AirPods Max 2 are my favorite over-ear headphones — but I hate that I can't create my own EQ

The apple airpods max 2 in blue photographed against a blue tom's guide background, showing the mesh headband, anodized aluminum ear cups, carry case, and controls.

My AirPods Max 2 may be the best headphones I've ever used, but they're not perfect. If I ever try to tell you that they're 100% flawless, that's my calling card for "Help me, I've been kidnapped!"

While the AirPods Max 2 are my personal favorite headphones — I'd keep them over the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra any day — they're also a little infuriating. Shoddy battery life and 13-ounce weight aside, they are nowhere near as customizable as the aforementioned Bose and Sony options. Sony's Sound Connect app lets you adjust the EQ on a 10-band frequency, and Bose Music allows you to choose from 4 presets (and 3 sliders).