Summary and Rating: AirPods Max vs Beats Studio Pro
Pros – AirPods Max
- Great overall tuning for ANC cans, excellent bass articulation
- Respond well to EQ adjustments
- Great design of the headphones themselves
- Very comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and swapping for Apple devices
Pros – Beats Studio Pro
- Convenient Connectivity and Controls: Super easy to connect on Android and iOS.
- Surprisingly Good Sound Quality: A balanced response, which is a huge improvement over previous Beats models.
Cons – AirPods Max
- Pricey
- Battery life of 20 hours is low compared to competitors
- Design problems with the case and no power button
Cons – Beats Studio Pro
- Poor Build Quality: Low-grade plastic and meagre padding.
- Uncomfortable: Tight clamping force, small ear cups that touch the pinnae.
- Limited Soundstage.
- Outclassed by Competitors.
Bottom Line:
With superior design, comfort, ANC, and sound, the AirPods Max are the clear winner.
Introducing the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio Pro
The Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio Pro cater to to a wide range of users with quality sound, Active Noise Canceling (ANC), and ultra-convenient connectivity with IOS devices.
We put these two head-to-head, providing objective testing and some subjective input to help you decide which one ticks all your boxes.
Who are these Headphones for?
AirPods Max
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones for everyone in search of quality noise-canceling headphones with good sound, especially users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Built for the modern urban grind, these headphones come packed with all the hardware and features expected in high-end headphones: ANC (active noise canceling), Bluetooth, adjustable settings via your phone, an ambient mode for environmental awareness, and hands-free controls for taking phone calls.
For Apple users, they provide smooth connectivity with Apple devices, featuring capabilities like automatic device switching, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and hands-free Siri access.
Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed for users who value active noise cancellation, wireless convenience, and a focus on style. They work well for commuters, remote workers, and casual listeners who want reliable performance across various devices. With support for both Apple and Android, they cater to a broad audience.
Who are these Headphones NOT for?
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are not recommended for critical listening. They are tuned to appeal to the average consumer and have a frequency response tailored for enjoyment, not monitoring.
For audiophiles in search of quality ANC cans, we recommend the Focal Bathys. (See here for our complete review of the Focal Bathys)
Beats Studio Pro
These headphones are not a good choice for listeners seeking audiophile-level sound nor those seeking top-tier ANC performance. Additionally, if comfort during extended wear is a top priority, the fit and clamping force may not suit everyone.
Check out our gear category page for more on ANC headphones and audio gear.
Alternatives to these Headphones
Focal Bathys
ANC headphones for audiophiles – dynamic punch, excellent resolution.
Check Price:
Sony WH-1000XM5
Some of the most popular ANC Cans for a reason. Best noise canceling, very good sound.
Check Price:
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Best value ANC headphones in our book. Very good sound, massive 60-hour battery life.
Check Price:
sound: AirPods Max vs Beats Studio Pro
Frequency Response Diagram AirPods Max
Frequency Response Diagram Beats Studio Pro
Winner: AirPods Max
While the Beats Studio Pro offer the best sound I have heard from Beats headphones, the AirPods Max take the crown in this matchup with a more open soundstage and tighter definition. Let’s dive into the details…
Bass
When it comes to bass, both the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro shine. The AirPods Max deliver robust bass and sub-bass clarity, while the Beats Studio Pro impresses with a satisfying sub-bass bump balanced with the mids. Despite Beats’ reputation as bass-heavy headphones, the AirPods Max have more bass bloat than the Beats Studio Pro in this matchup.
Midrange
In the midrange, both headphones deliver a decent performance. The AirPods Max needs a bit of EQ adjustment to balance the bass and mids, but once done, the sound quality is more lifelike. The Beats Studio Pro, on the other hand, provides a natural sound for vocals and instruments without any adjustments.
Highs
I prefer the treble of the AirPods Max in this matchup. Other than the very top end around 12-14 kHz, which has a little more air than I would like, the treble of the AirPods Max is defined and nicely tapered off so that cymbals and hi-hats are crisp yet warm. The out-of-the-box tuning on the Beats Studio Pro has slightly over-emphasized highs, which sometimes accentuates sibilants and string attacks.
