Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The AirPods Max 2 take everything people loved about Apple’s over-ear headphones and turn it up a notch. Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, they deliver up to 1.5 times more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, plus Adaptive Audio that adjusts to your surroundings, Conversation Awareness that lowers your music when you start talking, and a Transparency mode for when you need to hear the world. Buyers consistently rave about the rich, detailed sound, the strong noise cancelling, and how seamlessly they switch between Apple devices.

The design is as polished as ever: a breathable knit-mesh canopy, memory foam ear cushions, and telescoping arms for a custom fit, all in a sleek Midnight finish. Battery life runs up to 20 hours with noise cancelling and Spatial Audio turned on, and you can plug in over USB-C for lossless audio. Do they work with Android? They’ll connect over Bluetooth, but they truly shine with an iPhone, since features like Personalized Spatial Audio, automatic switching, and Live Translation rely on Apple devices. Long-haul flyers will find them a natural fit for their travel essentials list.

Good to know: These are on the heavy side for headphones, and it’s the most common complaint among reviewers. Several people with larger heads say the clamp gets uncomfortable after a couple of hours, so if you plan to wear them all day, take breaks or try them on first if you can.

Styling tip: The Midnight finish looks right at home on a sleek desk stand next to your laptop, making them a polished upgrade for any home office. They also make a memorable gift for the Apple fan in your life. Find more ideas in our holiday gift guide, our roundup of the best small home electronics, and our favorite home electronics picks.