Shortly after their launch in December 2020, the AirPods Max have become one of the most popular over-ear headphones on the market.
They are well-known due to their high-quality construction, strong noise cancelling, and spatial audio, which soon came to be seen as the standard of the high-end headphones market. It is time to set it forward to 2025, and thousands of music fans, commuters, and professionals will still be thinking: Are AirPods Max worth buying nowadays?
Competition in the headphone market is the stiffest ever, as Beats Studio Pro, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Bose 700 pushed the boundaries and offered a bit lower prices. Nevertheless, the AirPods Max remain distinctive, particularly to individuals who are hugely committed to the Apple ecosystem.
We will dissect the design, build quality, sound performance, battery life, and overall value of money and make comparisons with their best competitors in this review so that you can decide whether they will be on your head- and in your budget- in 2025.
Design and Build Quality of AirPods Max
Apple has always been known for combining minimalist design with premium craftsmanship, and the AirPods Max are no exception. Constructed with anodized aluminum ear cups, stainless steel frame, and breathable mesh canopy, they deliver a solid yet comfortable feel. Unlike plastic-heavy competitors, these headphones have a weighty, luxurious touch that immediately signals they are built to last.
The memory foam ear cushions, which change shape to suit your head and ears, are one thing that users will continue to appreciate in 2025. Not only when they are in use on a two-hour Zoom call, but also when you are binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows, the comfort factor is hard to deny.
They are not as light as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose 700, though; most users consider the compromise between solidity and comfort to be worth it.
One of the real-life examples is the commuters who may wear them in their daily ride on the subway or buses. The tight ear cups not only offer a high passive isolation but also make the headphones stable, even during a rush-hour trip in the crowd.
In the case of office workers, the mesh canopy will evenly regulate the weight of the head and not create the discomfort of a pressure point that is created in the head by other lightweight headphones.
The Digital Crown dial, inspired by the Apple Watch, continues to feel intuitive even after years on the market. It gives precise control over volume and playback without the clunky feel of swipe gestures that many competitors use. In terms of aesthetic appeal, AirPods Max still look stylish in 2025, available in five colors:space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink:that complement Apple’s sleek design philosophy.
Sound Quality and Performance: Are AirPods Max Worth It in 2025?
When it comes to sound quality, the AirPods Max still hold their ground in 2025 as one of the most immersive headphones on the market. Powered by Apple’s custom 40mm dynamic drivers and the H1 chip in each ear cup, these headphones deliver a sound signature that balances clarity, depth, and richness.
One of the best in the category is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The AirPods Max provide a nearly bubble effect of silence, whether you are sitting in a noisy airplane or working in a busy coffeehouse, simply allowing you to concentrate on your music or phone calls. The ANC is often compared to the WH-1000XM5 by Sony, and Sony has a slight edge in terms of flexibility. In contrast, Apple offers a more natural experience, with less pressure.
Next, we have Spatial Audio, including dynamic head tracking, which is still one of the strongest selling points at Apple. When you watch a film on Apple TV+ or Netflix, it is as though you are in a theatre, and the sound moves accordingly as you turn your head. This feature alone is enough to justify the high price to gamers and binge-watchers.
Playback of music is also excellent. The AirPods Max can reproduce every layer of sound, whether it is bass-heavy hip-hop or a classical symphony.
The bass is not too pushy, yet not phenomenal; the mids are smooth, and the highs are crisp and free of any distortion. Whether they can beat Sony or Bose remains a question to many audiophiles, but when you are already in the Apple ecosystem, the integration can easily tip the scales.
Real-life use case: Imagine streaming Spotify while walking through a crowded city street. With Transparency Mode, you can hear approaching traffic or subway announcements without removing your headphones—a small but life-saving convenience.
In short, the AirPods Max aren’t just about listening to music—they’re about experiencing it in a way few other headphones can match.
Battery Life and Connectivity Features
Battery performance is another crucial factor in any headphone review, and Apple’s AirPods Max offer respectable numbers in 2025. With up to 20 hours of listening time (with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled), they can easily last through a full workday, a long-haul flight, or even multiple study sessions.
Charging is via the Lightning port, but many users wish Apple had upgraded them to USB-C like the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).
A 5-minute charge provides approximately 1.5 hours of playback, which is handy when you are in a hurry. Yet, frequent fliers or business people will be quick to point out that Apple is still lagging compared to Sony WH-1000XM5 (30 hours).
The AirPods Max are the brightest when it comes to connectivity. With the H1 chip, it is almost instantaneous to switch between Apple devices, such as between your iPhone and your MacBook. Tools such as Audio Sharing enable two AirPods to listen to one device simultaneously, which is ideal when watching movies together as a couple.
The Smart Case is one of the weaknesses that will still exist in 2025. Although it switches the headphones to an ultra-low-power state, a lot of users report that it does not provide sufficient protection during travelling. Other frequent fliers even use third-party complex cases due to durability.
