5 Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Apple AirPods Max 2

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Apple recently released the new AirPods Max 2, reviewed by BGR. While these earbuds still look a lot like their predecessors, they have a few added benefits thanks to two H2 chips available inside the earbuds. For example, this processor unlocks new benefits like live translation, improved active noise cancellation, and a more natural transparency mode. If you recently purchased these very expensive headphones, or just upgraded to the previous generation, there are several ways to make them even better with inexpensive accessories, like earmuffs, a suitable carrying case, and much more.

After all, if you spent over $500 to get these high-end headphones, you want them to last as long as possible and look as good as possible. Luckily, there are several accessories you can get for a fraction of the price of this product, which will not only make these headphones unique, but much better because you’ll be able to expand how you use them, their longevity, and more.

Additionally, since Apple took almost six years to release a second generation of AirPods Max, it’s possible the company could take some time to launch a redesigned version of its premium earbuds that could perhaps fix the issues users complain about the most, like the carrying case, the weight of the device, and the lack of exclusive features compared to other AirPods earbuds.

Many AirPods Max owners rely on protective headphones. They’re great for minimizing daily scrapes and ensuring these headphones last a long time. For example, every time you take the AirPods Max out of their Smart Case, they usually bump into each other. Besides that, there are other design flaws that can make your headphones look bad over the years, like the mesh headband, or even the ear cushions, depending on the color you choose and how you use these headphones.

That said, something like Mindresy’s AirPods Max Earphone Protector Set can be a great investment for as little as $13.99. This brand offers a Silicone Earpad Cover, a Clear TPU Earpad Cover, a Silicone Headband Cover, and a Silicone Top Cover to ensure that the mesh on your AirPods Max lasts longer, while allowing you to move them around without making the product look ugly.

There are several other brands that offer earbuds for AirPods Max, and as the original model, the USB-C version and the second generation all have the same look, this means you don’t need to search for a specific accessory, as the compatibility is universal, meaning you can ensure your AirPods Max continue to look great whilst being protected from everyday use.

Imagine a world where Apple’s Smart Case didn’t necessarily need you to carry AirPods Max by its headband? If you could imagine this world, then you probably think of something like Yinke’s Smart Case. For years, users complained that the lack of a power button on the AirPods Max was a problem and that the Smart Case sometimes failed to put the earbuds into sleep mode. On top of that, whenever you travel with them you have to be very careful with the headband mesh, as there is nothing to protect it, and the AirPods Max can take up a lot of space in your backpack, as they don’t fold like the Beats headphones.

With this in mind, Yinke has created a very nice protective case that starts at $32.99. While obviously protecting your AirPods Max from external objects, it can also put AirPods into sleep mode in an ultra-low power state. That said, you can ensure that your AirPods Max don’t lose battery while being protected from damage and scratches.

Made from a soft velor lining, it has a double zipper and uses a hard EVA shell, which the company claims is waterproof, shockproof and scratch-resistant. The case also has a compartment for a cable and power brick, meaning you can always carry everything you need with this case.

The AirPods Max 2 actually support Lossless and users can enjoy it using the USB-C to USB-C cable available in the box of these earbuds. This benefit can be enjoyed on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and other streaming services, as long as you change the specific service’s settings and let the song stream in that quality.

However, if you want to expand the number of devices you can connect to AirPods Max while still maintaining proper audio quality, Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter is the best accessory you can get. Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable makes connecting AirPods Max and other 3.5mm audio sources much easier because it supports audio in and out ports on both sides.

This cable allows users to connect an iPhone or iPad to speakers equipped with 3.5mm ports. With AirPods Max, for example, the cable provides ultra-low latency comparable to internal speakers, ensuring a high-quality experience for content creation and gaming. In other words, you can enjoy an uncompromised music experience with third-party devices by using this cable as a bridge between the analog world and Apple’s AirPods Max 2 technologies.

What better way to upgrade your AirPods Max than to give them a little style? To make these headphones even more unique, you can add fun stickers to them. Although you should be careful about the type of stickers you place in the earbuds, many users place the stickers on them. This way you can have very artistic AirPods Max without worrying about headphones. On top of that, even Apple is promoting stickers on its products, as there was an ad in South Korea with iPhone 17 Pro users adding several cute stickers to the camera tray.

For example, Burga is a brand specializing in 3D stickers and you can use them on both AirPods Max 2 and the iPhone 17 Pro series. Priced at $11.95, the company offers coffee-themed stickers, running clubs, and more artistic stickers that could work well with any color iPhone or AirPod.

Of course, users can also find stickers in several other online and physical stores, such as Suatelier, Appree, Muji, Junku, Etsy, AliExpress, Temu, etc. Users simply need to search for “3D phone stickers” online or in the sticker sections of these stores and see which sticker style best suits their mood.

Last but not least, if you’ve already spent a lot of money on the AirPods Max 2, you might as well get an AppleCare plan. In the United States, Apple offers two different plans: AppleCare+, which can be billed at $2.99 ​​per month or $29.99/year. It offers unlimited accident repairs, 24/7 Apple Priority Support, and Express Replacement Service, meaning you can get a replacement pair while the company repairs the model you currently own, or AppleCare One.

Along with AppleCare One, which was first revealed last year, this subscription-based service costs $19.99/month and includes all AppleCare+ benefits for up to three products. Additionally, Apple offers theft and loss coverage for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch with up to three claims every 12 months, as well as additional products for $5.99 each.

With that in mind, if you want your AirPods Max to look as new as possible, keeping them under AppleCare can be a great option in case you start experiencing some of the most common AirPods Max issues, like condensation inside the earbuds, issues charging the product, or a battery that drains too quickly.