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Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
VS
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
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

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

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White if…

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

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
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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 88).

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 1990 Pro · Arctic White

Long-session wearability

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White leads on comfort (88 vs 82).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White 88
vs
88 AirPods Max (USB-C)

Score breakdown

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86

Specs side-by-side

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White versus AirPods Max (USB-C) — full spec comparison
Spec Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White AirPods Max (USB-C)
Type
Open-back
—
Driver
—
40 mm dynamic
Codecs
—
AAC, SBC
Battery
—
20 h
Weight
—
384 g
Connectivity
—
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White

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

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

FAQ: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White vs AirPods Max (USB-C)

Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +

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

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White worth the price? +

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

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

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

Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or AirPods Max (USB-C) 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, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.