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Apple AirPods Max

channels rate the Apple AirPods Max highest on spatial audio (10 of 10 liked it) and lowest on price and value (1 of 12).

48 channels 52 videos Page generated How this is counted

6 disclosed another paid promotion or ad; public editorial analysis; commissioned reports are a separate paid service.

Apple AirPods Max: every topic, ranked

Ranked by the share of channels who liked each topic. Pick a topic for the quotes on both sides.

liked it had a problem split Each square is one channel

Most channels agreed

  1. Spatial audio10 of 10 liked itno complaints
  2. Transparency mode15 of 16 liked itno complaints · 1 split
  3. Sound quality24 of 29 liked it4 had a problem · 1 split
  4. Noise cancellation19 of 23 liked it4 had a problem

Opinion divided

  1. Design and build quality17 of 25 liked it8 had a problem
  2. Bluetooth and connectivity9 of 16 liked it7 had a problem
  3. The on-ear controls6 of 11 liked it4 had a problem · 1 split
  4. Microphone quality on calls4 of 8 liked it4 had a problem

Most channels did not like it

  1. Comfort and fit12 of 32 liked it16 had a problem · 4 split
  2. The carrying case3 of 17 liked it14 had a problem
  3. Battery life2 of 13 liked it11 had a problem
  4. Price and value1 of 12 liked it10 had a problem · 1 split
The exact counts, including channels with no tie to the brand
TopicLiked itNo disclosed relationship with AppleComplaints
Spatial audio100% 10 of 10100% 10 of 10no complaints
Transparency mode94% 15 of 16100% 12 of 12no complaints · 1 split
Sound quality83% 24 of 2992% 23 of 254 objected · 1 split
Noise cancellation83% 19 of 2389% 16 of 184 objected
Design and build quality68% 17 of 2568% 15 of 228 objected
Bluetooth and connectivity56% 9 of 1653% 8 of 157 objected
The on-ear controls55% 6 of 1162% 5 of 84 objected · 1 split
Microphone quality on calls50% 4 of 850% 4 of 84 objected
Comfort and fit38% 12 of 3237% 10 of 2716 objected · 4 split
The carrying case18% 3 of 1720% 3 of 1514 objected
Battery life15% 2 of 139% 1 of 1111 objected
Price and value8% 1 of 128% 1 of 1210 objected · 1 split

Looking for the downsides? Every problem 48 channels raised with the Apple AirPods Max, in their words.

Apple AirPods Max against its rivals

Each line counts only the channels who covered both products. On each topic it counts those of them who discussed it for each product, so the two numbers can differ. These are positive-reception counts, not evidence of preference or equivalence. Counts read Apple AirPods Max first.

  1. Sonos Ace

    38 channels covered both

    The full comparison
    Separate reception
    Comfort and fit 4 of 15 vs 19 of 29Transparency mode 9 of 10 vs 6 of 11Sound quality 15 of 18 vs 15 of 28Bluetooth and connectivity 5 of 9 vs 18 of 23Noise cancellation 10 of 13 vs 23 of 29Design and build quality 9 of 15 vs 12 of 20

  2. Sony WH-1000XM5

    37 channels covered both

    The full comparison
    Separate reception
    Transparency mode 10 of 11 vs 3 of 11Design and build quality 7 of 11 vs 5 of 21Comfort and fit 6 of 17 vs 19 of 26Noise cancellation 10 of 13 vs 19 of 19Sound quality 9 of 11 vs 17 of 24Bluetooth and connectivity 5 of 8 vs 8 of 12

  3. Sony WH-1000XM6

    25 channels covered both

    Separate reception
    Comfort and fit 3 of 12 vs 11 of 20Noise cancellation 7 of 10 vs 17 of 18Sound quality 6 of 8 vs 17 of 20Design and build quality 6 of 10 vs 12 of 19
1 more rival

  1. Nothing Headphone 1

    17 channels covered both

    Separate reception
    Noise cancellation 6 of 8 vs 2 of 8

Apple AirPods Max review, topic by topic

Both sides of every topic, in the same order as the ranking. One voice per channel, only from channels counted on that side; those with no disclosed tie to the brand come first.

Spatial audio

10 of 10 liked it · no complaints

Liked it 10

“it gives you an impressive surround sound experience based on the real-time orientation of your head”
Andrew Ethan ZengApr 2023at 3:31 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 0

None of the 10 channels here had a problem with it.

