Apple AirPods Max ($499, originally $550)
Every college student will benefit from a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and these Apple AirPods Max are an editor favorite. They're designed with comfort in mind with a knit-mesh band and memory foam ear cushions. They have active noise cancellation and transparency modes, so they can choose between an immersive experience or hearing their surroundings. The headphones have on-head detection and a built-in microphone that lets them seamlessly switch between devices. They come in space gray, silver, sky blue, pink, and green. Read our in-depth review of the Apple AirPods Max here.
Editor Quote: "The sound on the AirPods Max is extremely clear — I've never had any issues with music sounding far away or 'tinny.' I can hear every single word of Death Cab For Cutie's 'Title and Registration' as if Ben Gibbard himself were singing into my ears. The headphones also have a 'Digital Crown' button where you can control the volume, answer phone calls, skip music, and use Siri. I love that I don't have to pick up my phone every time I want to turn up the volume." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
