Beats Studio Pro vs AirPods Max: Apple's $200 Budget Battle Reveals a Clear Value Winner

Based on RTINGS lab tests, SoundGuys measurements, and real user experiences from BGR, Reddit, and forums

The short answer: The Beats Studio Pro delivers 90% of the AirPods Max experience at less than half the price. Unless you absolutely need best-in-class noise cancellation or premium metal build quality, the Beats are the smarter buy in 2026. At current sale prices of $180 versus $450, you're paying an extra $270 for marginally better ANC and heavier materials that many users find uncomfortable. Get the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon for $180 →

The Fighters

	Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
Price	$180 on Amazon	$450 on Amazon
Best For	Value seekers, Android users, travel	Premium audio enthusiasts, Apple ecosystem
Weight	268g	387.8g
Battery	31+ hours (40hr without ANC)	20 hours
Bluetooth	5.3	5.0

Beats Studio Pro in black with premium design

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Sound Quality

Both headphones come from Apple's audio stable, and it shows. The AirPods Max delivers a more sophisticated, audiophile-tuned sound with an open soundstage and tighter bass definition. RTINGS notes the Max has "a more refined sound signature."

The Beats Studio Pro surprised everyone by abandoning the old bass-heavy Beats sound. Macworld found "the low end has as much clarity and punch as AirPods Max, but the high frequencies are noticeably crisper." The Beats push more energy into upper mids and treble—roughly 10dB more according to SoundGuys—giving vocals extra presence.

Interestingly, SoundGuys rated the Beats slightly higher on their Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score: 4.5/5 versus 4/5 for the Max. The Max sounds more refined, but the Beats hold their own.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
8/10	9/10

Round 1 Winner: AirPods Max — More sophisticated soundstage and tighter bass definition edge out the surprisingly capable Beats.

Score after Round 1: Beats Studio Pro 8 | AirPods Max 9

Round 2: Noise Cancellation

This is where the AirPods Max flex their premium price tag. SoundGuys testing revealed a 5-8dB improvement in noise isolation across most frequencies—a significant real-world difference. The Max's ANC is adaptive, constantly adjusting to your environment, and reviewers describe it as achieving "monastic silence."

The AirPods Max "effectively match the Sony WH-1000XM6 and slightly edge out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra," placing them in the top tier globally. They excel at eliminating low-frequency drone—airplane engines, HVAC systems, traffic—practically disappearing from your consciousness.

The Beats Studio Pro has serviceable ANC, but TechGearLab rated it just 3.3/10. It handles everyday environments like offices and coffee shops, but won't match the Max on a long-haul flight.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
6/10	9/10

Round 2 Winner: AirPods Max — Superior adaptive ANC with 5-8dB better isolation makes this a clear win for the Max.

Score after Round 2: Beats Studio Pro 14 | AirPods Max 18

Round 3: Comfort & Weight

Here's where opinions diverge sharply—and where the Beats stage a comeback.

The AirPods Max weighs a hefty 387.8 grams, over 50% heavier than comparable Sony headphones (251g). Some users love the plush mesh ear cushions and knit headband. SoundGuys praises the "insanely deep ear cups, wide cloth-clad ear pads, and very soft band."

But many users report the opposite experience. One BGR reviewer admitted he "would find myself taking them off after an hour or so due to discomfort" from head pressure—so much that on flights over two hours, he defaulted to AirPods Pro instead. Multiple users report headaches after 30-60 minutes.

The Beats Studio Pro at 268g is 44% lighter. After switching from AirPods Max, that same BGR reviewer wore his Beats for an entire 5-hour flight without issues. However, the Beats have their own comfort problem: aggressive clamping force. Multiple reviews describe them as feeling "almost like on-ear headphones" due to shallow ear cups.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
7/10	6/10

Round 3 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — Lighter weight wins for extended wear, despite strong clamping force.

Score after Round 3: Beats Studio Pro 21 | AirPods Max 24

Apple AirPods Max in Midnight with premium aluminum design

Round 4: Features & Connectivity

Both headphones share Apple's DNA: Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, and seamless iCloud pairing across Apple devices.

But the Beats pull ahead on versatility. They offer USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack—enabling true lossless audio via the built-in DAC. They support multipoint connectivity, pairing with two devices simultaneously. Bluetooth 5.3 versus the Max's aging 5.0 specification means better range and stability.

For Android users, there's no contest. The Beats have a dedicated Android app, Google Fast Pair, and Find Hub integration. The AirPods Max, according to SoundGuys, give "little reason to buy without an iPhone."

The Max gained USB-C lossless support in 2024, finally enabling wired high-resolution audio. But without a 3.5mm jack, you need a USB-C cable to a compatible DAC—less convenient than the Beats' plug-and-play approach.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
9/10	7/10

Round 4 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — Multipoint, 3.5mm jack, and Android compatibility make the Beats more versatile.

