Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones (Starlight)
🔥 #97 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones · New Best ANC headphones for Apple users
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones, Orange with AppleCare+
Apple 3.6
#97
in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
$558 →
As of Jul 13, 2026
AI-estimated. See how we score. How we score Affiliate link — we may earn a commission
01 / Spec
Top features
TypeOver-ear
Driver Size40mm custom
AncAdaptive active noise cancellation
The Apple AirPods Max is Apple's flagship over-ear ANC headphone, featuring 40mm custom drivers, industry-leading computational audio, and adaptive ANC that responds to environmental changes. With 20-hour battery life (ANC on), USB-C quick charge, and Bluetooth 5.3, they support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and live translation via multipoint. The aluminum frame and premium materials deliver a refined aesthetic, though the headband clamp is notably firm. Best for: Apple ecosystem users prioritizing sound quality and integration over maximum ANC strength or battery endurance. The price premium ($558 with AppleCare+, down from $608) reflects luxury positioning rather than raw ANC capability or value.
02 / Signals
Why it's hot
Apple's premium entry into ANC headphones; spatial audio and ecosystem lock-in drive sales.
- Value for money 39
- Review rating & velocity 88
- Community sentiment 83
- Brand reputation 100
- Search heat 95
- Est. return & defect rate 95
03 / Verdict
Pros & cons
Pros
- Premium build quality and design
- Excellent spatial audio implementation
- Strong computational audio features
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Live translation support
Cons
- Expensive for ANC capability
- Limited battery vs. competitors (20h vs. 30h+)
- Firm headband clamp reported by users
- Non-folding design (bulky hard case)
- No multidevice pairing (Apple only)
- No wired audio input option
TypeOver-ear
Driver Size40mm custom
AncAdaptive active noise cancellation
Battery20 hours (ANC on)
Quick ChargeYes (USB-C)
Bluetooth Version5.3
CodecsAAC
MultipointApple devices only
Wired OptionNo
Weight384.8g
FoldableNo (hard case)
App EqiOS Settings / Spatial Audio control
ColorsSilver, Space Black, Midnight, Blue, Orange, Red
05 / Your take
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05 / Compare
Compare the best alternative
One useful head-to-head in Noise-Cancelling Headphones, with the rows most likely to separate the contenders.
Open full comparison → 
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Renewed)
Noise Cancelling
Strong, improved 1.5x Class-leading noise cancellation Best ANC
Sound
Audiophile-tuned, spatial focus Premium audio, balanced tuning
Battery (h)
20 hours with ANC 30 hours with ANC on Longest battery
06 / Rivals
Compare with
07 / Variations
Other colors
Top pick
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones (Starlight)
Starlight · Without AppleCare+
#85 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones – Orange
Orange · Without AppleCare+
#86 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Purple)
Purple · Without AppleCare+
#92 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones — Starlight
Starlight · With AppleCare+ (2 years)
#102 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ANC Headphones (Blue)
Blue · Without AppleCare+
#103 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Midnight)
Midnight · Without AppleCare+
#147 in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
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