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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 4
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro — Closed-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Closed-back

84
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro at 84. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max if…

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

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 770 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

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 84).

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

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro more score per dollar ($179 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
84 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Type
Over-ear
Closed-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 770 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 770 Pro

Which is better, AirPods Max or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 770 Pro worth the price? +

At $179, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max 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 or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? +

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