Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Review
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Specdex verdict Apple's Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) is a solid premium pick — strongly recommended, even if it doesn't unseat the category leaders.
The 2024 USB-C refresh — same H1 chip, same chassis, now with USB-C and lossless support over wired. Still the most premium-feeling pair of headphones you can buy.
Specdex doesn't run benchmarks in-house. The verdict is an editorial assessment based on manufacturer specs and public reviewer consensus. See methodology.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus its closest rivals
- +Best-in-class build quality
- +Apple ecosystem integration
- +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
- −No new chip vs original
- −Heavy at 384g
- −No fold-flat design
Who's the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) for?
Quick verdicts for the most common buyer profiles, derived from the sub-scores above.
Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.
Battery sub-score of 84 is solid but not class-leading — fine for typical days, charging top-up likely on heavy days.
Mid-tier pricing at $549 — review whether the score-per-dollar lines up against the cheaper alternatives we recommend.
In the box
What you get when you unbox the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024).
- Headphones
- Hard travel case
- USB-C charging cable
- 3.5 mm audio cable
- Airline adapter (region-dependent)
Standard contents — region/SKU may vary; confirm at retailer.
Sources & benchmarks
Cited, not generatedSpecdex does not run benchmarks in-house. We're rolling out cited public benchmark data category by category — PassMark for CPUs and GPUs is wired today; DXOMark, RTINGS, Geekbench, and NotebookCheck will follow.
Sources we use when available: PassMark for CPU/GPU, Geekbench Browser for synthetic, DXOMark for camera scores, RTINGS for TVs, monitors, and headphones. See methodology.
Specifications
Editorial · awaiting verification| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless USB-C |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | 20 hr (with ANC) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 384 g |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| ANC | Hybrid 9-mic |
Cheaper alternatives to the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Same category, at least 20% cheaper, best-scoring picks from our catalog.
Step up from the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Higher-scoring headphones if you've got more to spend.
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Also consider
Where the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) appears on Specdex
Curated lists, spec rankings, and buying guides where this product is mentioned or ranked.