The Apple AirPods Max are typically priced significantly higher than their most rugged competitors ($549 vs. $349 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5), but right now there's a way to get them for a lot less. For today, Best Buy is offering Geek Squad certified refurbished units for just $299.99. These come with a 90-day Best Buy warranty. I'd definitely prefer these over a used pair from eBay or Facebook Marketplace, especially because this deal makes them less expensive, Geek Squad has a standardized grading process, and these headphones come with a warranty.
Apple AirPods Max headphones for $299.99
Geek Squad Certified Refurbished
Geek Squad Certified Refurbished
Apple AirPods Max
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Unlike its AirPods brethren, the AirPods Max are a more traditional style over-ear headphone. If you're not a fan of earbuds that go into your ear, over-ear headphones will definitely be the better choice for you. Much of the higher cost of the AirPods Max stems from the materials and build quality. The AirPods Max have an all-metal build with a silicone type material wrapped around the headband and knit mesh and memory foam earcups that are comfortable on your ears and effectively seal out sound. The hinge and adjustment mechanism are smooth and very easy to use. Apple paid close attention to craftsmanship and it definitely shows.
Audio quality and active noise cancellation are excellent as well, thanks to the Apple H1 chip and software and personalised spatial audio. It easily competes with other premium headphones such as the Sony WH1000XM5 or the QuietComfort Ultra, which we have reviewed. However, you will get the most out of it if you pair it with an iOS or Mac OS device such as an iPhone, iPad or MacBook. While it works with Android or Windows devices, you do sacrifice functionality such as spatial audio, auto eq, instant pairing and more.
At a retail price of MSRP, the AirPods Max have always been a great buy because – although it's a very good headphone – it's much more expensive than other headphones that offer similar performance. This Best Buy deal brings it down to a price that's actually competitive as long as you're willing to buy a refurbished model.
Are you looking for an in-ear option? Apple recently announced the new Apple AirPods 4, including a model that is the lowest-priced AirPods with active noise cancellation. They're all already available Available for Pre-order,