AirPods Max Accessories That Are A Complete Waste Of Money
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AirPods Max is Apple's over-the-ear upgrade over the regular AirPods and AirPods Pro. These noise-canceling headphones come with impressive sound quality and go head-to-head with other premium headsets like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700. Just like Apple's other headphones and earbuds, AirPods Max work seamlessly within Apple's ecosystem and come with cool features like spatial audio.
Apple's AirPods Max are luxurious headphones, so naturally, you want to get some accessories to show them off and protect them. From covers for the earcups to cables for connecting the headphones to your computer, there is a bevy of options out there to choose from. However, not all AirPods Max accessories are equal, and some are just a waste of money. Here are five AirPods Max accessories you shouldn't buy and five others to buy instead. You're already spending a lot on these headphones, so you will want to make sure your accessory purchases are just as worthwhile.
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable - Don't buy
One of the big gripes about the AirPods Max is the lack of either a 3.5mm jack or a USB-C port. AirPods Max's internal battery is charged with a Lightning cable. That means if you want to plug the headphones into a 3.5mm headphone port, you need to have a special cable just to do that. Plugging in your headphones reduces the latency (vs wireless connectivity), which is important if you're mixing audio or playing games. However, the AirPods Max still requires battery power to work, even when plugged in.
As frustrating as that is, it's not nearly as frustrating as the $35 Apple charges for a Lightning to 3.5mm cable. That's an especially tough pill to swallow considering Apple's cables are known to fray and come apart at the housing. That makes this a no-go for anyone wanting this type of cable. You will want to find a cable that is much more durable and will last for a longer period of time.
UGREEN Lightning to 3.5mm adapter - Get this instead
If you're dead set on getting a cable for the AirPods Max, getting this adapter from UGREEN is the better decision. Picking this adapter up for $15 and basically any 3.5mm cable will certainly be cheaper than Apple's option, and it will probably last a bit longer too. The UGREEN adapter is more durable because it has an aluminum housing, and the braided nylon cord better protects the wires inside. Lightning cables tend to fail because of the way these housings are treated, so a more durable product like this will better withstand the pushing and pulling that is bound to happen.
You need to be cautious about buying Lightning to 3.5mm to Lightning cables. Many of the full-fledged cables work with most every Apple device except the Airpods Max due to the size and/or shape of the material that surrounds their tips. That's why the adapter is a safer route if you aren't getting Apple's Lightning cable. Plus it can also be flipped around and used to plug other headphones into your iPhone if you so choose.
Miimall Soft TPU Translucent Anti-Scratch Protective Case Cover - Don't buy
At $550 retail, AirPods Max are expensive. So the knee-jerk reaction to buy a protective case for them is understandable. However, you want to think about what you might be losing by getting a case cover for the headphones.
AirPods Max have aluminum ear cups that are sleek and match Apple's other products. However, aluminum can scratch, especially if you are rough with it. If you want to get a protective cover for the aluminum ear cups, do yourself a favor and don't buy cheap TPU options. The luxurious design is part of the AirPods Max experience, and that is instantly ruined by throwing on cheap transparent plastic.
TPU options are also pretty weak. If you drop your headphones with these on, they are most likely going to crack, and the plastic is just as likely to scratch the aluminum as the surface you dropped it on. If you're going to get covers for your AirPods Max, you might as well pony up for something more premium. You already spent $500 after all.
MONOCARBON Genuine Carbon Fiber Case for AirPods Max Headphones - Get this instead
If you want to protect the aluminum ear cups on your AirPods Max, these carbon fiber options from MONOCARBON are a significant upgrade over cheap TPU covers. For one, the carbon fiber pattern on these cases matches the aesthetic of the AirPods Max perfectly, so it actually complements the design rather than detracting from it. Carbon fiber is also fingerprint, dust, and scratch-resistant. MONOCARBON also has a couple of different colors and patterns available so you can find something that matches your aesthetic.
The MONOCARBON cases are also very thin, so they won't add much to the actual thickness of the ear cup at all. MONOCARBON also makes several other carbon fiber products, so you can have a universal look between your phone, headphones, smartwatch, and more.
In short, if you want to protect your headphones, do it in a way that complements or elevates the established look. Otherwise, you are just wasting money.
Benks Desktop Headphone Stand Universal Headset Holder - Don't buy this
Some sort of hook or stand for your headphones is not a bad idea — in theory. Having a designated place for things reduces the chance of you accidentally losing them. And it's also natural to want that stand to look as sleek and premium as the AirPods Max themselves.
