Best AirPods Max Accessories for 2024

Apple doesn’t include a cable for wired listening with the AirPods Max. That’s annoying, because they simply sound better in wired mode. Plus, sometimes it’s easier to plug in a device than to pair it wirelessly, especially if you have non-Apple devices that aren’t in your iCloud account.

The easiest way to listen to high-res audio is to plug it into a Mac or Windows PC and load up some FLAC files, which is what I did. Of course, you can also listen to streaming services (and other audio) this way. Volume levels were quite high on the MacBook Pro I was using, and I experienced a subtle but noticeable improvement in audio quality over the wired route.

The cable also eliminates any latency, which can be a factor during gaming or music production. Note that the AirPods Max still require battery power to deliver audio, even in wired mode; there is no “passive mode” available.

You can find a variety of AirPods Max hard cases on Amazon, but this is probably the best value. This case has a plush interior, a slot to store a power adapter, and magnets to put the AirPods Max into low-power hibernation mode. It comes in multiple colors, with prices ranging from $32 to $37.

When Apple released the AirPods Max, it received a lot of criticism for the headphones’ unusual protective case, which garnered some comparisons to bras and handbags and was criticized for not fully protecting the headphones. I wasn’t as much of a fan as others, but I knew we’d be seeing a ton of third-party AirPods Max cases soon, and a few have already arrived, including Waterfield Design’s $99 Max Shield Case.

Aside from the fancy design, what sets it apart from all the generic $20-$25 cases popping up on Amazon is that this one has what Waterfield calls a Magnetic Butterfly that puts the AirPods Max into low-power mode, much like the magnets on Apple’s case. Other cases you just put the AirPods Max (with their case on) into — they don’t have magnets.

The Max Shield is designed to house the AirPods Max, both naked and with their case on, and features an internal pocket 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 zip pocket, as well as an exterior stretch mesh pocket to store additional items. The Max Shield comes in eight color variations.

If you drop your AirPods Max headphones on the wrong surface, the aluminum ear cups can get damaged. That’s where a silicone ear cup protector can save the day. There are plenty of them available on Amazon in a variety of colors. The Seltureone model is currently the highest-rated by users — and it costs about $10 — so it’s my current pick in this category. But that could change as new versions become available.

The AirPods Max mesh headband is designed to be pretty sturdy, but this headband cushion serves three purposes: it provides extra protection for the mesh, adds some extra cushioning for the crown of your head, and personalizes the look of the headphones.

It is available in different colors and can be easily removed and washed.

The Spigen Klasden is a relatively affordable hard case for the AirPods Max. Designed for use with the AirPods Max case, it’s an extra layer of protection. It doesn’t have built-in magnets to keep the headphones asleep; it does have an internal pouch to manage cables and a built-in grab handle.

The AirPods Max come with a USB-C to Lightning charging cable, but no power adapter. Spigen’s compact 40-watt dual USB-C charger (it uses GaN technology, which helps keep its size down) can charge two devices at once, and has enough juice to charge your headphones and iPhone simultaneously — or even an iPad. Note that each USB-C port can deliver up to 30 watts when you’re charging a single device, or up to 20 watts when you’re charging two devices at once, which is why it’s rated for 40.

Don’t want to put your AirPods Max in their soft Smart Case to fall asleep? This simple, attractively designed stand is easy to assemble and serves as a convenient resting place for your headphones. Thanks to a built-in magnet, they’ll automatically disconnect from your devices when you place your headphones on the stand, and reconnect when you take them off the stand. This stand works great with other headphones, too, but the automatic Bluetooth disconnect feature only works with the AirPods Max. You can find similar products on Amazon for $19.