The New Apple AirPods Max Just Dropped to a Record Low Price

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Apple's AirPods Max are some of the best headphones money can buy-but they are also among the most expensive, normally at half a grand. An updated AirPods Max model was released in September, causing the older AirPods Max to drop significantly in price, currently with a $150 discount. But the newer version is also discounted now, down to $449.99 (originally $549.99). That's a record-low price, according to price-tracking tools. If you're coming from the older AirPods Max, be aware that there are some minor but key differences.

USB-C Charging, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio. (New) Apple AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon $549.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Amazon $549.00 Save $99.01

Lightning Charging, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio. (Older) Apple AirPods Max $399.99 at Best Buy $549.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.99 at Best Buy $549.99 Save $150.00

When the AirPods Max came out in 2020, there wasn't as much competition for headphones that could achieve active noise-cancelling (ANC), ambient awareness features, and provide top-tier audio as well. These days, there's stiff competition in all of those categories, especially at this price point. However, buying AirPods Max is a statement. Even though they don't have the Apple logo, you're paying a premium price for the recognition. If that's what you're after, these headphones are it.

When it comes to features, the AirPods Max aren't jam-packed-but the few they do have are very good quality, which is on-brand for Apple's minimalist vibe. They are some of the best ANC headphones you can buy (they don't give you that weird pressure sensation when you turn them on), have very good ambient awareness to hear your surroundings well, have adaptive EQ and spatial audio, which adjusts the audio automatically to you and your environment, and hands-free Siri, according to PCMag's "excellent" review.

Some of the downsides are that they are heavier than regular headphones at 13.6 ounces. This comes from the choice to use metal for the ear pieces. You also can't manually adjust the EQ to your liking, so if you don't like the sound signature, you're out of luck. Finally, the smart case it comes with is, well, ugly and doesn't protect the mesh that rests on your head (a delicate part of the headphones). You also need that smart case to put your headphones in "sleep" mode so your 20 hours of battery aren't drained.