The AirPods Max deliver premium sound, but despite their high-end design and price, the headphones don’t ship with many accessories included. They don’t come with a charging brick or wired adapter, and the case Apple provides does little to keep your $550 investment protected. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best AirPods Max accessories to help keep them safe and fully powered up.

Our top picks include sturdy cases, like the Urban Armor Gear Smart Case, that automatically switches the AirPods Max into sleep mode. A stand is also a nice way to store and display 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

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• Apple 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.

• If you want a wired 3.5mm connection to get uncompressed sound, this official cable from Apple is the perfect fit.

• The 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.

• If you want something more heavy-duty than Apple’scase, this option offers all-around protection, cord storage, and magnets to activate sleep mode.

• This budget-friendly case puts the headphones in sleep mode to maintain battery. Plus, it has a carrying handle and space to stash a charger.

• This stylish stand holds your AirPods Max upright in hibernation mode for display or easier access to the charging port.

• The 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.

• This 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.

• Traveling away from an outlet? The Anker 525 Power Bank will keep your AirPods Max juiced and ready thanks to its 20,000mAh capacity.

• Apple’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 a Slim Smart Case that automatically places the headphones in hibernation mode to conserve battery. However, this Apple slim case only covers the earpieces. It does not offer protection for the headband, nor does it have space to store a charger or other accessories. Therefore, most AirPods Max users who travel with their headphones will want 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 using a Lightning to 3.5mm cable. However, the cable is not included in the box and is an additional cost. 

It’s an excellent option for use with devices that lack Bluetooth or for those who want to take advantage of the audio quality improvements 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 who are 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.

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.