Dynamics and Soundstage
The AirPods Max doesn’t pack the dynamic punch of audiophile-grade headphones but handles active noise canceling well. It also provides a surprisingly spacious soundstage. The Beats Studio Pro, however, falls short in this area due to their tight, small ear cups, resulting in a compressed soundstage.
Sound Summary
Overall, the AirPods Max offers great sound for noise-canceling headphones. Meanwhile, the Beats Studio Pro, with its surprisingly balanced sound profile, is not bad. But for a better overall sound experience, the AirPods Max takes the cake.
AirPod love. AirPods Max with AirPods Pro 2.
Specs Compared
AirPods Max
- Driver – dynamic
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – Post 2024 Models: USB-C (charging). Pre-2024 Models – Lightning to USB-C (charging)
- Weight – 385 g
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – Not specified
- Battery Life – 20 hours (with ANC)
- Bluetooth Version – 5
- Codecs Supported – AAC and SBC
Beats Studio Pro
- Driver – 40mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and audio; 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening
- Weight – 260 g
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – Not specified
- Battery Life – 24 hours (with ANC)
- Bluetooth Version – 5.3
- Codecs Supported – SBC, AAC
Build / Comfort
Beats Studio Pro
Winner: AirPods Max
When it comes to design, the AirPods Max undoubtedly takes the lead. With anodized aluminum earcups and a cushy mesh headband, they feel like slippers on your head, providing comfort even for longer listens. Weighing in at 384 grams, the headphones feel almost weightless. The Apple Watch-inspired control dial on the right earcup adds a touch of elegance and ease.
The AirPods Max’s case is nothing to brag about, however. The case looks like a bra and offers minimal protection, leaving the delicate mesh headband exposed. So, throwing these in a bag might be risky.
Comparatively, the Beats Studio Pro didn’t live up to expectations. Despite having a sturdy brushed metal headband, the other components like padding, controls, and earcups are made from a lower-grade plastic.
The earcups are small and lack depth, leading to a claustrophobic soundstage and affected frequency response. This might be problematic for those with larger ears.
Furthermore, the Beats Studio Pro headphones aren’t very comfortable for larger heads due to the tight headband’s clamp force and scant padding.
A folding mechanism for compact storage and a soft carrying pouch make the Studio Pros travel-friendly, though less protected than other models with hard cases.
AirPods Max in their silly case
Connectivity
Winner: Beats Studio Pro
Comparing the connectivity of both the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio Pro, the Beats Studio Pro are a clear winner.
The Beats Studio Pro share all of the same advantages within the Apple ecosystem as the AirPods Max. Since Beats was acquired by Apple in 2014, Beats headphones now feature seamless integration with Apple devices via the W1 and H1 chips, enabling effortless pairing, Siri voice activation, improved battery efficiency, and spatial audio support for immersive sound.
Both headphones connect seamlessly with Apple devices, giving you a connection prompt upon power-up. Device swapping within the Apple ecosystem is also a breeze.
However, the AirPods Max have some connectivity limitations. First of all, they will connect to Android devices, but without the one-touch pairing convenience they offer on iOS.
The AirPods Max use Bluetooth 5.0. Although you can connect to more than one device signed into iCloud, the AirPods Max do not support Bluetooth Multipoint if you want to do this on an Android device.
If you’re on a plane and need a wired connection, the AirPods Max require the use of Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, which is sold separately.
On the other hand, the Beats Studio Pro offers solid connectivity with both iOS and Android devices. They leverage Apple’s proprietary technology for seamless iOS connections and support Google Fast Pair for Android users, ensuring quick and hassle-free connections.
The Bluetooth 5.3 technology in the Beats Studio Pro ensures a stable and efficient connection, and they work on more than one device at a time with Bluetooth Multipoint. Plus, they include a USB-C port that supports lossless audio and a 3.5 mm audio jack, if you need a wired connection.
