My birthday present came early. My brother got me a very generous birthday present, the Apple AirPods Max. It retails for S$849 and is available in five colors, Space Grey, Silver, Green, Blue, and Pink.

My brother got me the Blue flagship color. He ordered on 19th February 2021, and the delivery estimate was 6 to 7 weeks, which makes it around 7th to 13th April 2021. He didn’t expect the shipment to be just one week as I received it on 26th February 2021. Maybe someone canceled their order, and they have stock.

Unboxing

Apple AirPods Max - Box Front
Apple AirPods Max – Box Front
Apple AirPods Max - Box Back
Apple AirPods Max – Box Back
Apple AirPods Max - Box
Apple AirPods Max – Box
Apple AirPods Max - Box Open
Apple AirPods Max – Box Open

It includes a USB-C to Lightning cable since AirPods Max uses Lightning Port.

Apple AirPods Max - Box Contents
Apple AirPods Max – Box Contents

Features
Apple’s H1 headphone chip powers the AirPods Max, and the chip can be found on each ear cup. There are four sensors on each ear cup, Optical, Position, Case-detect, and Accelerometer. The left ear cup has an additional sensor which is the Gyroscope.

Some features of the AirPods Max:

  • Apple-designed dynamic driver
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Transparency mode
  • Adaptive EQ
  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking

AirPods Max has nine microphones. Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation and three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone).

Apple AirPods Max - Front
Apple AirPods Max – Front
Apple AirPods Max - Back
Apple AirPods Max – Back

For most headphones, the headband and ear cups will disintegrate after two to three years because of their materials.

I believe AirPods Max will last longer as the headband is made of mesh and the ear cups are made of fabric.

Apple AirPods Max - Head Band - Top
Apple AirPods Max – Head Band – Top
Apple AirPods Max - Head Band - Bottom
Apple AirPods Max – Head Band – Bottom

Apple does sell replacement AirPods Max Ear Cushions but they are expensive, retailing at S$95 for a pair.

Replacement is easy since the ear cups are attached to the AirPods Max magnetically.

Apple AirPods Max - Ear Cups Removed
Apple AirPods Max – Ear Cups Removed

The controls and Lightning port are on the right.

Apple AirPods Max - Right - Controls
Apple AirPods Max – Right – Controls

As previously mentioned, a USB-C to Lightning cable is provided.

Apple AirPods Max - Right - Lightning Port
Apple AirPods Max – Right – Lightning Port

AirPods Max is heavy, measuring almost 385 g and the smart case itself measures about 135 g.

Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max

As most reviews have mentioned, the smart case is pretty much useless as it doesn’t offer much protection to the headphones, especially around the headphones band area. I echoed the same sentiments. That is why I am going to get a third-party hard case for the AirPods Max.

Apple AirPods Max - Smart Case - Front
Apple AirPods Max – Smart Case – Front
Apple AirPods Max - Smart Case - Back
Apple AirPods Max – Smart Case – Back
Apple AirPods Max - Smart Case - Bottom
Apple AirPods Max – Smart Case – Bottom
Apple AirPods Max - Smart Case - Top
Apple AirPods Max – Smart Case – Top
Apple AirPods Max - Smart Case - Open
Apple AirPods Max – Smart Case – Open
Apple AirPods Max - Inside Smart Case
Apple AirPods Max – Inside Smart Case
Apple AirPods Max - With Smart Case
Apple AirPods Max – With Smart Case

I have been using the AirPods Max for a few days now. I also have the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones.

For prolong usage of the headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 wins hands down in the comfort area because it is much lighter, measuring at 254 g vs. 385 g on the AirPods Max. When using the AirPods Max, you will always feel something is on your head due to the weight.

In terms of audio quality, I find both the bass is good, but AirPods Max stands out with clearer and more refined sound. Coming from a non-audiophile, I can even hear the difference.

I can’t find any difference in active noise cancellation. Both the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 are good.

AirPods Max wins in terms of audio quality, but Sony WH-1000XM4 wins in terms of comfort.