If you’ve been hovering over the buy button on Apple’s AirPods Max, Amazon US has just made the decision a little easier. They’re down to $449 in the US, saving you $100 off the regular $549 price.
They did hit $399 during last November’s Black Friday sales, mind, so this isn’t a record low. But at just $50 above their lowest ever price, it’s the second-best deal we’ve seen on Amazon in the US – and the lowest price of 2026 so far.
If you want a pair now rather than waiting months for another major sales event, this could be the time to pull the trigger.
We’ve reviewed them – and they still impress
We spent serious time with the AirPods Max in our full review, and while we were critical of the price, we weren’t critical of the performance.
Build quality is as premium as you’d expect, thanks to the anodised aluminium ear cups, stainless steel headband, and breathable mesh canopy. They’re heavier than plastic rivals from Sony and Bose – you always know they’re there – and during extended sessions, we did notice some pressure around the temples. But in terms of materials and finish, they feel every bit like a $549 product.
But the sound is where they really shine. Using Kacey Musgraves’ Slow Burn as a test track, vocals soared cleanly while the warm acoustic strums underneath stayed clear and distinct even once the bass entered.
On The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, the AirPods Max balanced the driving low end with that sparkling synth hook without turning the mix muddy. Maximo Park’s Baby Sleep also showed off their sense of attack and energy, while The Avalanches’ The Divine Chord demonstrated how well they give complex arrangements room to breathe.
Across genres, we found them spacious, detailed and consistently engaging. They’re not tuned to flatter in an exaggerated way – instead, they sound composed and controlled, with a broad soundstage that feels larger than most ANC rivals.
Noise cancelling is also top-tier. With eight microphones constantly adapting, the AirPods Max create an impressively quiet listening bubble without the odd pressure sensation some competitors introduce. While we’re still not convinced anyone has completely dethroned Bose in the ANC stakes, Apple is still right up there. Transparency mode, meanwhile, is arguably one of the most natural around.
If you’re already embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, the experience is slick, too. Pairing is instant, and automatic device switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac works seamlessly. Spatial audio support for Dolby Atmos content also adds convincing immersion for compatible films and shows, anchoring sound to your screen as you move your head.
Battery life is rated at around 20 hours with ANC on – perfectly respectable, though not class-leading. Sony still squeezes more endurance from its rivals. Better yet, while our review unit had the now-defunct Lightning connector, this deal is for the updated USB-C version.
Is this a good deal?
In our review, we were clear – at full price, the AirPods Max are hard to justify purely on value. Sony’s WH-1000XM series and Bose’s QuietComfort line remain smarter pound-for-pound buys.
But at this price, it’s certainly more tempting, thanks to the build, sound quality, and noise-cancelling on offer – especially if you want all-in on Apple’s ecosystem.
If you’re prepared to gamble on another Black Friday drop to $399, you might save a little more later in the year. But if you want Apple’s over-ears now, this is about as sensible a time to buy as we’ve seen in months.
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