Distinctions - Apple’s upgrade to their noise-canceling and transparency found in the in-ear versions of the AirPods is incredible. Using transparency in crowded settings produces a feeling that the headphones are barely present, accentuated by an incredibly intelligent ability to level loud sounds to a more comfortable volume. Similarly, the on-board microphone is incredibly crisp with a very tight listening area, meaning those using the AirPods Max during a phone call will be heard with extraordinary clarity.

Criticisms - Unfortunately those distinctions are where praise for the AirPods Max trails off. Audio quality is below average, especially for higher-end bluetooth headphones anywhere around the price-point. Even with third party equalizers, the AirPods Max struggles to produce sound that feels crisp or has any sense of volume. Bass is middling and indistinct, meaning listening to classical music will result in blurry and boring strings, while those listening to contemporary music will find bombastic sounds like 808s tappy and without much punch. Apple expands on its idea of dimensional sound with balancing technology to make it seem as if the sound is coming from a particular direction, but this feature is so niche and underwhelming in use that it barely warrants mentioning. Conversely, Apple goes back to a rotating volume dial that is all too sensitive, resulting in over-corrections and accidental surges in volume with even slight brushes.

Distinctions - AirPods Max feels meaty in the best way, while not sacrificing comfort. These headphones, though nearly a pound in weight, can be worn for hours on end with no discomfort. Both ear cups feel weighty on their own, brushed aluminum is both solid and visually appealing, especially when coupled with the incredibly fine weaves used on the padding for the ear cup and the internal weave over the speaker.

Criticisms - Audio quality is spectacularly boring for internals. Much of the weight comes from added size for stylistic intents, as well as inclusion of the optical, positional and movement sensors contained in both sides of the AirPods Max. Audiophiles, as well as those looking to casually listen to music will be incredibly disappointed by the lack of space usage for upgrading the actual audio quality. Whatever drivers used to produce sound only succeed in producing a dimensional yet totally leveled sound that is not representative of the expected quality of a pair of headphones worth over half a thousand dollars.

Distinctions - Brushed textures and variety of tones, coupled with saturated and rich colors used on fine weaves for the fabric elements promote a very aesthetically appealing package.

Criticisms - Apple flounders with color choices for the AirPods Max, where most choices require a compromise in the band or ear cup that moves away from cohesion. The Pink is particularly egregious in person, especially alongside the ‘Smart Case’ which is a glorified leather enclosure for just the ear cups, held closed by a thin internal magnet. The other major detriment to the aesthetic appeal of the AirPods Pro is the sheer size of them as a pair of headphones. Compared with other contemporary bluetooth headphones, the AirPods Max appear distinctly bulky even on the tallest and largest of users, but particularly on the average or shorter users. With a burgeoning community around 3D printed accessories evolving from the need to decorate the huge blank canvas of the AirPods Max ear cups, we can only hope for an evolution of design or customization in the future.

Distinctions - The main distinction between AirPods Max and its contemporaries is the second-hand market. Due to the ubiquity of AirPods Max internationally, certain outfits able to repair and refurbish the headphones have sprung up, profiting on the ability to sell the AirPods Max under retail while still making a distinct profit.

Criticisms - Otherwise, the AirPods Max are just unfortunately large disposable headphones. Apple does not offer a trade-in credit for them, despite the MSRP being higher than some of the other smart devices they offer a credit for, though they still offer recycling for free.

Distinctions - AirPods Max couples typically Apple aesthetic appeal with typically Apple quality of life improvements in a way few brands are able to balance.

Criticisms - Audio quality is so much poorer than contemporaries at similar and even lower price points that buying the AirPods Max is incredibly hard to qualify unless the intended purpose is as an aesthetic choice or as a status symbol.