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Apple’s AirPods Max noise-canceling headphones may cost a bundle, $ 549 to be precise, but they sell so well that Apple can’t keep them in stock. And while they may not be as popular as the standard AirPods and AirPods Pro, the Max is the latest example of a high-profile Apple product creating its own cottage industry for dedicated accessories. In fact, there are already plenty of AirPods Max add-ons, including traditional “shell” cases, charging stands, and headphone and headband covers. Here are some of the best accessories available. Note that I’ve only tried all three, while the others are alternatives that I think are cheap enough to be worth rolling the dice. I’ll update this list as more arrive (and as I have more hands-on experience with them).
Read more: Best noise-canceling headphones for 2021
David Carnoy / CNET
When Apple released the AirPods Max, it was deeply pained by the earbuds’ unusual protective cover, which generated a fair amount of bra and bag comparisons and was criticized for not fully protecting the earbuds. I wasn’t as depressed as others, but I knew we’d be seeing a ton of third-party cases soon, and several have already come, including the $ 89 Max Shield case from Waterfield Design.
Aside from its sleek design, what makes it different from all the generic $ 20 to $ 25 cases listed on Amazon is that it has a “Magnetic Butterfly” that puts the AirPods Max in low power mode just like magnets do. Apple cover. With other cases, you put the AirPods Max (with the cover on) in the case, they don’t have magnets.
The Max Shield is designed to house AirPods Max naked, or with their case, and has an inner bag to store the included USB-C to Lightning charging cable or the optional Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. There is also an exterior zippered pocket, as well as an exterior stretch mesh pocket for storing additional items. The Max Shield is available in eight color variations.
David Carnoy / CNET
Apple does not include a cable for wired listening with the AirPods Max, which is quite irritating because the fact is that the AirPods Max sound better in wired mode and sometimes it is easier to connect to a device than to pair it wirelessly. especially if you have non-Apple devices that are not in your iCloud account.
The easiest way to listen to Hi-Res audio is to connect it to a Mac or Windows PC and load up some FLAC files, which I did. You can obviously listen to streaming services this way (and any other audio) as well. The volume levels were quite high on the MacBook Pro I was using and I experienced a subtle but noticeable increase in audio quality following the cable route.
Also, the cable eliminates any latency, which could be a factor when playing games or producing music. Note that the AirPods Max still need battery power to deliver audio, even in wired mode; there is no “passive mode” available.
Apple’s cable lists for $ 35, but you can get them for $ 30. It’s available in black or white.
Best Buy
Anker’s 3.5mm Lightning Cable for wired listening costs $ 5 less than Apple’s cable.
Amazon
If you drop your AirPods Max earphones on the wrong surface, the aluminum ear cups could be damaged. That’s where a silicone ear protector could save the day. There are many of them available on Amazon in many color options. The Seltureone model currently has the highest user rating, and is priced at around $ 12, so that’s my current pick in this category. But it could change as new versions become available.
Amazon
The AirPods Max mesh-infused headband is designed to be quiet and strong, but this headband cushion serves three purposes: It offers added protection for the mesh, adds an extra cushion for the crown, and customizes the look of the headphones.
It is available in a few color options and can be easily removed and washed.
Amazon
You can find several hard cases for AirPods Max on Amazon with prices ranging from $ 17 to $ 30. This case does not incorporate magnets to put the AirPods Max in its lowest power sleep state, but it has a luxurious interior, a slot for storage a power adapter and comes in multiple color options for $ 23.
Aukey
AirPods Max include a USB-C to Lightning charging cable in the box, but no power adapter. This affordable Aukey Swift 30W 2-Port USB-C Charger lets you charge your AirPods Max and your iPhone (or other device) at the same time. It is priced at $ 15, but there is currently an instant 30% off coupon that brings the price down to less than $ 11. The best phone and device chargers for 2021.
Amazon
This is your basic silicone rubber charging pad for the AirPods Max. Once you screw the charging cable into the bracket, you are good to go (no cable included). Hopefully this will come down in price. It should be closer to $ 10.
read more: Best Accessories for AirPods Pro