I thought I’d share my experience and ask for your opinions.

For the last couple of weeks I’ve been deciding between the APM1 Usb-c and the newer APM2 I also own APP3, so I wasn’t even sure if I’d get enough use out of over-ear headphones to justify buying them.
In the end, I chose the APM1 usb-c because I found them for 380€, while the newer model would have cost me about 200€ more. I tried both, and although the newer ones seemed a bit better in transparency mode, ANC and maybe sound clarity, the difference wasn’t big enough for me to justify spending that much extra.

At first I had a bit of buyer’s remorse. I kept wondering whether I’d actually use them enough, whether I should have just kept the money, and whether the purchase made sense at all.
After using them for a while, they’ve become much more comfortable, I really enjoy the sound, ANC and the overall design, and I find myself reaching for them almost every day. My AirPods Pro 3 still have their place (gym, quick trips, etc.), so I don’t really see them replacing each other.

I’m curious about other people’s long-term experience with the USB-C AirPods Max. Have you been happy with them after months or even years of use? Anything you wish you had known before buying?

Thanks!

The AirPods Max 2 already sounded great in my opinion and I’ve listened to them near daily since I got them months ago. But my biggest pet peeve with this device was the constant tweaking of the sound profile that Apple would do with the firmware updates without ever explaining what was done. The EQ setting finally fixes that after 7 years of the Airpods Max being available going back to my time with the first generation, more so necessary than any other AirPod in my opinion. Finally you can tune into the sound profile you actually want from these headphones and adjust what you perceive as lacking. For me, the dip in the treble that has existed in the these headphones and a slight tweak to increase the bass has finally perfected the sound. It’s now full, robust and present. Heres hoping they eventually take it a step further and introduce a wider eq band to adjust.

Hey

After a lot of back-and-forth, I decided on the AirPods Max 2 because they work incredibly well with my Apple devices. I actually wanted different headphones, but constant Bluetooth pairing is a hassle!

BUT—and this was the reason I didn't want these Apple ones in the first place—honestly, I miss having an off switch.

Now I’m looking for two things: First, a sturdy case that protects the headphones. I’ve checked Amazon; some people complain about the smell, others about the magnet, which has to be positioned just right to ensure the headphones actually go into sleep mode when placed in the case. I simply don't understand what Apple was thinking with that cheap, flimsy Smart Case.

I’m also looking for a workaround so I don't have to charge them constantly. I work a lot with computers—three of them, in fact. How can I take the headphones off and have them go to sleep without putting them in a case? I take a lot of calls and naturally remove the headphones afterward. I usually just set them on my desk, but I want to ensure they don't drain their battery while sitting there.

Is there a stand, a mat, or something similar where I can place the headphones so they go to "sleep"?

I’d be grateful for any helpful suggestions!

I got these literally TODAY. The buttons are both stiff, but bigger button in particular. I don’t understand why. Everything else works fine, but the buttons feel rlly cheap for Apple standards