More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“Apple owns the entire stack here, right, which means they have a unique advantage in tracking where your your devices like your iPhone, your iPad, or your Mac and they have the option of turning it off, tracking your head or keeping the…”
AppleInsiderJun 2024at 7:11 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“The AirPods Max when connected with an Apple TV can make it sound like you're in a virtual theater with their head tracking and spatial audio features.”
6 Months LaterDec 2024at 0:09 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“Spatial audio is the reason why you're probably going to upgrade this if you have older beats”
SimplyPopsJul 2023at 13:41 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Transparency mode

15 of 16 liked it · no complaints · 1 split

Liked it 15

“I would give the edge to the transparency mode on the AirPods Max. It felt more natural to me, whereas on the beats headphones, it felt a little bit more noticeably artificial.”
GregsGadgetsJul 2023at 7:16 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 0

None of the 16 channels here had a problem with it.

More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“Apple's transparency mode is the best I've ever heard.”
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]Dec 2020at 2:20 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“These have the best transparency mode that I have ever heard in an audio product, bar none.”
ShortCircuitIncludes a paid adApr 2026at 14:42 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“Transparent mode is incredible on these headphones.”
Colt Capperrune 2.0Paid promotion disclosedNov 2022at 6:41 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Sound quality

24 of 29 liked it · 4 had a problem · 1 split

Liked it 24

“I don't regret purchasing the AirPods Max per se because first off, they produce fantastic sound, but most of all, they fit the Apple ecosystem perfectly and respectively my lifestyle and workflow.”
ThisIsEJan 2021at 0:37 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 4

“If you're into bass heavy club style music, you might feel a bit underwhelming. There's definitely a warmth to the vocals.”
Kevin The Tech NinjaPaid promotion disclosedMay 2025at 8:26 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“if you listen to a lot of drum and bass, techno, hip-hop, modern pop, you might lean towards the Apple AirPods Max.”
Darko AudioOct 2022at 17:48 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“Overall, it is the more satisfying sound quality for more people than what actually Heavys narrow approach offers.”
LeechTMJun 2024at 13:40 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“there you have a punchy base basically a bigger base, but nothing like this, this is extremely clear the sound”
MGT - Max Games TechApr 2021at 19:52 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Noise cancellation

19 of 23 liked it · 4 had a problem

Liked it 19

“It'll totally cancel out the heat noise, but I can still hear people talking. So it like cuts out all this weird background noises, but still allows actual people voices and talking to come through.”
Chrissyx JonezJan 2023at 14:27 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 4

“I find the ANC on the AirPods Max very aggressive.”
KwasiTechSpaceJun 2024at 1:57 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (5 more quotes)
“the noise cancellation on them is actually quite incredible much better than the AirPods Pro”
Air PhotographyDec 2020at 5:47 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“I can't hear the world anymore. I can barely hear myself.”
Karenna BoychukJan 2025at 8:11 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“For the active noise cancellation and transparency mode that you'll find on both of these headphones, I think the AirPods Max takes it, especially in the transparency mode. I just think the microphones that are in the AirPods Max make…”
ErickJan 2024at 2:50 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“I actually didn't find the AirPods Max noise canceling to be as good as some people online say I think it's because of the physical seal is not as good due to having this rectangular earcup shape and also not having these really…”
RecordingNOWPaid promotion disclosedMay 2025at 5:01 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“The AirPods Max also it's a little more powerful than the Sonos against midrange chatter, but at the same time it seems to be the weakest of the group at rejecting some bass rumble”
Aaron X Loud and WirelessPaid promotion disclosedJun 2024at 2:43 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Design and build quality

17 of 25 liked it · 8 had a problem

Liked it 17

“That means you still get that premium metal build, breathable mesh headband, and large cushioned earcups that helped define the first model's identity.”
OASTHARMar 2026at 1:25 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 8

“And the AirPods Max are notoriously annoying to travel with even though I still try to make it work.”
Marques BrownleeMay 2022at 3:06 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“I'd give these a solid seven out of 10 in terms of like the design.”
UrAvgConsumerDec 2020at 4:03 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“The one thing that sinks is that the AirPods Max have an exceptionally high quality build and the transparency mode is unreal.”
This is Tech TodayMay 2022at 27:33 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“the Spigen skin cover is that is also prone to scratches just like the XM5 uh which is right there I do have one.”
Booredatwork.comJun 2024at 5:33 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Bluetooth and connectivity

