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Mashable's 5 most comfortable headphones test omits AirPods Max

Mashable's headphone comfort roundup excludes AirPods Max due to inconsistent fit and poor value; AirPods Pro 3 also left out over design concerns.

What to know

  • Mashable's most-comfortable-headphones roundup excluded AirPods Max due to inconsistent fit, high cost, fast-draining battery, and lack of wired connection.
  • AirPods Pro 3 also left out because the longer sound port design presses uncomfortably against the ear's concha for most users.
  • Mashable recommends Bose for noise cancellation, Sony for sound quality, and Anker Soundcore for budget options.

“Despite their critical acclaim and popularity, the AirPods Pro 3 experience a decline in comfort. The longer sound port does provide a securer fit. It also presses up against the concha, resulting in some discomfort.”

Mashable, Tech review publication · Mashable ↗ · Sep 21

Mashable Tech review publicationApple AirPods manufacturer

Mashable's 5 most comfortable headphones test omits AirPods Max
mashable.com

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  1. 1

    AirPods Pro 3 excluded due to design-induced discomfort

    Mashable explained in its FAQ that despite critical acclaim and popularity, AirPods Pro 3 experience a comfort decline because the longer sound port presses against the concha, causing discomfort for most Apple users, though those with higher pain thresholds may not be affected.

    “The longer sound port does provide a securer fit. It also presses up against the concha, resulting in some discomfort.”
    — Mashable
  2. background

    Mashable cites AirPods Max battery, design, and cost concerns — Mashable's review elaborates on why AirPods Max were excluded, citing a fast-draining battery, lack of a power button, no wired connection option, and pricing that doesn't justify the feature set.

  3. background

    Mashable publishes comfortable headphones roundup, excludes AirPods Max — Mashable released a roundup of the five most comfortable headphones it has tested. The publication notably excluded Apple's AirPods Max, citing inconsistent comfort across users and several technical drawbacks that make them poor value despite good sound quality and aesthetics.