AirPods Max (USB-C) Review: An Incremental Update at Best… Yet Hard to Put Down

By Danial Martinus  •  06 Dec 2024 in Gear

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Apple’s AirPods Max have maintained a reputation for premium build quality, excellent audio performance, and standout features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) since their release in December 2020. But four years since their debut, the AirPods Max haven’t seen much of a drastic change in terms of upgrades.

In 2024, Apple has finally bid farewell to the Lightning port on the AirPods Max, making way for USB-C in the updated model. While nothing has officially been confirmed by Apple, we can safely assume this change was only driven by the European Union’s recent regulations mandating USB-C as the universal standard for charging ports. Once again, thank you, EU!

However, despite this update, the changes are minimal, raising questions about whether the new AirPods Max justify an upgrade or are better suited for new buyers.

USB-C is the key new update

Let’s start with the USB-C update. While I’m not an audiophile chasing the pinnacle of sound quality, I do value convenience and clarity in my music experience. As someone who primarily uses USB-C devices, this change is a small but meaningful win.

But it begs the question: Is the move to USB-C enough?

With USB-C becoming the universal standard, it simplifies life for anyone juggling multiple devices. It means one less cable to carry and opens the door for faster data transfer and potentially enhanced audio quality in future iterations. While the current AirPods Max don’t fully leverage these possibilities, the update is a step in the right direction.

But of course, there’s no use in pondering future upgrades when we should be focusing on what we currently have with the AirPods Max. For most people, the shift to USB-C will simplify their tech setup. However, it’s not groundbreaking, and those who still own a Lightning pair won’t be missing out on much, if at all—especially for a pair of headphones that cost RM2,499.

New colour options

Launching with the USB-C variant are five new colours: Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, and Orange. The ones I’ve been testing are the Midnight colourway, which is always a safe option.

These new colours offer a fresh take on the original lineup, which included Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink.

For those who enjoy expressive designs, the new colours—especially Starlight and Orange—are bold and eye-catching. Having seen them in person, they stand out as vibrant additions to the lineup. On the other hand, Midnight offers a subdued, timeless aesthetic for those who prefer something understated.

The same beautiful design

If you’re unfamiliar with the AirPods Max, here’s a little refresher. The updated AirPods Max retain their iconic design, which is one of their strongest features. It’s got anodised aluminium ear cups, memory foam ear cushions (magnetically interchangeable), as well as a breathable knit mesh headband.

Is it a missed opportunity, though? Some may argue that Apple could have paired the colour refresh with new design elements, but the uniformity preserves the classic AirPods Max identity, which is by no means a bad thing. After all, when they first debuted in 2020, they looked sleek and futuristic, and they retain that vibe in 2024.

The AirPods Max strike a delicate balance between subtlety and sophistication. They exude luxury without being overly flashy—an understated elegance that signals premium quality to anyone who notices.

In terms of comfort, there’s no denying that the AirPods Max are up there with the best of the competition. They remain extremely comfortable for extended use, especially if you like to listen to music while working all day. However, if you’ve got a small head, they might feel a little too big—like the headphones are wearing you. Good thing I’ve got a big head.

But if there’s one gripe I have with the design, it’s the lack of a folding mechanism. The AirPods Max aren’t small, so imagine the struggle one might have when stowing them in a backpack full of other daily essential crap. You’ll have to contend with playing backpack Tetris if you ever plan on bringing the AirPods Max with you on the go.

Audio is “same-same, but different”

Though some people will tell you there are minor tweaks to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode, I doubt they’re that discernible to the human ear. From my own use, compared to a Lightning variant AirPods Max, they sound identical.

In this case, that’s not a bad thing. ANC and Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max remain excellent in real-world use, though I do admit I use the latter more than anything else. Sound quality also delivers on its promise. You get rich, detailed audio with well-balanced bass, mids, and highs. If you prioritise clarity, the sound signature of AirPods Max is for you.

If you prefer something more bass-heavy, you might be better off with another pair of headphones. This was something I observed when I let my girlfriend—who prefers more bass—try the AirPods Max. She commented on how “clear” everything sounded, but lamented the apparent lack of bass, calling the audio quality “flat”.

While I don’t share the same opinion, your taste in audio could differ, and the AirPods Max will either check all your boxes or none at all.

To AirPods Max… Or Not To AirPods Max?

Ultimately, whether the USB-C AirPods Max are worth it depends on your priorities. If you’re a first-time buyer or value streamlined charging with USB-C, they’re a solid choice. However, for existing owners, the update might not justify an upgrade unless you’re drawn to the refreshed colours or are eager to future-proof your setup.

Reasons to buy the updated AirPods Max:

• The majority of devices in your (Apple) ecosystem already use USB-C and you value the use of standardised cables
• You prefer the refreshed colour options
• You prefer clear, well-balanced audio
• You’re a first-time AirPods Max buyer

Reasons not to buy the updated AirPods Max:

• You want to save money and don’t mind buying surplus units of the older Lightning variant
• You prefer the original colour options
• You prioritise bass-heavy audio
• You’re an existing AirPods Max (Lightning variant) user—unless USB-C is important to you

The USB-C AirPods Max represent an incremental update rather than a big leap forward, but they remain a premium choice for anyone looking for a pair of headphones in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re looking for big improvements, you’re going to have to wait for the next refresh, if it ever comes—or look elsewhere.

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