AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Closed-back
AirPods Max (USB-C) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro at 84. That puts AirPods Max (USB-C) ahead by 4 points — a narrow 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 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
AirPods Max (USB-C)Tuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 84).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max (USB-C)ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 0).
Comfort
Beyerdynamic DT 770 ProLong-session wearability
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 82).
Value for money
Beyerdynamic DT 770 ProSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro more score per dollar ($179 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max (USB-C) | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Battery | 20 h | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Connectivity | BT 5.0, USB-C lossless | — |
| Type | — | Closed-back |
AirPods Max (USB-C)
- +Premium aluminum build
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Head-tracked spatial audio
- −Still uses H1 (not H2)
- −Heavy at 384 g
- −No power button / auto-pause
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro worth the price? +
At $179, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beyerdynamic DT 770 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 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.