Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026. I’ll also be comparing the Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Sonos Ace, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I bought these headphones with my own money, and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist. I also run the RecordingNow YouTube channel with over 25,000+ subscribers and over 5 million views.
Let’s dive right in!
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) Headphones review in short
Although officially replaced by the Apple AirPods Max 2, the discounted AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) is a compelling value for Apple ecosystem users who prioritize elite noise cancelling performance, hassle-free connectivity, and premium materials. Competes with Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen), Sonos Ace, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Sennheiser Momentum 5, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, and Sony WH-1000XM5.
Watch the Full Review on YouTube!
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Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) Pros and Cons
- Very good noise cancelling
- Switches easily between Apple devices
- Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support
- Decent sound quality
- Officially discontinued
- Heaviest in the class
- Worst-in-class battery life at 20 hours
- No hi-res codec support
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
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AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) Sound Quality
Despite not having hi-res codec support such as LDAC or aptX, the AirPods Max 1st Gen is surprisingly detailed and resolving for a wireless headphone.
The stock sound profile is neutral bright, and just a touch recessed in the mids for an energetic and consumer-friendly sound.
The bass is punchy and dynamic, focusing more on the mid-bass as opposed to deep sub-bass which I would’ve liked a little more of.
The mids could be fuller and aren’t the most realistic timbre.
This is definitely not a warm-sounding headphone, instead it has a more open soundstage and nice separation and layering.
Lastly, the treble may be a bit bright for some ears, but I like the detail and airiness it portrays, without sounding sibilant or harsh.
Overall, I find the AirPods Max to be tuned rather tastefully.
Sound Comparisons
vs Apple AirPods Max 2
The newer AirPods Max 2 features very similar driver architecture to the 1st Gen, but now has an upgraded headphone amp along with the new H2 processing chip.
Upon first listen, I admit that I initially didn’t hear much of a difference between the 1st Gen to the 2nd Gen.
But after some time, the benefits of the upgraded headphone amp started to come through more clearly: better dynamics, more clarity with less distortion, better separation, and more controlled bass response.
Even the tonality is slightly improved in the AirPods Max 2, with better mids due to the cleaner bass.
Overall, I’d say the new AirPods Max 2’s sound quality is about 10% better than the 1st Gen, which is in line with what a headphone amp upgrade can deliver.
vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Out of the box, I actually prefer the neutral bright tuning of the AirPods Max 1st Gen over the Sony WH-1000XM6’s warmer neutral dark sound that has a tendency to sound muddy without LDAC and EQ.
After applying custom EQ and LDAC to the XM6, it’s really close, but I would give a slight edge to the XM6.
I prefer the deeper sub-bass on the XM6, while the AirPods Max has crisper treble detail with less sibilance.
Overall, it’s really close. If you don’t plan to listen in LDAC and apply custom EQ, the AirPods Max should be slightly superior.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen improved noticeably over the 1st Gen, and I do prefer the Bose over the AirPods Max 1st Gen for sound quality.
I prefer the deeper bass response and rich mids of the Bose over the AirPods Max.
The Bose QC Ultra 2 has support for the hi-res codec of aptX Lossless along with a custom 3-band EQ that is surprisingly effective.
These advantages put the QC Ultra 2 in a slight level above the AirPods Max 1st Gen for me when it comes to sound quality, and the AirPods Max 2 is a better matchup.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 5
I find the newer Sennheiser Momentum 5 in a complete sound quality tier above the AirPods Max 1st Gen, and that the Momentum 4 is a better matchup.
The Momentum 5 is a higher level of resolution, clarity, dynamics, and overall fidelity.
It does help that the Momentum 5 supports aptX Lossless and has a flexible 8-band custom EQ for more versatility.
The AirPods Max 2 is more competitive with the Momentum 5 instead.
Sound Quality Score: 8.6 out of 10
Comfort
The Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) is actually the heaviest in this class, as weighed on my scale:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 311.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) – 385.0 grams
Being the heaviest headphone in the wireless noise cancelling class, Apple does offset this weight with its mesh headband design, removing any top-of-head-pressure.
You will feel the weight mostly in those shiny aluminum earcups, and in the clamping force.
The clamping force is a touch strong for my liking, but it’s not unbearable.
The earpad cushions are made of “acoustic foam” and were designed for sound quality and noise cancelling performance.
I’ll say one benefit of this material is that it doesn’t get as warm quickly like leather.
Although they are heavy, once you get used to the weight, the AirPods Max is a fairly comfortable headphone due to large interior earcup space, where my ears are completely free inside.