9 of 16 liked it · 7 had a problem

Liked it 9

“if you have the Apple TV and if you have these you know how seamlessly they connect to each other as soon as you just pick them up out of the case connect and put them on they are connected to Apple TV and the audio will just transfer…”
ThisisHaznoJun 2024at 0:19 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 7

“because of course there's no 3.5 millimeter headphone jack either.”
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]Dec 2020at 9:02 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“The beauty of being part of the Apple ecosystem is that things just work. Your devices pair with all your other devices and you can switch seamlessly between them.”
Marc Taraz SteinerJun 2025at 8:36 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“And then coming from these from the Apple headphones, they're just way more convenient. It just connects, switches between your devices”
Jon SineJun 2024at 2:05 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“I didn't have to press anything I just took it off it knew that I wasn't wearing the headset anymore and it started playing out of that”
Seif Buys Paid promotion disclosedJun 2025at 1:33 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

The on-ear controls

6 of 11 liked it · 4 had a problem · 1 split

Liked it 6

“Both headphones pause playback automatically when removed, but Apple's controls with the digital crown feel a little bit more intuitive than Bose's touch sensitive strip and multi-function buttons, which can take some time to learn.”
SoundGuysOct 2025at 1:12 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 4

“Also in the most Apple move ever, there's no power button.”
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]Dec 2020at 8:04 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (2 more quotes)
“a few times now I've had a pillow or seat hit and roll the digital crown as I moved, causing the volume to change.”
AppleInsiderJun 2024at 3:19 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“There's no power button on the AirPods Max. They rely on being in the smart case to enter low-powered mode.”
Kevin The Tech NinjaPaid promotion disclosedMay 2025at 4:22 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Microphone quality on calls

4 of 8 liked it · 4 had a problem

Liked it 4

“For phone calls, the AirPods Max are the clear winner. Your voice sounds much clearer on them compared to the Sonos Ace, which can make your voice muffled, especially outdoors.”
Tech PendulumJun 2024at 3:08 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 4

“The AirPods Max on the other hand, they use three mics in total out of the eight built-in ones to pick up your voice and I don't like it either.”
LeechTMJun 2024at 8:42 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (2 more quotes)
“she preferred the sound of my voice when using the Focals more than when I use the Apple AirPods Max.”
Darko AudioOct 2022at 15:05 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“The AirPods Max microphones perform well when connected to Apple devices, but they don't do a great job of blocking out background noise when connected to other devices.”
SoundGuysOct 2025at 3:00 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Comfort and fit

12 of 32 liked it · 16 had a problem · 4 split

Liked it 12

“Although very heavy, some 150 grams on top of other brands, the weight is very interestingly distributed and the usual tension is not clamping my ears, but rather the tops of my head, resulting in a somewhat evenly distributed experience.”
ThisIsEJan 2021at 2:04 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 16

“And just to show them side by side, these are the AirPods Max over 3 years old now, but I do find the Ace much more comfortable to wear for longer periods.”
Stephen RoblesJun 2024at 1:53 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“I have been using the AirPods Pros for editing video and I wanted something a little bit nicer a little bit more comfortable to wear.”
Air PhotographyDec 2020at 0:39 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“they are perfectly fit on your head, I don't feel any pressure, they are extremely comfortable”
MGT - Max Games TechApr 2021at 11:28 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“no spikes, no headaches, and incidentally, no sweat rings around my ears either”
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]Dec 2020at 2:05 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

The carrying case

3 of 17 liked it · 14 had a problem

Liked it 3

“it's super slim, easy to to carry with you and it's magnetic”
MGT - Max Games TechApr 2021at 1:56 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 14

“The fact that they include a case when you buy them, it's just very obvious that these are delicate in terms of their finish.”
Dave2DDec 2020at 2:29 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (1 more quote)
“if you're just using them around the house, since the AirPods Max just slip right out of their case which gives it a smaller form factor and you don't have to constantly adjust and readjust them like you do in order to get the XM5s to fit…”
6 Months LaterNov 2022at 0:38 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Battery life