Score after Round 4: Beats Studio Pro 30 | AirPods Max 31

Round 5: Build Quality & Design

The AirPods Max screams premium. Stainless steel headband, aluminum ear cups, knit mesh cushioning. It looks like jewelry and feels built for decades. Macworld notes they "look and feel more premium" than anything in its class.

Then there's the case. Apple's infamous "bra" case has "made them a laughing stock," offering minimal protection and materials that "immediately weather badly." Users report the mesh headband stretching over time, losing its cushioning properties.

The Beats Studio Pro uses plastic construction that multiple reviewers call "cheap-feeling." But it folds flat, travels in a practical case with cable storage, and won't dent if dropped. Hair can get caught in the folding joints—a minor annoyance.

If you prioritize durability and visual statement, the Max wins. If you prioritize practicality, the Beats make more sense.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
6/10	8/10

Round 5 Winner: AirPods Max — Premium materials and striking design outweigh the terrible case.

Score after Round 5: Beats Studio Pro 36 | AirPods Max 39

Round 6: Value for Money

Let's talk numbers. MSRP puts the Beats at $349 versus $549 for the Max. But real-world pricing tells a different story.

In January 2026, Apple Insider reports the Beats regularly sell for $180-$200, with deals as low as $169. The AirPods Max hover around $450, occasionally hitting $399 during major sales.

At current prices, you're paying $250-$270 more for the AirPods Max. What do you get? Better ANC (5-8dB), heavier premium materials (that many find uncomfortable), and slightly more refined sound. What do you lose? 10+ hours of battery life, Android compatibility, the 3.5mm jack, and multipoint connectivity.

SoundGuys gave the Beats Studio Pro a 7.4/10 and the AirPods Max an 8.0/10 (Editor's Choice). The 0.6-point difference doesn't justify a 150% price premium for most buyers.

Beats Studio Pro	Apple AirPods Max
10/10	5/10

Round 6 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — At half the price, the value proposition isn't even close.

Score after Round 6: Beats Studio Pro 46 | AirPods Max 44

Person wearing over-ear headphones while commuting

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Beats Studio Pro	46/60	WINNER
Apple AirPods Max	44/60

The Winner: Beats Studio Pro

In a battle between siblings from the same Apple parent company, the Beats Studio Pro takes the crown—not because it's the better headphone in absolute terms, but because it offers exceptional value at current prices.

The AirPods Max remains the technically superior product with best-in-class noise cancellation, more refined sound, and undeniably premium construction. But at $450 versus $180, you're paying 2.5x the price for improvements most listeners won't appreciate in daily use.

The Beats deliver 90% of the experience: solid sound quality (SoundGuys MDAQS 4.5/5), functional ANC, 31+ hours of battery life, and genuine cross-platform versatility. They work brilliantly with Android. They fold flat for travel. They won't give you a headache after two hours.

For the $270 you save, you could buy a nice pair of earbuds for workouts, take your partner to dinner, or invest in better audio sources. The Beats Studio Pro proves that Apple's budget option often makes more sense than its flagship.

Ready to buy the winner? Get the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon for $180 →

When the Loser Actually Wins

The AirPods Max isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You fly frequently and need elite noise cancellation — The 5-8dB improvement over the Beats genuinely matters at 35,000 feet
You're all-in on Apple ecosystem — Seamless device switching, Find My integration, and Siri work flawlessly
You prioritize audio refinement — The Max's soundstage and bass definition edges out the Beats for critical listening
You want jewelry-level build quality — Nothing else feels this premium in the headphone market

The AirPods Max might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Over-ear headphones lifestyle shot

Are Beats Studio Pro as good as AirPods Max?

They're about 90% as good for about 40% of the price. Sound quality is surprisingly close (SoundGuys rated Beats 4.5/5 versus Max 4/5 on their MDAQS). The main gaps are noise cancellation (Max is 5-8dB better) and build materials (Max uses premium metals). For most listeners in most situations, the Beats perform admirably.

Do Beats Studio Pro work well with iPhone?

Yes. Beats Studio Pro include the Apple H1 chip, enabling one-tap pairing, iCloud sync, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Siri integration—the same features as AirPods Max. You get the full Apple experience without the premium price.

Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?

It depends on your anatomy. The AirPods Max has deeper ear cups and plusher padding but weighs 387g—over 50% heavier than some competitors. Many users report headaches after an hour. The Beats at 268g is significantly lighter, but has aggressive clamping force. Users with smaller heads often prefer Beats; those with larger heads may find the Max more accommodating.

Is the AirPods Max noise cancellation worth the extra money?

For frequent flyers and commuters in loud environments, potentially yes. The AirPods Max matches Sony WH-1000XM6 and beats Bose QuietComfort Ultra in noise cancellation tests. For office workers and casual listeners, the Beats' ANC handles everyday noise adequately, making the $270 premium harder to justify.