AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Max 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIITuning, detail, and staging
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 93).
Comfort
AirPods Max 2Long-session wearability
AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | — |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | — |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | — |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | — |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | — |
| Type | — | Open-back dynamic |
| Driver | — | 45 mm Tesla |
| Impedance | — | 250Ω |
| Frequency response | — | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Cable | — | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm |
| Weight | — | 370 g |
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +
At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max 2 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max 2 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 93). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max 2 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Long-session wearability.