# 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.
- Title: Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2: Apple's headphone choice
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: beats 360, airpods max 2, apple, headphones, audio quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, design, price comparison, technology, Beats, 360
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2263860/beats-360-vs-airpods-max-2-comparison
- Author: Filipe Espósito
- Published: 2026-09-22T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: beats 360, airpods max 2, apple, headphones, audio quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, design, price comparison, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.