Comfort Score: 8.0 out of 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
The Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen USB-C was released in September 2024 and has the typical modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Apple H1 chip
- Bluetooth 5.0 (NO high-res codec)
- Lossless Audio (24-bit / 48 kHz) via Wired USB-C
- Multi-point connectivity
- Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Head-Tracking
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Transparency Mode
- Includes Smart Case
AirPods Max Battery Life
The Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen USB-C is rated at 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is the worst-in-class:
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) – 20 hours
In my testing, I found these figures to be accurate.
Also, due to not having a clear “ON/OFF” switch, I find the AirPods Max battery drains a little faster than competitors which I can completely turn off.
Instead, the APM goes into a “low-power” state automatically, but it still uses some battery by always being “on” in the background.
I find myself having to charge the AirPods Max the most often versus its competitors.
Build Quality
If there’s one thing that justifies the high price-tag of the AirPods Max, I’ll say that it has the most premium materials and feel compared to the mostly-plastic competitors from Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser.
Apple uses stainless steel and aluminum in the hinges and earcups which give a really solid and durable feel to these. Not to mention they look quite unique due to those metallic earcups and design.
Practicality
The AirPods Max is a bit of a mixed bag for practicality.
On one hand, I love the Apple ecosystem connectivity, premium materials, and strong noise cancelling performance.
On the other hand, not a fan of the smart case, heavy weight, or worst-in-class battery life.
Overall, it’s still a solid daily driver, but there are more compact and comfortable options in the class with much better battery life as well.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 8.0 out of 10
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) Noise Cancelling Performance
The AirPods Max 1st Gen USB-C is still arguably a Top 5 noise cancelling option today, but has been surpassed by the newer AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
The newer “H2” chip on the AirPods Max 2 does elevate the noise cancelling performance and transparency mode versus the older “H1” chip on the 1st Gen.
I’d say it’s quite competitive with the previous-generation Sony WH-1000XM5, Sonos Ace, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 1st Gen.
The AirPods Max is superior to the rest of the class such as Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.
Noise Cancelling Performance Score: 9.0 out of 10
Value
Now that the AirPods Max 2 is here, the AirPods Max 1st Gen has been officially discontinued, making pricing a little weird.
The AirPods Max originally retailed at $549 USD, then started going on sale to around $449 to $399 market price before the release of the AirPods Max 2.
These days, it’s getting harder to find brand new stock, but there are plenty of Renewed and Used options flooding the market.
At a typical Renewed price of sub-$400, the AirPods Max 1st Gen has become a surprisingly good value as an overall package, especially for Apple power users.
Value Score: 8.0 out of 10
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 8.6 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 9.0 / 10
Value (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Overall: 8.50 / 10
Is the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen USB-C) Worth it?
With the arrival of the newer AirPods Max 2, the AirPods Max 1st Gen USB-C is now discounted and presets a fairly strong value for what you’re getting.
The noise cancelling performance and build quality is still excellent even by today’s standards, and the Apple ecosystem connectivity is super convenient and a unique feature not shared by its competitors.
I’ve come to appreciate the sound quality of the AirPods Max that has aged gracefully throughout the years, although there are better options today for pure sound quality for the money.
Overall, I do think the newer AirPods Max 2 is better in every way to the 1st Gen, but if you can find a good deal on a 1st Gen, it’s pretty much 90% the same headphone.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Apple AirPods Max 2
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION
- Sennheiser Momentum 5
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Focal Bathys
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model)
- Beats Studio Pro
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2
- Sony WH-1000XM6 vs AirPods Max
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs AirPods Max
- Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max
- Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Save money with RENEWED!
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the new AirPods Max 2 coming out soon?
The Apple AirPods Max 2 officially released in April 2026.
Which is better, Airpods Max or Airpods Pro (gen 2)?
The Airpods Max have superior sound quality and are wireless over-ear headphones as opposed to Airpods Pro, which are wireless in-ear buds. This will depend on your preference and needs, as the Airpods Max are more bulky.
Can Airpods Max make and answer calls? Does it have a mic?
Yes, the Airpods Max has 3 microphones and connects via Bluetooth to your iPhone to make and answer phone calls. You can pickup calls by clicking the digital crown on the headphones themselves.
How long does the Airpods Max battery last?
The battery lasts up to 20 hours of listening time, and a quick 5-minute charge can last up to 1.5 hours of listening time.
Does Airpods Max leak sound?
The Airpods Max doesn’t leak much sound due to the closed-back over-ear design, although the seal is not as tight as some other headphones due to the square-ish shape of the earcups.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Post Update History
- June 2026: Updated scores to “Version 2.0” of our Headphone Scoring System. Added long-term “1 Year Review” updates throughout post. Included comparisons to newer models including AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, and Sennheiser Momentum 5.
- January 2025: Original publication date.
Read Next
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AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2: Worth the Upgrade?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 Review
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e Review
Bose QuietComfort Review (2023 Model)
