Tried and Tested: Two Charging Stands for AirPods Max
By default, Apple's expensive over-ear headphones charge inconveniently via cable. Two providers have alternatives: Zagg and Floating Pixels. We tried them out.
Max Stand by Floating Pixels: Available in various colors to match the AirPods Max.
(Image: Floating Pixels)
While Apple's AirPods have been wirelessly rechargeable via Qi for years in various models, the AirPods Max lack this capability. Even the USB-C model of the over-ears introduced in September 2024 only offers cable charging—now via USB-C, whereas the first version from 2020 even required a Lightning-to-USB-C cable. Users should also, if possible, place the AirPods Max in their included case to ensure they enter sleep mode—even though no power should be lost when charging without the case.
All in all, this is not very convenient, especially since the AirPods Max just lie around when charging and the cable also looks messy. It would be nice, therefore, to have a stand for the high-quality (and expensive) AirPods Max that also supplies them with power. Apple offers nothing in this regard, but the accessories market now has solutions. We looked at two of them: the Max Stand from German design studio Floating Pixels and the AirPods Max Charging Stand from Mophie, a subsidiary of the large mobile peripheral manufacturer Zagg.
Max Stand: Simple(r) and quite affordable
For those who prefer simplicity and affordability, the Max Stand is the right choice. It is also compatible with all AirPods Max models. The 99 Euro stand consists of two indentations into which the AirPods Max, when unfolded for listening, fit almost blindly. They are slightly angled. For power supply, a small plug is used, which is inserted either into the Lightning port (old version) or the USB-C port. This is magnetic on one side, so it fits into a charging surface. Furthermore, the Max Stand has a USB-C port for a power adapter.
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A charging cable with the same magnetic connector is also included, so you can charge the AirPods Max without the Max Stand without having to remove the magnetic adapter. Useful: The set includes the cable and, as mentioned, adapters for USB-C and Lightning. Charging works as usual; the AirPods Max transmit their charge status wirelessly but do not remain connected to a Mac or iPhone when plugged into the Max Stand. Floating Pixels, which designed the Max Stand and has it produced in China, offers the device in three colors: white, Black, and Pink/Orange. The hardware is cheaper on the company's website from Heidelberg than on Amazon. The Max Stand gives a stable impression and does not slip easily.
AirPods Max Charging Stand: With an additional function
Mophie's Max Charging Stand has a second function besides charging the AirPods Max: via a charging plate in the base of the charging station, a Qi-compatible device that is small enough can also be charged—for example, AirPods (Pro) or other earbuds with a charging case. The AirPods Max Charging Stand is also sturdily built: it is made of black-dyed aluminum with soft silicone inserts.
(Image:Â Mophie)
Mophie automatically puts the AirPods Max into sleep mode when they are plugged in. Here too, a dongle is required; this is plugged into the USB-C port of the AirPods Max and is also magnetic. Unfortunately, the dark black AirPods Max Charging Stand does not include an adapter for the Lightning model; Mophie apparently does not believe this market is still worthwhile. For the additional Qi charging pad and slightly more material, you pay 139.95 Euros. However, the stand also takes up more space on the desk.
Conclusion: Small and large
The AirPods Max Charging Stand and Max Stand approach the solution of conveniently charging the AirPods Max very similarly. The Max Stand is nice and compact and does what you expect it to, and it comes in multiple colors. With the AirPods Max Charging Stand, you get an additional Qi charger for an extra 40 euros. Only one of the two is suitable for users of older AirPods Max with Lightning, which are likely still present in many households due to their high price.
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