So would you buy the new Airpods Max for $549?

Apple just unveiled its first iteration of over-ear headphones, the Airpods Max, under the Airpods brand to augment the AirPods and AirPods Pro, and it costs a whooping $549.

However this is not the first over-ear headphones from Apple stable as it has many under the Beats label, which it acquired in 2014. They include the $300 Beats Solo Pro, Beats Studio 3 ($349.95), Beats Solo 3 ($199.95), Beats EP ($129.95), and Beats Pro ($399.95).

So what is so different about the Airpods Max?

According to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, “AirPods are the most popular headphones in the world, beloved for their effortless setup, incredible sound quality, and iconic design. With AirPods Max, we are bringing that magical AirPods experience to a stunning over-ear design with high-fidelity audio.”

“The custom acoustic design, combined with powerful H1 chips, and advanced software enable AirPods Max to use computational audio to wirelessly deliver the ultimate personal listening experience.” he adds

Specs

• Apple H1 headphone chip (each ear cup)
• Audio technology: Apple-designed dynamic driver, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
• Nine microphones total: Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation and Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
• Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity
• Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode enabled
• Storage in the Smart Case preserves battery charge in ultra-low-power state. Charging via Lightning connector
• Compatible with most iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Apple TV models
• With one tap-setup, headphones automatically pair with all the devices signed in with a user’s iCloud account

AirPods Max come in five colours, including space grey, silver, sky blue, green, and pink, and are available to order starting today, with availability beginning Tuesday, December 15

How does the Airpods Max compare with other over-ear active noise cancellation headphones?

We have chosen three similar over-ear headphones for comparison – the Airpods Max and Beats Solo Pro from Apple and the Sony WH-1000XM4

Before the launch of Airpods Max, RTINGS named Sony’s WH-1000XM4 Wireless both the best wireless Bluetooth headphones and the best Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones.

Since we do not have the headphones December 15, we still follow RTINGS guide.

However, one thing is for sure, you would expect Apple lovers to go for this headphones as it actually looks like an Apple product. I hear they are already sold out for this year even at this price point.