Jada Jones/ZDNET
In the past few years, Bose, Sony, Sonos, and Beats have released premium headphones to compete with each other and Apple's AirPods Max.
I've worn all of the AirPods Max's top competitors, and they each excel in different categories. But for an older dog in this fight, the AirPods Max are still kicking. Since their 2020 release (and 2024 re-release), the Max haven't received many significant software or hardware updates, aside from new colors, a USB-C port, and support for lossless audio via USB-C.
Also: The 12 best headphones of 2025
So, five years later, set on the backdrop of a potential successor this fall, are the AirPods Max still worth buying? After testing the best headphones on the market, here's my buying advice.
The good: design, device interoperability, and great sound
Jada Jones/ZDNET
One thing is indisputable: the AirPods Max are a beautiful pair of headphones. They are simple, sleek, and often imitated -- yet never replicated. The stainless steel accents give it an elevated look, no logos or branding make them appear sophisticated, and the Digital Crown successfully replaces multiple buttons that can be confused with one another.
Also: Here's how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price tag
In the design category, the Sonos Ace are the Max's closest rival. They're also defined by clean lines, a simple design, metallic accents, and removable magnetic ear pads, but have thinner earcups and a lighter build. The Ace feature their own take on the Digital Crown with a similarly functioning Content Key, but placed in an easier-to-reach spot on the ear cup.
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