Apple’s first branded over-ear wireless headphones, the AirPods Max made its debut earlier this month. The latest entrant to the line-up (US$ 549/AU$ 899) joins the AirPods Pro (US$ 249/AU$ 399) and original AirPods (US$ 159/AU$ 249 / US$ 199/AU$ 319). All the models are based on the Apple H1 chip, Bluetooth 5.0 support, and can be personalized using emojis, texts and numbers.
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| Airpods Max | AirPods Pro | AirPods | |
| Format | Over-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes | – |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | – |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes | – |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | Yes | – |
| H1 Chip | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hey Siri | Always-On | Always-On | Always-On |
| Automatic Switching | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sweat & Water Resistance | Yes | Yes | – |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Single charge) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 4.5 hours | Up to 5 Hours |
| Battery Life (Charging Case) | Ultra-low power state | More than 24 hours | More than 24 hours |
| Charging Case | Smart Case | Wireless Charging Case included | Standard or Wireless Charging Case Included |
| Others | Digital Crown, Noise Control Button | – | – |
| Personalised Engraving | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Spatial Audio, Transparency Mode and Adaptive EQ, which are not available on the original AirPods. The Max lasts longer (up to 20 hours) and feature both Digital Crown and Noise Control Button. The original AirPods is the cheapest while the Max is the most expensive of the bunch.
The AirPods has the bare minimum features and lasts longer than the Pro but not the Max model. There is the option to choose either standard or wireless charging case for the original and only wireless charging case for the AirPods Pro. The Max comes with a smart case which is expected to put the headphones in low and ultra-low power state to preserve battery charge.
Verdict
- Basically, for a standard AirPods audio experience at an affordable price, the original AirPods with charging case or the option with wireless charging case will do enough justice.
- The AirPods Pro enjoys the best of both worlds and is comfortably priced. It has all the notable features including ANC, Spatial Audio, and Adaptive EQ which are all available on the Max.
- The Max is at the other end of the spectrum with all the features of the Pro but add the Digital Crown (cue the Apple Watch) and Noise Control Button.
Source: Apple (1), (2), (3)