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The AirPods Max turned 5 years old on Dec. 15, 2025. Apple did upgrade them a bit in September 2024 when it added USB-C connectivity (instead of Lightning) and USB-C audio, allowing you to connect the headphones to your computer, smartphone and other devices via USB-C for an all-digital lossless wired connection. We also got some new color options.
However, aside from those updates, nothing major has changed, and Apple has not added its newer, more powerful H2 chip to the AirPods Max. (They still have the H1 chip.) The H2 is found in the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which enables some additional features, including improved noise canceling and an even better transparency mode, adaptive audio and conversation awareness (which, when you speak, automatically lowers the volume, and the headphones go into transparency mode so you can have a conversation without taking your headphones or earbuds off).
Much of what I said in my original review still stands, particularly when it comes to design, fit, sound quality and overall performance. However, some of my comparisons are dated. For instance, since the AirPods Max's release, Sony has upgraded its flagship 1000X series noise-canceling headphones twice and is now selling its WH-1000XM6 headphones, which I awarded a CNET Editors' Choice. The same is true for Bose, which released its QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones in 2025. Both the newer Sony and Bose models have superior noise canceling and are lighter headphones than the AirPods Max.
The AirPods Max still feature very good noise canceling as well as excellent build and sound quality, and they remain on my lists of best headphones overall and best noise-canceling headphones. Despite the lack of the H2 chip, they also still have plenty of appealing features for Apple users, including automatic switching between Apple devices on your iCloud account and Apple's spatial audio with head tracking. USB-C audio is also a nice feature, though you still have to buy a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable ($39) if you want to use the AirPods Max with an in-flight entertainment system, which is annoying. The included protective case, which a lot of folks don't like, is also the same and not worthy of headphones that cost this much.
As far as price goes, the AirPods Max typically sell for closer to $449, which is what the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) list for. I can't say that the AirPods Max are better than those models, but their sound quality measures up well, and they have a more premium build quality, with a stainless steel frame and aluminum for the earcups.
If I knew that a new model with the H2 chip or even the rumored H3 chip was coming out in 2026, I'd tell you to wait before you bought this model. However, I'm hearing that Apple is more focused on upgrading its AirPods earbuds in 2026 and won't upgrade the full-size AirPods Max for a few years. I can't guarantee they won't be upgraded sooner -- Apple doesn't comment on rumors -- but that's what a couple of sources have told me.
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