Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max (USB-C) wins by 6
Beats Studio Pro — Over-ear · 2023
Beats

Beats Studio Pro

Over-ear · 2023

82
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max (USB-C) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Beats Studio Pro at 82. That puts AirPods Max (USB-C) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Beats Studio Pro if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 82).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max (USB-C)

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 80).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Beats Studio Pro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Beats Studio Pro more score per dollar ($349 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
82 Beats Studio Pro

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Beats Studio Pro
82
anc 80
sound 82
comfort 81
battery 82
features 78

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Beats Studio Pro — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Beats Studio Pro
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
Codecs
AAC, SBC
—
Battery
20 h
—
Weight
384 g
—
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
Type
—
Over-ear
Release year
—
2023

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

Beats Studio Pro

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

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Beats Studio Pro

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beats Studio Pro? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.

Is Beats Studio Pro worth the price? +

At $349, Beats Studio Pro delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beats Studio 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 sound quality, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beats Studio Pro? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beats Studio Pro? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 80). ANC strength for commute and travel.