Today Only: Get a Pair of Apple AirPods Max Headphones for Only $299.99 at Best Buy – IGN

Unlike its AirPods brethren, the AirPods Max is a more traditional style over-ear headphone. If you’re not a fan of earbuds that go in your ear, then over-ear headphones are definitely going to be a better fit for you. Much of the high cost of the AirPods Max stems from the materials and build quality. The AirPods Max features an all-metal build with silicone type material wrapped around the headband and knit mesh and memory foam earcups that are both comfortable on your ears and effectively seal in sound. The hinge and adjustment mechanisms are smooth and very easy to use. Apple went all in on the craftsmanship and it definitely shows.

The audio quality and active noise cancellation are superb as well thanks the to Apple H1 chip and software and personalized spatial audio. It easily competes with other premium headphones like the Sony WH1000XM5 we reviewed or the QuietComfort Ultra. You’ll get the most out of it, however, if you pair it with an iOS or Mac OS device like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. Although it does work with Android or Windows devices, you sacrifice a good bit of functionality like spatial audio, auto eq, instant pairing, and more.

At the retail price of MSRP, the AirPods Max has always been a splurge buy because – although it’s a very nice headphone – it’s so much more expensive than other headphones that offer similar performance. This Best Buy deal brings it down to a price that actually competes as long as you’re open to getting a refurbished model.

Looking for in-ear options? Apple recently announced the new Apple AirPods 4, including a model that happens to be the least expensive AirPods with active noise cancellation. They’re all already available for preorder.