The AirPods Max is the crown jewel of Apple’s AirPods lineup, but that quality doesn’t come cheap. The wireless headset is normally priced at $550, but today Amazon has dropped the price down to $399 as part of the Amazon Labor Day sale. That’s a pretty hefty $150 (28%) off and the lowest price we’ve ever seen for a new, unused model with original warranty. The AirPods Max are the best hi-fi noise cancelling headphones of 2024.
Apple AirPods Max Headphones for $398
Unlike its AirPods brethren, the AirPods Max is a more traditional style over-ear headphone. If you’re not a fan of earbuds that go in your ear, then over-ear headphones are definitely going to be a better fit for you. Much of the cost is due to the materials and build quality. The AirPods Max features an all-metal build with silicone type material wrapped around the headband and knit mesh and memory foam earcups that are both comfortable on your ears and effectively seal in sound. The hinge and adjustment mechanisms are smooth and very easy to use. Apple went all in on the craftsmanship and it definitely shows.
The audio quality and active noise cancellation are superb as well thanks the to Apple H1 chip and software and personalized spatial audio. It easily competes with other premium headphones like the Sony WH1000XM5 we reviewed or the QuietComfort Ultra. You’ll get the most out of it, however, if you pair it with an iOS or Mac OS device like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. Although it does work with Android or Windows devices, you sacrifice a good bit of functionality like spatial audio, auto eq, instant pairing, and more.
At the retail price of MSRP, the AirPods Max has always been a splurge buy because although it’s a very nice headphone, it’s so much more expensive than other headphones that offer similar performance. This Labor Day deal prices it in roughly the same range as its competition, and then it becomes an easier purchase, especially if you’re an iOS user.
If AirPods Pro are out of your budget but you still want AirPods for your iPhone, check out the Apple AirPods Pro for only $169 or the best deals on other AirPods.