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Beats has come a long way since being purchased by Apple in 2014, offering improved noise-canceling and sound quality that makes their headphones and earbuds competitive with their parent company, particularly for anyone looking for a more fitness-friendly option.
If you’re looking for Apple over-ear headphones, you have two main options: Beats’ flagship over-ear headphones, the Studio Pro, and Apple’s, the AirPods Max. Both options offer noise-canceling, easy integration with Apple devices, and solid audio performance.
And while both of these are among our favorite noise-canceling headphones, there are significant differences between them in terms of price, performance, and design. We put both to the test, comparing factors like audio quality, fit, noise canceling, and design. Read on for our review.
Beats Studio Pro
$179.95
$349.99
49% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at walmart
Apple AirPods Max
$529.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at target
Beats Studio Pro
List Price: $349.99
Stated battery life: Up to 40 hours
Wear Detection: No
Release Date: July 2023
Apple AirPods Max
List Price: $549.00
Stated battery life: Up to 20 hours
Wear Detection: Yes
Release Date: September 2024 (USB-C version)
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max: Design
In terms of design, the Studio Pro and AirPods Max could not look more different, with the former featuring a more traditional oval shape and plastic build, and the latter featuring a futuristic rectangular build constructed from aluminum.
There’s a significant weight difference as well, with the AirPods Max clocking in at a hefty 385 grams, while the Beats Fit Pro weighs a leaner 269 grams. That said, I found the AirPods Max to be more comfortable, thanks to the deeper earcups and mesh headband, which keep the headphones from feeling too bulky. The aluminum build of the Max headphones also gives them a more luxurious feel, compared to the primarily plastic build of Beats’ headphones.
The Max earcups rotate, but don’t fold, while Beats’ headphones fold, but the earcups don’t rotate. That means the case design is significantly different, with Beats’ favoring a compact zippered soft-side pouch, while Apple utilizes a soft faux leather case for the earcups. The notorious “bra” case is still among the more frustrating design decisions Apple made, offering minimal protection for the headphones. The Beats’ case, despite not offering the full protection of a hard case, is compact and portable, although the headphones can be difficult to pull out of the case.
Overall, the Apple headphones look and feel more premium, although the Studio Pro carrying case is far more practical.
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max: Features and Controls
Both the Studio Pro and AirPods Max headphones feature tactile controls, with the Studio Pro utilizing a large playback button in the center of the left earcup, plus volume controls. The buttons are responsive, although they make a substantial click when pressed. The power button on the right earcup doubles as ANC control, though it’s somewhat small. The Beats headphones also lack wear detection, a flaw at this price point.
The AirPods Max have among the most unique controls, with a single button for ANC and a volume dial inspired by the Apple Watch, which also doubles as a playback button. The AirPods Max controls are simple, satisfying to use, and reliable. That said, there is no is headphone jack on the AirPods.
On the software side, neither the Beats nor Apple headphones have iOS apps, with both being controlled through Bluetooth settings. Like all Apple headphones, neither the Studio Pro nor the AirPods Max have customizable EQ.
The Beats headphones work well with Android, thanks to the dedicated app, and support for Google Fast Pair and Find Hub, but there’s little reason to buy the AirPods Max without an iPhone.
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max: Sound Quality and Performance
The Studio Pro headphones feature a custom Beats chip, rather than Apple’s H1 or H2 chip, meaning you can expect slightly different performance. Still, the Studio Pros feature a fairly neutral sound profile, with plenty of clarity and detail, rather than the bass-heavy profile that Beats was known for early on. The noise canceling is competent, capably cutting out voices, electrical humming, and external music. The transparency mode could be more transparent, for lack of a better word, particularly given Beats’ position in the market as a workout-friendly brand.
Apple’s AirPods Max headphones have class-leading ANC and transparency, with monastic silence when in ANC mode and an impressive balance between immersion and awareness in transparency mode. Still, it would be helpful to be able to adjust the transparency level, the way you can with Bose and Sony headphones. Despite the lack of a custom EQ, the audio quality is stellar, with crisp detail across a variety of genres.
In terms of battery life, the Beats Studio Pro are the clear winner, with up to 24 hours in ANC mode or 40 hours without. The AirPods Max have up to 20 hours with ANC enabled, a fairly subpar performance compared to brands like Sony and Sennheiser.
Both the Beats Studio Pro and the AirPods Max feature Personalized Spatial Audio, which requires you to take photos to “scan” your face and ears. Generally, I find spatial/immersive audio to be somewhat gimmicky, but the option is there. However, it’s only available for iOS, and you need a compatible iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max: Verdict
Both of Apple’s flagship headphones are worthy options in 2025, with the best one coming down to the features you prioritize (and how much you’re willing to spend).
Apple’s AirPods Max headphones have a more refined design, better ANC and sound, and are more comfortable than the Beats Studio Pro. But they also cost $549 at full price, $200 more than the Beats Studio Pro.
The Studio Pro boasts better battery life, a more convenient carrying case, and easy compatibility with Android or iOS devices. Both the Studio Pro and AirPods Max have iOS-specific features, like Find My and Personalized Spatial Audio. That said, the Beats headphones feel less high-end and are missing features like wear detection.
If you’re looking for the best audio performance and ANC — and don’t mind shelling out for it — the AirPods Max are one of the best headphones on the market, particularly for iPhone users. If you want a travel-friendly case, good battery life, and solid audio and ANC performance, the Beats Studio Pro are a worthy alternative, particularly on sale.
Beats Studio Pro
$179.95
$349.99
49% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at walmart
Apple AirPods Max
$529.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at target
