for half of the price of AirPods Max. Now maybe the sound quality of the AirPods Max is better but I doubt that any regular person would appreciate this. Also the case (is this even a case) is atrocious. And btw I am above regular person when it comes to an audio. Not an audiophile but I do sing and tend to record myself at home singing so I do appreciate good quality headphones as I need it in my ears during recording.
For me AirPods Max is a luxury item that you buy to use at home (because of the nice audio quality) but you never carry around because of the lack of protective case. And the price does not justify this.
iPad Air on the other hand offers (for me) far more benefits. Especially if someone decides to pair it up with a pencil. I do see people carrying around iPad Air on trips or while commuting to work. I see them brainstorming ideas on the iPad instead of just free flowing papers.
On the flip side though maybe AirPods Max make sense in the sense that I would never buy that thing. Like I would not spend my money on them. I would on an iPad Air. I am OK receiving them as a gift though because I would keep them (because of awesome audio quality) or I would sell them and will have some money.
So it depends what you want. If you want to give a gift that people would keep - for me would be an iPad Air. If you want to give a gift something that a person would never buy themselves because of the high price - AirPods Max.
For me AirPods Max is a luxury item that you buy to use at home (because of the nice audio quality) but you never carry around because of the lack of protective case. And the price does not justify this.
iPad Air on the other hand offers (for me) far more benefits. Especially if someone decides to pair it up with a pencil. I do see people carrying around iPad Air on trips or while commuting to work. I see them brainstorming ideas on the iPad instead of just free flowing papers.
On the flip side though maybe AirPods Max make sense in the sense that I would never buy that thing. Like I would not spend my money on them. I would on an iPad Air. I am OK receiving them as a gift though because I would keep them (because of awesome audio quality) or I would sell them and will have some money.
So it depends what you want. If you want to give a gift that people would keep - for me would be an iPad Air. If you want to give a gift something that a person would never buy themselves because of the high price - AirPods Max.
Last edited:
If you follow the audiophile community (I do and I play music), Airpods max are crap for the price in terms of sound quality. You can find $100 heaphones that sound much better. Airpods Max are only worth if you value the Apple features and the brand recognition / status symbol they represent....
That's your opinion based on this video. I generally don't watch videos from this guy. He doesn't compare them to anything else by the way. A much more trustworthy guy in the headphone community is DMS.The crap factor has been debunked already
Again, as I said, they "are crap for the price in terms of sound quality"
Last edited:
iPad - because it is a multi functional device. Nothing against the headphones at all but if I had neither I’d prefer the thing that gives me the most.
Already have an iPad. I would save the money for a rainy day. What if I need to get my hearing aids repaired, car fixed, phone fixed, vet bill, etc. If I had neither and was given the money to spend on either, I’d go with an iPad. My AirPods Pro work well for me. I prefer listening through my stereo or HomePods. I haven’t used the new AirPods Max Pro, so I can’t comment, but for how often I wear headphones, the APM aren’t worth it.
If you wear headphones for 8 hours a day like some folks wear AirPods/AirPods Pro, then perhaps the AirPods Max would be a wise investment.
If you wear headphones for 8 hours a day like some folks wear AirPods/AirPods Pro, then perhaps the AirPods Max would be a wise investment.
There isn't any valid comparison between an iPad (computer) and AirPods Pro Max (headphones) It's one thing to compare iPad with other computers or iPads and headphones with other headphones, but not cross compare.
If I have to choose only between them, I mean no other brand earphones..etc , and if i had an iPad that fits my needs, then I would buy the Airpods Max.
If I was someone who loves sketching, drawing, or just love a media consumption tablet...etc then I would buy the iPad Air paired with an other brand nice earphone.
If I was someone who loves sketching, drawing, or just love a media consumption tablet...etc then I would buy the iPad Air paired with an other brand nice earphone.
iPad Air.
At 13.6 oz, I don't think I'll find the AirPods Max particularly comfortable for long usage. The only OE headphones I could use for long were the Bose Triports (5 oz).
At 13.6 oz, I don't think I'll find the AirPods Max particularly comfortable for long usage. The only OE headphones I could use for long were the Bose Triports (5 oz).
honestly, iPad to me is very boring, I received a paid of the Aipod Max today, absolutely beautiful....
nonetheless, the OP, this is bogus.. lol doesn't seem like a "real" problem..
nonetheless, the OP, this is bogus.. lol doesn't seem like a "real" problem..
Last edited:
Well, we should certainly respect each others opinions, don't you think?
If you do not have an iPad already and need/desire one, then this is a no-brained. Get the iPad. The AirPods Max is decidedly a luxury product of dubious value. The iPad on the other hand is an excellent device that has proven its worth in many people’s lives. I see no scenario where it is worth getting the AirPods Max honestly. If you want noise canceling headphones that are on-ear/over the ear there are much better options when you consider value. If you want audiophile, use at home, then go a different route entirely and get some good wired headphones.
I would take the iPad Air in this case, the AirPods Max are first gen and I am already reading of niggles with them, the iPad on the other end is solid and you can do a lot more with it. You can always get cheaper ANC headphones that provide similar audio quality to AirPods Max.
They are not audiophile level headphones. Not even close. They are maybe a notch or two above the Sony and Bose, but not much higher than that. You’re mostly paying a premium for the materials and build quality. This is coming from someone who bought the Max on launch, so I know exactly what I’m talking about. As an audiophile I was never fully pleased with the sound quality of the Max. I’m only a small percentage though. To an average joe the Max could be the best sounding headphones in the world. To me, they are only just decent. Sound quality alone should not be a deciding factor when purchasing these. I learned that the hard way.
An iPad is an incredible device and a very wise investment. You can play games, edit photos and videos, create art with the pencil, and so much more. The magic keyboard can transform it into a mini laptop and it can also connect to an external monitor. The iPad is the best it’s ever been and it’s only going to get better with software updates. I couldn’t recommend it enough. Just make sure to choose 256GB.
iPad Air hands down for me. Out of the two it seems to be the product that is worthy of it’s asking price IMO.