Apple's AirPods Max Weigh 384 Grams, Heavier Than Most Competing Over-Ear Headphones

Anyone who owns a pair of over-ear headphones will tell you that the weight of the headset can make a big difference to the listening experience. Especially if you're wearing headphones for several hours straight, weight starts to have a real impact on overall comfort.

airpods max b
Apple's new AirPods Max over-ear headphones weigh 13.6 ounces (384 grams), which might not sound like much, but that's relatively heavy compared to many premium over-ear headphones on the market. For comparison, below is a list of stated weights for some of the current market-leading rivals:

  • AirPods Max - 13.6 ounces (384.8 grams)
  • Audeze LCD-1 – 8.82 ounces (250 grams)
  • Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless – 13.4 ounces (380 grams)
  • Bose 700 – 8.78 ounces (249 grams)
  • Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II – 10.93 ounces (310 grams)
  • Sennheiser PXC 550-II – 8 ounces (227 grams)
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 – 8.96 ounces (254 grams)

As you can see, Apple's ‌AirPods Max‌ are the heaviest in the list, and substantially heavier in most cases, with only Beyerdynamic's Amiron Wireless studio headphones approaching the same heft at 13.4 ounces (380 grams).

It'll be interesting to see how the ergonomic design of the ‌AirPods Max‌ compensate in this regard. Apple has used a "breathable knit mesh" for the headband, designed to distribute the weight evenly and reduce pressure, and the ear cups are cushioned with memory foam to provide comfort and a seal to improve sound quality. Whether Apple has actually managed to adequately balance the weight across the headband and cups so as to minimize wear fatigue, won't be answered until the reviews start coming in.

‌AirPods Max‌ cost $549 and are available to order on Apple's website, with availability beginning December 15.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

blairh Avatar
43 months ago
Yet another reason to get the Sony WH-1000XM4 instead. AT HALF THE PRICE TO BOOT ?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JediStarWars Avatar
43 months ago
They look great, I hope they sound great, and I applaud Apple for this innovation. HOWEVER, The price point is completely wrong. Audiophiles know they can get better audio quality for far less. $399 would have been the sweet spot. But at this price, it’s better to wait for the next version and lower price point.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iPhaithful Avatar
43 months ago

Concerned what these will be like for running
If you’ve ever wanted to strengthen your neck muscles while running, this might be the device. It just works. :apple:
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Seanm87 Avatar
43 months ago
Concerned what these will be like for running
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ken Linger Avatar
43 months ago
I'll wait for the AirPods Pro Max.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yalinc Avatar
43 months ago
After reinventing $350 keyboard, apples reinvents $550 headphones. I am loving it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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