Apple AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
Apple

AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)

Original AirPods Max with USB-C lossless wired audio

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

Buy the USB-C AirPods Max if you are deep in Apple gear and want aluminum cups, strong ANC and spatial audio with head tracking. What Hi-Fi?, WIRED and SoundGuys still rate the sound highly. Skip it if you want AirPods Max 2 features, a lighter fold-flat rival, or Android-friendly codecs — Sony's WH-1000XM6 is the better open pick.

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
386.2 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 the USB-C AirPods Max if you are deep in Apple gear and want aluminum cups, strong ANC and spatial audio with head tracking. What Hi-Fi?, WIRED and SoundGuys still rate the sound highly. Skip it if you want AirPods Max 2 features, a lighter fold-flat rival, or Android-friendly codecs — Sony's WH-1000XM6 is the better open pick.

Best for

iPhone and Mac owners who want premium over-ears with USB-C

Not for

Android users and anyone who wants light fold-flat headphones

Main strengthEngaging, natural sound with strong ANC
Main weaknessHeavy at about 385 g
Reasons to buy
Engaging, natural sound with strong ANC
USB-C enables lossless wired listening
Aluminum build with replaceable magnetic ear cushions
Spatial audio with head tracking on Apple devices
Reasons to avoid
Heavy at about 385 g
Smart Case leaves the headband exposed
About 20 hours of battery trails many rivals
Replaced by AirPods Max 2 for new buyers
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 (USB-C)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
VS
AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
AlternativeAirPods Max 1 (Lightning)
Score
8.78.7
Full comparison
Apple AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
VS
AirPods Max
AlternativeAirPods Max
Score
8.78.7
Full comparison
Apple AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
This deviceAirPods Max 1 (USB-C)
VS
AirPods Max 2
AlternativeAirPods Max 2
Score
8.78.4
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 (Lightning)8.7
AppleAirPods Max 1 (Lightning)Original Lightning AirPods Max — same sound, older connector
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
USB-C

Comfort & Build

Weight
386.2 g
Dimensions
187.3 x 168.6 x 83.4 mm
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