2 of 13 liked it · 11 had a problem

Liked it 2

“I think the battery life is more than adequate”
Colt Capperrune 2.0Paid promotion disclosedNov 2022at 4:39 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Had a problem 11

“the lack of the on-off button is one of the biggest gripes that I have with these headphones to this day. And since left in the case day-to-day to use, they're usually dead unless I'm charging them every second day.”
Andrew Ethan ZengApr 2023at 2:19 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
More from both sides (3 more quotes)
“the AirPods max only 20 hours. pfft the AirPods max are such bad headphones.”
LeechTMJun 2024at 4:38 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“and the lack of a true power button anywhere on these headphones means that battery life is always a concern unless you keep them in their case.”
SoundGuysOct 2025at 3:30 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)
“AirPods Max: 5 min charging only 1.5 hours battery”
OASTHARMay 2024at 1:30 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Price and value

1 of 12 liked it · 10 had a problem · 1 split

Liked it 1

No quotable praise among the 1 who liked it. A quote has to be found in the video’s captions, state a clear verdict and come from a review rather than a setup guide. Hear them at the moment they raised it:

Had a problem 10

“Pricing-wise, the AirPods Max are, yes, expensive still, particularly for a pair of headphones that still charge via Lightning and run out of battery if you don't remember to bring the, you know, purse carrying case thing with you at all…”
Pete MathesonJun 2024at 11:01 (watch on YouTube, opens in a new tab)

Back to the ranking

Quick answers

Is the Apple AirPods Max worth buying?
Most channels liked it on 4 of the 12 topics counted here, opinion was divided on 4 and most did not like it on 4. The clearest agreement is spatial audio, where 10 of 10 liked it; the weakest is price and value, at 1 of 12.
What do channels praise about the Apple AirPods Max?
Spatial audio (10 of 10 liked it), transparency mode (15 of 16 liked it), sound quality (24 of 29 liked it), noise cancellation (19 of 23 liked it).
What do channels complain about?
Comfort and fit (16 of 32 objected), the carrying case (14 of 17 objected), battery life (11 of 13 objected), price and value (10 of 12 objected).
What is the reception among channels with no disclosed relationship?
On comfort and fit, 12 of 32 channels rated it positively (38%). Counting only the 27 who disclosed no sponsorship, free unit or ad from Apple, it is 10 of 27 (37%).

Apple AirPods Max channels and sources

Every channel counted on this page, most-watched first — the one you have already seen is probably near the top. Thumbnails open the video on YouTube.

