The best headphones for Apple users are now $170 off, offering a better deal than both Prime Day and Black Friday prices (and you can snag them on Christmas Day). For those who are loyal to their tech ecosystem, pairing devices from the same brand often leads to the best experience, and Apple delivers one of the best with its AirPods Max. These headphones provide a top-tier listening experience, but they come at a premium price, typically costing around $500. However, since an updated version was released in September, the previous model has dropped significantly in price, now available for just $379.99 at Best Buy—its lowest price ever, according to price trackers. You can pick them up today or have them shipped by tomorrow.
When the AirPods Max debuted in 2020, there was little competition for headphones offering features like active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient awareness, and exceptional audio quality. While competition has since grown, especially in this price range, purchasing AirPods Max is a statement. Despite lacking the Apple logo, you’re paying a premium for the recognition that comes with these headphones.
As for features, the AirPods Max may not offer a long list, but the ones they do have are top-notch, staying true to Apple’s minimalist philosophy. They are among the best ANC headphones available, with no uncomfortable pressure when noise cancellation is activated. The ambient awareness feature lets you hear your surroundings clearly, while adaptive EQ and spatial audio automatically adjust the sound to suit your environment. They also support hands-free Siri, according to PCMag’s “excellent” review.
However, there are some downsides. The AirPods Max are heavier than most headphones, weighing 13.6 ounces due to their metal construction. You also can’t manually adjust the EQ to suit your preferences, so if you’re not happy with the sound profile, there’s no option to change it. Additionally, the smart case they come with is not only unattractive but also doesn’t offer much protection for the delicate mesh on the headband. Plus, you need to use the smart case to put the headphones into “sleep” mode to prevent battery drain, which lasts up to 20 hours.
