Apple AirPods Max

$549 From apple.com

Features Bluetooth headphones, spatial audio, head– tracking, noise–cancelation, 20hrs battery life

SOUND QUALITY

The AirPods have a deep, full bass sound, though they’re delicate at higher frequencies. The over–ear design helps too, creating an open, spacious soundstage that lets you wallow in your music. It’s a shame, though, that they can’t play the top–quality lossless music on Apple Music.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO

Spatial audio on Apple Music is a treat, especially with beat music, with a swirling cloud of sound that feels like your own private dancefloor. Spatial effects in movies aren’t quite so dramatic — there’s less sense of 3D movement — but the head–tracking feature works well.

EXTRA FEATURES

Apple really goes to town with high–tech features, such as spatial audio and head–tracking for watching films. There are no less than nine microphones for voice calls, noise– cancelation (ANC), and Siri voice commands, and you can automatically switch between Macs and iOS devices.

NOISE CANCELATION/BATTERY LIFE

Apple’s noise–cancelation is very effective, reducing background noise with a “transparency” mode. Battery life with ANC on is 20 hours, and a quick 5–minute charge will give you 1.5 hours of listening time.

A brilliant set of wireless headphones, but at this price tag the AirPods Max should be able to play back high–quality lossless tracks available on Apple Music.

GREAT

Good wireless sound No support for lossless audio