AirPods Max

After two months, ranks the AirPods Max above most wireless headphones: premium build and a deep, rich, detailed but fun sound, preferred over their Sony XM5 and XM4.

Their AirPods Max stopped working after 20 months; they still hold a charge but will not connect, and Apple refused to help.

Returned the AirPods Max after two weeks for cheaper Sony XM5s, but misses their wider soundstage and great build, and found them more comfortable thanks to the wider headband.

Absolutely loved their AirPods Max (Lightning) for work, travel and the gym, especially the natural transparency mode, but they stopped charging after about three years.

After four years with their 2022 AirPods Max, they keep dying and charging over Lightning is a hassle, so they want to replace them.

Bought the AirPods Max for their transparency and noise cancelling in a noisy office and finds them great for that, and the head-tracked surround sound excellent for movies.

Got the AirPods Max on a deal and likes the Apple TV integration; ANC is still competitive with Sony and Bose flagships, but there is no EQ, no power switch and a poor case.

A music producer who uses their Lightning AirPods Max almost daily for gym and casual listening, and after side-by-side testing prefers them over the AirPods Max 2.

After three years with the first AirPods Max, plans to keep them until they eventually die.

Has used the AirPods Max since release day; the sound is nothing special but cleaner than most ANC over-ears, and they are very convenient with Apple devices.

Returned the AirPods Max (USB-C) after a week: premium build and excellent ANC, but the sound did not impress and the weight, lack of EQ, case, battery and long-term discomfort added up.

Owns the USB-C AirPods Max and thinks they sound quite good with amazing noise cancellation.

Wears glasses and hears the low end of their AirPods Max thin out when the arms break the seal, until reseated.