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AirPods Max · Arctic White — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max · Arctic White

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max · Arctic White lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick AirPods Max · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max · Arctic White

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max · Arctic White leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

AirPods Max · Arctic White 88
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

AirPods Max · Arctic White
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max · Arctic White versus Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max · Arctic White Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
Release year
2020
—

AirPods Max · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: AirPods Max · Arctic White vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, AirPods Max · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 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 noise cancelling, AirPods Max · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

AirPods Max · Arctic White — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.