Best AirPods Max accessories

You just dropped a significant chunk of change on the Apple AirPods Max, but how can you maximize your feature-packed audio investment? We’ve rounded up the best AirPods Max accessories from cases to cables, so you can get the most out of your newfangled smart headset!

Editor’s note: this Best AirPods Max accessories article was updated on April 15, 2022, to update the Notable mentions section, add FAQ, and update formatting.

Protect your AirPods Max with the co2CREA Hard Carrying Case

The maligned AirPods Max Smart Case provides minimal protection to your expensive new headphones. In order to keep your AirPods Max working for years to come, we recommend the co2CREA Hard Carrying Case. A zipper keeps the hardshell case shut, while an external loop makes it easy for you to attach the case to a bag.

There’s ample room in the co2CREA case for the AirPods Max and the proprietary Smart Case. You can even store a charging cable and power adapter in the cutout between the headband. While the case isn’t made of luxury materials, it’s durable and affordable. Cases are meant to be roughed up anyway, so no point in overspending here as long as it keeps your AirPods Max protected.

Related: The best AirPods Max cases

The TOLUOHU Headband Cushion keeps the AirPods Max in place

The AirPods Max uses a unique mesh headband design that immediately separates it from the slew of AirPods Max alternatives, but this design may not be comfortable for all listeners. Fortunately, third-party vendor TOLUOHU makes headband inserts to prevent the headband from slipping down the crown of your head.

The TOLUOHU Headband Cushion comes in five colorways (black, navy, orange, red, and green), and you can clean it just by running it under some water. The silicone attachment has angled, embossed lines that run across it to add a bit of interest to the design. Not only does it create a more comfortable, secure fit, it also protects the delicate mesh fabric from tearing.

Use the Spigen Ultra Hybrid PRO to prevent headphone scratches

The AirPods Max boasts a minimalist design and it would be a real shame if the ear cups became chipped, scratched, or scuffed up. If you want to protect your investment at all times, attach the Spigen Ultra Hybrid PRO to each AirPods Max ear cup.

These transparent protectors are resistant to discoloration and can remain on the AirPods Max as you use them. You can even keep it on when you sheathe the AirPods Max in the Smart Case. Spigen’s protectors include cutouts around the Digital Crown and Noise Control button. The pieces snap on and off the AirPods Max and have a slightly glossy finish.

Charge your AirPods Max anywhere with the Anker PowerCore Slim

Anker has its hand in just about everything but it’s well-regarded in the portable power bank space. This is the AirPods Max accessory to get if you’re constantly out and about, and don’t want to worry about charging the headset.

The PowerCore Slim has a 10,000mAh capacity and features microUSB and USB-C inputs. You can use it to charge more than just your headphones: it can charge any portable device like a smartphone or tablet. Anker’s 11-point safety system keeps you and your devices safe while charging, and it even optimizes charging for low-power accessories like true wireless earbuds cases and standard wireless earbuds.

However, there is only a single USB-A output, so to charge the AirPods Max you either need a Lightning to USB-A cable or a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Enjoy high-resolution audio with the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable

There’s not much to say about the proprietary Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable. The Lightning end plugs into the AirPods Max and the 3.5mm plug goes into your device. Why would you want another cable in your life? It lets you get the most out of high-resolution music streaming services like Qobuz and Amazon Music HD.

If you’re using the AirPods Max in wired mode with a new iPhone, you’ll also need to pick up a 3.5mm to Lightning dongle adapter. Yes, this is an unnecessary mess of cables and dongles, and it’s all Apple’s fault.

Best AirPods Max accessories: notable mentions

• Anker Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable: If you don’t want to give Apple even more of your money, grab Anker’s Lightning audio cable instead.
• Anker Nano 20W PIQ 3.0 PowerPort II: This charging brick is great for your apartment and it’s as small as they come.
• Geekria UltraShell Case: Another hardshell case on the list, but this one has a mesh pocket for small accessories instead of a divot.
• TOLUOHU Silicone Cover for Apple AirPods Max: These silicone headphone covers are similar to Spigen’s, but they’re softer and more shock-absorbent.
• Seltureone Compatible for AirPods Max Earpads: If you don’t want to spend $65 USD next time your AirPods Max needs new ear pads. This set of pads is $10 USD and is more resistant to dirt than the original set. Be aware that third-party ear pads may affect the fit of your AirPods Max, though.
• Spigen Klasden AirPods Max Carrying Case: This case is a bit cheaper than the co2CREA hard case and a bit bigger, too. It works with Apple’s Smart Case and includes an exterior loop to hook it onto a bag.
• Spigen Urban Fit Protective Ear Cup Covers: Slightly cheaper than the Ultra Hybrid Pro covers, and in a subdued techy tweed-like material, this set of ear cup covers will keep your ear cups from getting scratched.
• SUPERONE Headphone Stand: This somewhat pricey headphone stand automatically sets your AirPods Max into low power mode, a feature you ordinarily need to use the AirPods Max case to access. It looks nice on your desk too.
• Twelve South AirFly Duo: Sometimes all you want is to make a wired connection wireless. This is essentially a Bluetooth transmitter that connects using a 3.5mm.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

We make sure to test every audio product that comes out way, subjecting each set of headphones to a battery of objective tests for battery life, isolation, microphone quality, and frequency response. We lay the facts bare here at SoundGuys in order to make your buying decision easier, and if we make a mistake, we own up to it.

We don’t just rely on data to inform our recommendations, though; we also take audio products into the real world to see how they perform on a day-to-day basis. This means we exercise with workout earbuds and commute with noise cancelling headphones, to give readers a holistic illustration of how a given product performs.

Next: Apple AirPods Max vs Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Frequently asked questions about the best Apple AirPods Max accessories