The AirPods Max offer premium sound, but despite their high-end price, the headphones don't come with many accessories. They don't include a charging brick or wired adapter, and the case Apple provides does little to protect your $550 investment. That's why we've rounded up the best AirPods Max accessories to help keep your headphones safe and fully powered up.
Our top picks include sturdy cases, like the Co2crea Hard Case, which is available in more than 10 different color options. A stand is also a nice way to store your headphones, but if you don't want to hang your AirPods Max by their fragile mesh band, check out the Superone Smart Headphone Stand that lets you tilt them in place on their side.
Below, you can find all 10 of our picks for the best AirPods Max accessories. Whether you want a cord for wired, uncompressed sound or a charging brick with plenty of power, these items will help you get the most out of your AirPods Max.
10 best AirPods Max accessories
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
-
Protective earcup coversThe AirPod Max’s aluminum build looks great, but is prone to scratching. These carbon fiber covers look just as good and keep your investment protected.
-
A budget caseThis budget-friendly case puts the headphones in sleep mode to maintain battery. Plus, it has a carrying handle and space to stash a charger.
-
Mesh headband protectionThe AirPod Max’s mesh headband is comfortable but prone to wear and tear. This silicon band helps protect the mesh, particularly from sweat during workouts.
-
A rugged carrying caseIf you want something more heavy-duty than Apple’s case, this option offers all-around protection, cord storage, and magnets to activate sleep mode.
-
A stand for hibernation modeThis stylish stand holds your AirPods Max upright in hibernation mode for display or easier access to the charging port.
-
A stand for your headphones and phoneThis stand cradles your AirPods Max while using a MagSafe charger (sold separately) to power your iPhone. A clever magnetic base keeps the headphone cord in place when not used.
-
The best cable for wired listeningIf you want a wired 3.5mm connection to get uncompressed sound, this official cable from Apple is the perfect fit.
-
A power bank for travelingTraveling away from an outlet? The Anker 525 Power Bank will keep your AirPods Max juiced and ready thanks to its 20,000mAh capacity.
-
A must-have charging brickApple doesn’t include a power brick with the AirPods Max, but this 20W USB-C charger will get the job done and then some. It’s great for other devices too, and can fast charge an iPhone.
-
An extra charging cordApple’s included charging cables can wear easily. If your AirPods Max cable needs replacing, consider a longer-lasting braided cable.
FAQs
Do the AirPods Max come with a case?
The AirPods Max ship with Apple's Slim Smart Case that automatically puts the headphones in hibernation mode to conserve battery. However, this slim case is actually more of a wrap than a traditional case and only covers the earpieces. It does not offer protection for the headband, nor does it have space to store a charger or other accessories. If you plan to travel with your AirPods Max, we recommend you consider buying a more protective carrying case.
Can you use a 3.5mm cable with the AirPods Max?
The AirPods Max can be used in wired mode with a Lightning to 3.5mm cable. However, the cable is not included in the box and is an additional cost.
The 3.5mm adapter is an excellent option for use with devices that lack Bluetooth or for those who want to take advantage of the improved audio quality that a wired connection can provide. However, the AirPods Max must still be charged to work in wired mode.
Do the AirPods Max use USB-C?
No, the AirPods Max have a Lightning port for charging and optional wired connectivity rather than a USB-C port. However, they include a Lightning to USB-C cable, so you can place the Lightning end into the headphones and the USB-C end into a USB-C charging brick.
How do the AirPods Max fit into Apple's AirPods lineup?
The AirPods Max are positioned as the most premium option in Apple's AirPods lineup. They're designed to appeal to buyers willing to pay extra for top Bluetooth headphones, and they're the only AirPods to feature an over-ear design rather than an earbud style. They're one of our top picks for the best over-ear headphones, especially if you want high-end headphones to use with an iPhone or MacBook.
Check out our Apple AirPods Max review for more details, and visit our guide to the best Apple AirPods for a full breakdown of each model.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.