Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green
Open-back
AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
AirPods Max 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green lands at 88 and AirPods Max 2 at 92. That puts AirPods Max 2 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick AirPods Max 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
AirPods Max 2Tuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max 2 leads on sound (93 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max 2ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 0).
Comfort
AirPods Max 2Long-session wearability
AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).
Value for money
AirPods Max 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
AirPods Max 2 more score per dollar ($549 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | — |
| Chip | — | Apple H2 headphone chip |
| ANC | — | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original |
| Audio | — | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) |
| Amplifier | — | High dynamic range |
| Battery | — | Up to 20 hours with ANC |
| Charging port | — | USB-C |
| Spatial audio | — | Personalized with dynamic head tracking |
| Colors | — | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue |
| Features | — | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation |
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
FAQ: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green vs AirPods Max 2
Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green worth the price? +
At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green or AirPods Max 2 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 · Moss Green or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on sound (93 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Moss Green or AirPods Max 2? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.