Apple’s AirPods Max are $150 off for a few more hours

I’ve been an Android user for years, but I got an iPhone last Christmas, and suddenly I find myself craving Apple’s premium headphones — despite the higher price. The AirPods Max were refreshed during the 2024 Apple event, and delivered some meaningful updates, including personalized spatial audio, a USB-C port, and support for additional colors. As such, the 2024 AirPods Max offer a great all-around experience for Apple users, but they are also one of the most expensive pairs of headphones you can buy, typically running more than half a grand.

But with the recent launch of the AirPods Max 2, the 2024 version is getting a great discount during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Yes, they’re still expensive, but when it comes to major Apple products, any discount is a good discount — but that’ll only last until the sale ends tonight.

When the AirPods Max arrived in 2020, there wasn’t much competition for headphones that could handle active noise-canceling (ANC). And environmental awareness And Provide top-tier audio performance. These days, you have a lot more premium options, but the AirPods Max are still good. Plus, they still make statement. Yes, you are paying a premium price for brand recognition as well as quality. And if that’s what you’re looking for, these headphones are it.

When it comes to features, the AirPods Max aren’t jam-packed, but what’s here is pretty excellent (given Apple’s minimalist MO, it’s all very on-brand). They’re among the best ANC headphones you can buy, they offer good ambient awareness so you can hear your surroundings while you listen, and they offer adaptive EQ and spatial audio that automatically adjusts levels based on your environment. PCMag’s “excellent” review. Updated bins also now support lossless audioLow-latency audio, and USB-C audio.

There are some drawbacks, too: Due to the use of metal for the design materials, they’re heavier than many pairs of headphones, at 13.6 ounces. You can’t manually adjust the EQ to your liking, so if you don’t like the sound signature, you’re out of luck. Finally, and it may just be me, but the included Smart Case is ugly and doesn’t protect the mesh over your head (a delicate part of the headphones), but you don’t have the option not to use it, as you need the Smart Case to put your headphones in “sleep” mode to avoid draining the battery for up to 20 hours.