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tecsi12 Author

Level 1

104 points

AirPods Max Comfort?

I am finding two discomfort issues with my AirPods Max

the earpiece clamping pressure seems very high, and at times, uncomfortable
I constantly feel the bars of the headpiece, as if they are digging in to my head. I have the units extended as big as possible. I was expecting the headpiece mesh would distribute the pressure and I wouldn’t even feel the outer bars. When I try to adjust the earpieces to relieve the headpiece pressure, the headphones slid back down because of their weight

I have long used Bose and Sony noise-cancelling headphone and have never experienced anything close to this level of discomfort. Sometimes after wearing the AirPods Max, I get a headache, perhaps from reducing blood flow in my skull.

The sound quality of these is excellent, but I worry about the discomfort. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestions?

iPhone XS Max, iOS 14

Posted on Dec 18, 2020 5:25 PM

Top-ranking reply

ugaland

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Dec 30, 2020 8:04 AM

I am experiencing discomfort as well. For me, it is pressure on my temples from the ear cups. It has not yet given me a headache, but it feels close to it.

I own the Bose NC 700 and wear them all day while sitting on my computer, and I've never had any discomfort whatsoever. With the Airpods Max, it was immediate as soon as I put them on after opening the box.

The bars are not noticeable for me, but I have a lot of hair, so maybe that adds some cushion.

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25 replies

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Dec 21, 2020 12:02 PM in response to tecsi12

Hello tecsi12,

Thanks for being a part of Apple Support Communities. We know it's important to have your AirPods Max fitting correctly so you can wear them without any issues. We'll be glad to assist.

For help with the fit of your AirPods Max, check out the guidance here: Wearing your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, EarPods, or Beats devices

If you need more help, please reach out to us directly: Get Support

Best regards!

Mar 2, 2021 5:48 AM in response to tecsi12

The clamping force is just too much, it gives me horrible headaches after 1 hour use. I have used, Bose, B&O, Sony, Harman Kardon, all sort of this type of over ear noise cancelling headphones... DISAPPOINTING.... sound quality is amazing but if you cant use them for an extended period of time like I do, then better I keep using the Bose 700.

Hope apple is reading this and learn for 2nd generation..

In the meantime I have the headphones stacked in a good stack of old books and see if the clamp force reduces...

Apr 1, 2021 7:20 PM in response to tecsi12

I am getting bad ear aches after using these headphone for barely half an hour. I don't get headache so far but its killing my ears. Going to give a shot for couple more days. Most likely they are going back. Sadly, the pressure on the ear is not worth the great sound quality :/

Apr 24, 2021 1:45 AM in response to tecsi12

I received my AirPods Max yesterday. I love the sound, but I immediately started hearing the bars on the headpiece as well, which translated to pain after about half an hour. I love them, but unfortunately I am forced to send them back.

May 12, 2021 10:07 PM in response to tecsi12

Same boat here. Bought them yesterday and while having lunch I tried them for about an hour and a headache just came within the first 15 min. My problem wasn't the clamp pressure but the headband's pressing the top of my head, even having them full extended. They are heavy.

I really wanted to love them because the sound is astonishing taking into account that I have a pair of Fostex TH900 mk2 almost $2k worth.

So disappointed, hope a second generation comes soon with a larger headband and 20-30% less weight at least, for now I just returned them.

PiWis

Level 1

4 points

Jun 25, 2021 8:59 AM in response to tecsi12

Same problem here. We have bought a pair of AirPods Max as a gift for our daughter. She started to have headache after 30 minutes of using. Sound quality is excellent but something is wrong about the comfort. Had to return the purchase

Aug 26, 2021 12:27 AM in response to tecsi12

I'll second the sound quality - these sound amazing, HOWEVER, from an ergonomics point of view I believe the AirPods Max is а health hazard! The weight presses down on your neck so hard, that it hurts after an hour. Real pain!

When you lean back on a couch or chair, they start sliding off your ears, hence I can only use them upright!

Mar 30, 2021 11:46 AM in response to Jackkrok

tecsi12 Author

Level 1

104 points

Dec 30, 2020 11:52 AM in response to ugaland

That’s a good observation about your temples. I hadn’t thought about that, but just compared with my Sony and Bose units. And yes, they both put less pressure on the temples than the APMs.

tecsi12 Author

Level 1

104 points

Mar 2, 2021 12:54 PM in response to domitrescu

Yes, precisely my experience. So I am returning the APMs and keeping my Sony NCs.

AirPods Max Comfort?