Apple AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
Apple

AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)

Original Lightning AirPods Max — same sound, older connector

Over-ear
8.7/10What the pros sayExcellentExpert consensusSee score breakdown ↓
Buying call

Buy Lightning AirPods Max only used if the discount versus USB-C is real and you already own Lightning audio cables. Sound and ANC match the USB-C refresh. Skip it if you can get USB-C for similar money — lossless wired is simpler there — or if AirPods Max 2 is in budget.

Full verdict ↓
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Editor testedHands-on testing and real-world use
Real-world useBased on everyday testing, not a spec sheet
Unbiased reviewIndependent and objective, sources shown
Key specs
Weight
384.8 g
Highlights

Specs that matter

Audio
Type
Headphones
Wear
Over-ear
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0
Body
Dimensions
height: 7.37 inches (187.3 mm); width: 6.64 inches (168.6 mm); depth: 3.28 inches (83.4 mm)
At a glance

Product highlights

Verified attributes, grouped for quick scanning.

AudioHeadphones · Over-earBT Bluetooth 5.0
10 attributes · See all specifications
Price & availability

Where to buy

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Buying decision

Should you buy it?

Buy Lightning AirPods Max only used if the discount versus USB-C is real and you already own Lightning audio cables. Sound and ANC match the USB-C refresh. Skip it if you can get USB-C for similar money — lossless wired is simpler there — or if AirPods Max 2 is in budget.

Best for

Apple users who find a clean Lightning pair well below USB-C

Not for

Buyers who want USB-C lossless wired without extra adapters

Main strengthSame strong sound and ANC as USB-C Max
Main weaknessLightning charging and wired adapter friction
Reasons to buy
Same strong sound and ANC as USB-C Max
Aluminum cups and Digital Crown controls
Spatial audio on Apple devices
Reasons to avoid
Lightning charging and wired adapter friction
Heavy
Smart Case is still a poor protector
Superseded by USB-C and Max 2
Measured view8.7/10What the pros say.
Head to head

How it stacks up

Open a comparison for the full side-by-side view.

Choose a gadget
Apple AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
VS
AirPods Max 2
AlternativeAirPods Max 2
Score
8.78.4
Full comparison
Apple AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
VS
AirPods Max 1
AlternativeAirPods Max 1
Score
8.78.7
Full comparison
Apple AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
VS
AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
AlternativeAirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
Score
8.78.7
Full comparison
Same category

Alternatives worth a look

Other phones in the database, with their stored scores and prices.

All over-ear →
AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)8.7
AppleAirPods Max 1 (USB-C)Original AirPods Max with USB-C lossless wired audio
AirPods Max 18.7
AppleAirPods Max 1Original AirPods Max over-ears for Apple users
AirPods Max8.7
AppleAirPods MaxApple's first over-ears still sound great, but the $549 AirPods Max 2 replaced them with an H2 chip in each cup.
AirPods Max 28.4
AppleAirPods Max 2AirPods Max 2 add H2 chips, USB-C lossless and Live Translation, but still weigh 386 g with 20 h of battery.
Product data

Full specifications

10 attributes, grouped for quick scanning. Spot a wrong value? Hit the next to it.

Battery

Charging port
Lightning

Comfort & Build

Weight
384.8 g
Dimensions
187.3 x 168.6 x 83.4 mm
Vote & discuss

Community says

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