Real-life use case: A student pulling an all-nighter can wear the AirPods Max for hours while alternating between study playlists on Spotify and quick video calls on FaceTime without ever worrying about connectivity glitches.
Comparison: AirPods Max vs Competitors (Beats Studio Pro, Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose 700)
By 2025, the premium headphone market will be more competitive than ever. While the AirPods Max remain a strong contender, they face stiff challenges from rivals like Beats Studio Pro, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
1. AirPods Max vs Beats Studio Pro
Beats, also under Apple’s umbrella, leans more toward a bass-heavy sound. The Beats Studio Pro is lighter and more affordable, making it a favorite among younger listeners and gym-goers. However, the AirPods Max provide a far more balanced sound, superior ANC, and Spatial Audio that Beats can’t quite match. For serious listeners and Apple ecosystem users, AirPods Max remains the better pick.
2. AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 are widely regarded as the benchmark for wireless noise-canceling headphones. They offer up to 30 hours of battery life (10 more than the AirPods Max) and excellent comfort for long sessions. However, many users prefer the build quality and ecosystem integration of the AirPods Max. Sony may win on battery and price, but Apple still has the edge in design, ecosystem, and immersive Spatial Audio.
3. AirPods Max vs Bose 700
The Bose 700 remains a top choice for professionals due to their excellent call quality and crystal-clear microphones. They’re lighter and more travel-friendly than AirPods Max. However, in terms of luxury feel, overall audio richness, and integration with iPhones/iPads, Apple takes the crown.
Real-life scenario:
Frequent travelers often carry a Sony or Bose for longer flights due to weight and battery life. But for Apple fans who want effortless switching between devices, the AirPods Max still delivers a smoother experience.
In conclusion, competitors may beat AirPods Max in one or two categories, but when you consider the Apple ecosystem, build, and sound stage, AirPods Max remain the most complete package.
Price and Value for Money in 2025
When launched in 2020, AirPods Max carried a hefty $549 price tag. In 2025, they typically retail between $479 and $499, depending on the region and discounts. While still expensive compared to Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399) or Bose 700 ($379), they maintain a substantial resale value thanks to Apple’s brand loyalty.
The big question remains: Are AirPods Max worth the price in 2025?
For casual listeners, probably not—cheaper alternatives offer great sound and comfort at half the price. But for:
- Professionals need reliable headphones for calls, video editing, or studio-level music mixing.
- Travelers who want Spatial Audio and ANC for long-haul flights.
- Apple users who rely on seamless device switching, iCloud syncing, and ecosystem perks.
A key advantage is longevity. Many users who bought them in 2020 report that, with reasonable care, they’re still running strong today. Replacement ear cushions are easy to swap, and Apple’s updates ensure compatibility with new iOS/macOS devices.
Real-life use case: Imagine a freelance video editor juggling Final Cut Pro on a MacBook and answering client calls on an iPhone. The instant switching and professional-grade sound make the AirPods Max worth every penny, despite the price.
Should You Buy Apple AirPods Max in 2025?
After five years on the market, the Apple AirPods Max continue to hold a unique place in the premium headphone category. They aren’t the cheapest, nor the lightest, but they deliver an audio experience that few competitors can replicate.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with balanced bass, mids, and highs
- Industry-leading noise cancellation with natural Transparency Mode
- Immersive Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Premium design and build quality that feels luxurious
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Cons:
- Still relatively heavy compared to Sony and Bose
- Battery life (20 hours) lags behind Sony WH-1000XM5’s 30 hours.
- Clever Case design is impractical for travel.
- High price compared to alternatives
For Apple ecosystem users:whether you’re a MacBook creative, an iPhone music lover, or someone who lives on FaceTime calls:the AirPods Max are hard to beat. They work effortlessly across devices, sound fantastic, and feel premium in every sense.
However, if you’re after longer battery life, a lighter design, or a more budget-friendly option, competitors like Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose 700 may be the better buy.
Real-life takeaway: Picture yourself watching a movie on Apple TV+, Spatial Audio creating a theater-like effect in your living room, then instantly switching to a FaceTime call without missing a beat:that’s the kind of seamless premium experience AirPods Max offer in 2025.
FAQs
Which AirPods should I get in 2025?
If you want premium sound and comfort, go for AirPods Max. For portability and everyday use, AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) remains the best choice.
Will there be AirPods Max 2 in 2025?
As of now, Apple hasn’t released AirPods Max 2 in 2025. Rumors suggest updates may come in 2026.
Are AirPods Max better than Beats Studio Pro 2025?
Yes, AirPods Max offer richer sound, Spatial Audio, and seamless Apple integration, while Beats Studio Pro focuses more on bass and affordability.
Is it still worth buying AirPods Max?
Absolutely—if you value premium sound and Apple ecosystem features. They’re still one of the best luxury headphones in 2025.