From Engadget · Filipe Espósito · · 3m
Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2: Apple's headphone choice
Apple's two flagship headphones share features but differ in design, price and who they suit best.
In brief
Apple's two flagship headphones share features but differ in design, price and who they suit best. Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 both offer strong audio and noise cancellation, but Beats cost one hundred ninety nine dollars less and suit Android users better, while AirPods offer premium design and Apple-exclusive…
Two Apple headphones, one comparison
Beats just launched the Beats 360, making it natural to compare them with the AirPods Max 2. Both are over-ear headphones from Apple with flexible headbands and interchangeable ear cushions.
Design: plastic versus aluminum
The Beats 360 uses mostly plastic with a stainless steel arch, while AirPods Max 2 are aluminum. Beats 360 weigh two hundred ninety four grams; AirPods Max 2 weigh three hundred eighty six grams.
Lighter feels better on long flights
The plastic makes Beats 360 much lighter, reducing discomfort during extended wear. AirPods Max 2 feel heavier after a while, especially on long flights.
Cases tell different stories
Beats 360 come in a fabric case that closes magnetically and protects from dust and scratches. AirPods Max 2 use a Smart Case that only covers the ear cups, leaving the rest exposed.
Swapping ear cushions: magnetic versus twist
AirPods Max 2 ear cushions pull off magnetically with a fancy click. Beats 360 require twisting to detach and reattach them, which is less seamless.
Beats offer more cushion choices
Beats 360 come with performance cushions for workouts and UltraPlush cushions for comfort. The headband is also interchangeable. AirPods Max 2 offer one cushion type and a non-replaceable headband.
Sound quality: slight edge to AirPods
AirPods Max 2 sound clearer and louder with deeper bass. Beats 360 sound well-balanced and satisfying, but differences are not dramatic for most people.
Wired audio: AirPods only
AirPods Max 2 support lossless audio and wired passthrough via USB-C cable. Beats 360 lack both features, which matters if you sometimes use headphones corded.
Noise cancellation: both strong, AirPods smarter
Both offer excellent active noise cancellation. AirPods Max 2 have larger ear cups for better sealing and Adaptive Audio that adjusts cancellation. Beats 360 are limited to on or off.
Apple features versus Android compatibility
Both support quick pairing, hands-free Siri and Find My. AirPods Max 2 add Live Translation and Conversation Awareness. Beats 360 work with Android and Google's Find My.
Battery: Beats win by twelve hours
Beats 360 deliver thirty two hours with active noise cancellation on. AirPods Max 2 last up to twenty hours. For long trips, Beats 360 are clearly better.
Controls: AirPods smarter, Beats confusing
AirPods Max 2 pause automatically when removed. Beats 360 lack this feature, and their volume and ANC buttons look too similar and are confusing to use.
Price decides the winner for most
Beats 360 cost three hundred fifty dollars; AirPods Max 2 cost five hundred forty nine dollars. For most people seeking good headphones, Beats 360 offer better value, especially for Android users.
“It's a huge price difference just to get a more premium design and a few extra features.”
What it means
Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 both offer strong audio and noise cancellation, but Beats cost one hundred ninety nine dollars less and suit Android users better, while AirPods offer premium design and Apple-exclusive features.
