Apple · Updated June 2026
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): price, specs & release date
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C), released 2024-09. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: apple.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is listed at $549 on apple.com as of 2026-06-27, #10 cheapest of 15 over ear headphones (median $449); other retailers may be lower. It earns a Bronze Deskmark — 14/100 pay-blind standing, #23 of 25 in class.
Verified Jun 27, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
Cheapest over ear headphones: Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 — $179
- Best for Active noise canceling is fantastic; Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones.
- Skip if Overpriced for what it offers is a dealbreaker.
Is the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) a good buy?
At $549, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is #10 cheapest of the 15 over ear headphones we track, where the median is $429. On the spec sheet, its battery hr of 20 is the lowest of the 25, its weight of 386 g is the highest of the 21, and its driver of 40 mm is at the median of the 17. By release date, it is among the newer of the 16 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 3
- Outlets on recordall tested
- 1
One independent lab measured this product across 3 physical metrics — battery, weight and usb-c vs lightning. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version.
Based on 1 review · 1 lab-tested · 2024-12-30
Tested by SoundGuys
Consistently praised
- Active noise canceling is fantastic
- Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones
- Tested battery life ~21 hours, beating Apple's claim
Commonly flagged
- Overpriced for what it offers
Where reviewers disagree Only one whitelisted tester (SoundGuys) yielded a verifiable hands-on/measured review of this exact USB-C product. RTINGS' review page could not be fetched (JavaScript-rendered; WebFetch returned only navigation), so no RTINGS measurements or quotes could be verified and none were included rather than fabricate. With a single verified source, no cross-source agreement or disagreement can be established.
The sources (1)
Battery life (ANC on, tested, continuous music at ~75dB SPL): ~21 hours · Battery life (ANC off, tested): just over 21 hours · Weight: 386g (also listed as 385g) · USB-C vs Lightning frequency response: USB-C version has a bit more high-end than the Lightning version
In short, as far as wireless headphones go, the sound quality of the AirPods Max is very solid.
The active noise canceling on the AirPods Max is fantastic.
The AirPods Max is overpriced — but it's also a great pair of headphones.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $549 US MSRP, all color options, as listed on apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max at time of access. |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Released | 2024-09 |
| ANC | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | 40 |
| Battery hr | 20 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Wired option | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 386 |
Source: apple.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by headphonecheck.com. Apple's official spec page confirmed: BT 5.3, ANC, 20hr ANC battery, weight 386.2g (rounded to 386), USB-C wired lossless audio. Codecs SBC/AAC confirmed by headphonecheck review (Apple does not publish codec list on spec page). 40mm driver from headphonecheck. Price $549 confirmed from apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max. weight_g rounded from 386.2g official figure. wired_option=true: USB-C cable supports lossless audio per Apple spec page.
Is the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) worth it vs cheaper over ear headphones?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) against its closest cheaper and pricier over ear headphones on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 15 ranked
| Product | Price | ANC | Driver (mm) | Battery hr | Bluetooth | Codecs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) this | $549 | Yes | 40 | 20 | 5.3 | SBC, AAC |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | $449 | Yes | — | 24 | 5.3 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Master & Dynamic MW75 | $599 | Yes | 40 | 28 | 5.1 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version. Praised: Active noise canceling is fantastic; Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones; Tested battery life ~21 hours, beating Apple's claim. Flagged: Overpriced for what it offers. (From 1 tester review, 1 lab-tested.)
How much does the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) cost?
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a US price of $549 (US MSRP, all color options, as listed on apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max at time of access.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) compare on price?
At $549, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is #10 cheapest of the 15 over ear headphones we track, where the median is $429.
When was the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) released?
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) was released 2024-09.
What are the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)'s key specs?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Apple): anc Yes, driver mm 40, battery hr 20, bluetooth 5.3, codecs SBC, AAC. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $549 at apple.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar over ear headphones
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Compare with
Head-to-head
- Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
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Cheaper over ear headphones
Step up
- Master & Dynamic MW75 $599
- Focal Bathys $799
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 $799
- DALI IO-12 $1400
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