Beats Studio Pro with one-touch pairing prompt on IOS device.
Noise canceling
Winner: AirPods Max
When it comes to noise cancellation, both the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro Headphones have their strengths. The AirPods Max, much like their sibling AirPods Pro 2, are unrivaled at blocking out sound in the bass and lower-midrange (100 Hz – 1 kHz), even outperforming the Sony WH-1000XM5. (see our matchup of the Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max)
Nearby chatter and the persistent hum of city life in this range are almost completely eliminated. They also do a fine job at attenuating high-frequency sounds like consonants and glasses clinking (see here for more on AirPods Noise Canceling).
On the other hand, the Beats Studio Pro headphones shine when it comes to handling low-frequency noise. Engine rumbles and city hum are significantly reduced. However, they fall short in blocking out midrange and high-frequency sounds.
The Beats Studio Pro’s ANC will satisfy casual listeners. Those seeking top-notch sound attenuation across the spectrum will find the AirPods Max to be the superior choice.
Battery Life
Battery Life of Popular ANC Headphones Compared
Winner: Beats Studio Pro
Neither the AirPods Max nor the Beats Studio Pro are going to knock your socks off with killer battery life. The AirPods Max provide up to 20 hours of constant play with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on, but they have a design flaw—they lack a power button and only enter low-power mode when placed in their Smart Case. So, if you’re not diligent about using the case, battery drain could become an issue.
In contrast, the Beats Studio Pro promises up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC on. Our tests confirmed the numbers for both these headphones. At 70% volume on continuous play, both headphones came within 2 hours of their stated battery life before they died.
Both headphones support quick charging. Ten minutes of charging affords you 4 hours of playback on the Beats Studio Pro and 3 hours on the AirPods Max.
Calls
For our call tests, we tested in normal and windy conditions.
Winner: AirPods Max
For taking calls, the AirPods Max were slightly better. Especially under windy conditions, we preferred the performance of the AirPods Max.
Both headphones are impressive under normal conditions, with no connection glitches to complain about.
You can hear the results in our tests below.
AirPods Max
Beats Studio Pro
Final thoughts:
Overall Winner: AirPods Max
The AirPods Max, with its impressive noise cancelling, elegant design, and excellent stock tuning, offers a complete package for any commuting music lover.
For those tied into the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max becomes even more appealing with its seamless integration, spatial audio, and customizable settings.
We applaud the steps forward on the Beats Studio Pro. The sound quality is surprisingly good for a Beats model, offering a balanced audio profile. However, the small earcups and tight clamping significantly limit the soundstage and comfort, making them less suitable for prolonged use.
For me, the AirPods Max have a place in the current ANC headphone market, while the Beats Studio Pro are outmatched.If the AirPods Max are outside your budget, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer superior build quality, sound, ANC, and battery life at around the same price as the Beats Studio Pro.
If you’re seeking an audiophile-level sound experience and are willing to spend a bit more, the Focal Bathys are the best current option out there.
FAQ:
Can I use the AirPods Max with non-Apple devices?
Yes, the AirPods Max can pair with non-Apple devices through Bluetooth. However, some functions, such as Spatial Audio and automatic device switching, are available only when used with Apple products.
Can I use the AirPods Max in wired mode?
Yes, for models released before 2024, you can connect the AirPods Max in wired mode using a Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, which is sold separately. For models released after 2024, you can use a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity.
Can the Beats Studio Pro connect to more than one device at a time?
Yes, the Beats Studio Pro offer multipoint connectivity, enabling connections to two devices simultaneously. This feature allows you to switch between devices effortlessly, such as taking a call on your phone while listening to music on your laptop. Many users find this functionality helpful for multitasking across devices.
Are the ear cushions on the Beats Studio Pro replaceable?
Yes, you can replace the ear cushions on the Beats Studio Pro. Replacement cushions are available from Beats or third-party sellers and are straightforward to install, making it easy to extend the life of your headphones.
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