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Apple's AirPods Max are wildly expensive. These over-the-ear headphones not only pack a luxe build quality but also offer top-tier sound. They're our favorite option for iPhone and MacBook owners. But if the price is what's been holding you back from acquiring a pair, you're in luck. For Amazon Prime Day, the AirPods Max are currently $154 off—bringing the price down to $395. That's still fairly expensive, but this is the lowest price we've ever tracked.
What's WIRED About the AirPods Max
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Apple AirPods Max$549 $449 at Amazon$549 at Apple (USB-C)$550 $500 at Best Buy
There's no denying the AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have a unique and quirky aesthetic. They've become somewhat of a fashion accessory over the years, and it's not hard to see why. The milled aluminum casing comes in fun, flashy colors like green, pink, and blue, in addition to traditional options like silver and black. And, as WIRED editor Parker Hall pointed out, the mesh canopy headband resembles the texture of a Herman Miller Aeron chair. The replaceable magnetic ear cups are also blanketed with the same mesh padding.
We're fans of the built-in controls. On the top of the right ear cup is a volume knob that looks like a digital crown on the Apple Watch. It also doubles as a Play/Pause button when listening to audio. Next to it is a smaller button that adjusts noise control—so you can cycle between noise cancellation and transparency mode by pressing it. The AirPods Max can also detect when you're wearing them. Slide them over your ears, and they'll automatically wake out of standby mode and connect to your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Whenever you lift an ear cup or take the headphones off, it'll pause the audio.
Most importantly, these deliver superb sound quality. You'll get rich bass, a massive soundstage, and terrific noise cancellation. As stated in our AirPods Max review, “the overwhelming sense of musical clarity is insane for noise-canceling headphones.” These are also great for movies too, thanks to the addition of spatial audio. If you're watching it on a supported app (such as Max, for example), the headphones will simulate object-based surround sound. When you turn your head, the audio stays locked to the original orientation. It creates a home-theater-like experience with surround sound speakers all around.
It's worth noting the AirPods Max came out in 2020 and, according to rumors, it's likely Apple will launch the next-generation version later this year. But the only major upgrades we're expecting to see are the addition of a USB-C port (yes, the first-generation AirPods Max unfortunately use a Lightning port) along with some new color options. If a USB-C port is an important feature, then we suggest waiting. Otherwise, the original version is still an excellent choice, complete with premium build quality, astounding fidelity, ease of use, and (now) a more affordable price.
Other AirPods Are On Sale
Photograph: Apple
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With USB-C$249 $190 at Amazon$250 $190 at Best Buy$249 at Apple
AirPods Pro are the best Apple-made earbuds right now (8/10, WIRED Recommends). They pair well with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and they have top-tier noise canceling for when you want some silence. I like that these earbuds have great microphones, which makes them fantastic for the never-ending sea of Zoom calls that we all seem to face in these modern times. This is just about the lowest price you'll see them at all year.—Parker Hall
Photograph: Apple
Apple AirPods (2021)$169 $144 at Amazon$179 at Apple$170 at Best Buy$170 at Walmart
Regular AirPods kinda suck (6/10, WIRED Review), but they do work very well with iPhones and other Apple devices. If that's all you care about, or you, like reviewer Martin Cizmar, insist that these are somehow the only earbuds that properly fit in their ears (they're not, trust me), then grab a pair on sale.—Parker Hall
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