However, that doesn't quite justify spending $50 on this Benks Desktop Headphone Stand. The stand has a polished aluminum alloy pole and an anti-slip base. It looks great and all, but it's also — just a stand.
There's no wireless charging for your phone, no USB-C ports, or anything like that. It's just a metal stand with a little hook to dangle your headphones. It does everything this $10 hook does, except it takes up way more space doing it. If you're going to spend this much on a stand, it makes sense to spend ten or twenty bucks more and get something a bit more functional.
Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger - Get this instead
If you're looking for a headphone stand with a premium design that actually makes sense to buy, this 2-in-1 stand and charger from Satechi is a great option. It's $80, which still makes it pretty expensive. But at least this one includes charging capability for your phone and your AirPods Max.
Satechi's products are made with dark stainless steel, so it matches the space gray aesthetic of other Apple products. That also makes the stand durable and sturdy, so you know the headphones aren't going anywhere. The base also serves as a wireless charging stand, so it's a convenient place to store your phone as well and get some juice. Lastly, there is a place to loop a charging cable through on the pole, so you can plug in your headphones without a cable dangling and ruining the look.
If you're going to spend a lot on a headphone stand, you might as well get one that is stylish and functional.
TXEsign Universal Replacement Headband - Don't buy this
AirPods Max's standard mesh headband is very nice, but not even that can make up for how heavy the aluminum ear cups are. Since they are so heavy, your ears can get fatigued pretty quickly. As such, it's sensible to want to get something to add comfort, especially if the mesh is starting to wear down.
The TXEsign universal replacement headband isn't the solution. This cover is supposed to add some extra comfort to your headphones, and it's made of soft microfiber material. There's even a little hook so you can hand them on something.
The final result looks like you wrapped a towel around your headphones. Since it's a microfiber material, that's essentially what you have done. It doesn't look good, and it significantly diminishes the aesthetic of your headphones, no matter what brand it is.
Universal covers like this aren't the answer. If you need something to make your headphones more comfortable, finding something custom-made for that brand or product is usually the better solution.
AWINNER Headband Cover - Get this instead
For the same price as the headband above (or less), you can get a cover specifically designed for the AirPods Max that doesn't tank the overall look. This AWINNER Headband Cover is a silicon sleeve that slips onto the headband. It serves a double purpose of protecting the mesh cover and adding an extra cushion.
The standard black option will blend well with the headphones, especially if you opt for the gray AirPods Max. However, there are a few more colorful options if you want to add a bit of pop to your headphones.
The silicone sleeve is removable, so it's easy to take off and clean. The sleeve slips on from the bottom of the headphones, so there's no tricky setup or complicated process to follow. These silicone sleeves also have a matte look, so they won't catch the light or stand out too much on your expensive pair of headphones.
TOLUOHU Headband Cover and Reindeer Antlers - Don't buy this
The mesh material that makes up the top half of the AirPods Max has a recessed center, and now there are several accessories that fill the middle section. Some of these are better than others, and some are downright horrible like these TOLUOHU reindeer antlers.
This is a silicon band that goes in the fabric mesh, and then you strap on these hideous silicon antlers because...it's Christmas time? There are a few other options for rabbit ears and devil horns. All of them are cringe, but the reindeer antlers take the cake.
The antlers aren't even part of the silicon band. You strap them on separately with velcro straps. There are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit without tarnishing your expensive headphones. Please don't out yourself as a Christmas weirdo with these silicon antlers. Do it by unironically liking eggnog, like a normal person.
WQNIDE Washable Soft Silicone Headphone Headband Protector - Get this instead
Despite what we said above, silicon headband protectors aren't terrible ideas. The drawback to the mesh headband on the AirPods Max is how easy it is to get dirty. The fabric picks up dirt and dust quickly, and it can be especially problematic if you have dandruff.
So it makes sense to put something in the fabric to make it easier to clean and maintain. That's where these washable silicon protectors from WQNIDE come in. They are soft and flexible, so it's easy to squeeze these into the mesh. They are also easy to remove and wipe clean, so you can keep the fabric looking like new for a long time to come.
As you use your AirPods Max, the mesh can also begin to wear, which reduces the fabric's ability to hold the heavy earcups. The silicon headband helps redistribute the weight and makes the headphones more comfortable to wear long-term. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can find one that expresses your personality.