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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

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 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 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

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max 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 88
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

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

AirPods Max

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 vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, AirPods Max 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 worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max 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 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 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

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