Apple AirPods Max – 2 Years Later: Still Worth It?Andrew Ethan Zeng627k viewsApple AirPods Max from a MUSIC PRODUCERColt Capperrune 2.0404k viewsApple AirPods Max - The REAL ReviewUrAvgConsumer396k viewsFOCAL Bathys review -- BETTER than Apple AirPods Max? (& more)Darko Audio231k viewsWurde Apple überholt? Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Apple AirPods MaxTURN ON151k viewsApple AirPods Max USB-C Unboxing & First Look - Best Headphones?🔥🔥🔥Technical Guruji138k viewsBose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs. Apple AirPods Max: The Battle for the…SoundGuys51k viewsApple AirPods Max Unboxing - Space GreyAir Photography44k viewsApple Airpods Max unboxing Pink 2 week impressionsChrissyx Jonez26k viewsAPPLE AIRPODS MAX unboxing + review 🤍 worth the money?!Karenna Boychuk17k viewsHeavys H1H vs Apple AirPods Max Comparison - $400 Headphones ComparisonLeechTM16k viewsSennheiser Momentum 4 vs Apple AirPods Max: Honest Comparison in 2025RecordingNOW13k views
Show all 48 channels
Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Apple AirPods Max – Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2026?OASTHAR8k viewsApple AirPods Max Review & Impressions after 2 weeks (Space Grey)ThisIsE8k viewsSonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max | Which One Should You BUY?KwasiTechSpace2k viewsApple AirPods Max Space Grey - unboxing & review | the best wireless headphones?MGT - Max Games Tech1k viewsSony WH-1000XM5 Review: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back!Marques Brownlee6.5M viewsTHE DEFINITIVE Sony WH-1000XM5 Review & Comparison by an AUDIO ENGINEERThis is Tech Today3M viewsAirPods Max Review - Perfectly AppleDave2D1M viewsI Don’t Agree With the Controversy - Apple AirPod Max 2ShortCircuit683k viewsBeats Studio Pro VS AirPods Max - DON'T BE FOOLED!GregsGadgets488k viewsI Hate How Much I Love Apple's Airpods MaxMrMobile [Michael Fisher]442k viewsBeats Studio Pro vs Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: Closer than you thinkSimplyPops319k viewsSony WH-1000XM5 VS AirPods Max: ВЫБИРАЕМ ЛУЧШИЕDroider304k viewsSony WH-1000XM6 против AirPods Max: честное сравнениеBIG GEEK187k viewsSony WH-1000XM6 vs Airpods Max | It's Not Even CloseMarc Taraz Steiner162k viewsAirPods Max VS Sonos Ace VS Sony XM5Tech Santos142k viewsAirPods Max vs. Sonos Ace - ¿Los mejores auriculares de 2024?Victor Abarca142k viewsAirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000XM56 Months Later141k viewsSonos ACE vs AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra: The Best Over Ear…Booredatwork.com135k viewsSony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max | Which should you buy in 2024?Erick121k viewsIt's Better! 😯 Sonos Ace Review vs AirPods Max vs Bose QC Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5Aaron X Loud and Wireless90k viewsSony WH-1000XM6 vs AirPods Max (REAL WORLD COMPARISON)Kevin The Tech Ninja42k viewsI Bought the Sonos Ace (Review)Pete Matheson40k viewsWhy I STILL Prefer AirPods Max VS New Sony WH-1000XM6 - REAL ReviewSeif Buys 38k viewsSonos Ace Review: The Vibes Are OffStephen Robles27k viewsSonos Ace Headphone Review! Better Than AirPods Max!AppleInsider25k viewsЗА ЧТО ВСЕ ТАК ХВАЛЯТ НАУШНИКИ SONY? Sony WH-1000XM5 против AirPods MaxЭмулятор техноблогера24k viewsMEJORES AURICULARES Over Ear 2024 🎧 Beats Studio Pro vs AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace vs Space…Verownika19k viewsSonos Ace Vs AirPods Max🔥 LAS CLAVES y cuál GANACristo Vega12k viewsSONOS Ace vs Sony XM5 vs AirPods MaxElly Awesome Tech9k viewsLos SONOS ACE son CASI Perfectos (Comparativa vs AIRPODS MAX de APPLE)Cayetano Solano López7k viewsSONOS ACE Headphones Sound Quality ReviewJon Sine6k viewsDIE BESTEN KOPFHÖRER 2026? AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace 🎧 Produkttest & VergleichJakob Venturo4k viewsSonos Ace vs Airpods Max - Movie TestThisisHazno1k viewsSonos Ace vs AirPods Max: Which is Better?Tech Pendulum181 viewsFAKE VS REAL Apple AirPods Max - Buyers Beware - Perfect Clone!Redskull294k viewsThey Obviously Lied - Fake Apple Airpods MaxLinus Tech Tips3.4M views

How this is counted

One channel, one vote per topic. A channel who makes six points about sound counts once, so the numbers measure reception rather than talkativeness. Specifications and stated personal preferences are excluded; only assessments and direct comparisons count. A topic appears only where at least eight channels discussed it.

Split means a channel’s praise and criticism of a topic cancelled out. They count in the total and on neither side.

We have not tested this product. Counts describe channels with eligible assessments. Selected quotations link to their located caption passage. 6 of the 48 disclosed a paid promotion or an ad. Each is marked wherever they are quoted, and the summary shows every verdict with and without them.

No disclosed relationship is the subset without a recorded sponsorship, gifted-unit classification or generic paid-promotion marker. Unrelated ads can be labelled separately; affiliate disclosures are not comprehensively audited by this table. Missing arrangements remain unknown. This subset does not prove independence or a sponsorship effect.

Selected quotations are located in saved captions. Location is distinct from semantic support, product attribution and model checks; it is not comprehensive human review.

These public editorial pages take no affiliate commission or sponsorship. Commissioned reports are a separate paid service. Page generated from saved observations, not newly collected reviews.

A commissioned report scopes the products, questions and available evidence with your team. It can distinguish recurring observations, meaningful exceptions and open questions.

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