Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Open-back
88
/ 100
From $599
VS
Apple
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro lands at 88 and AirPods Max at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick AirPods Max if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 88
vs 88 AirPods Max
Score breakdown
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88 anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
AirPods Max
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2020 |
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
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
FAQ: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro vs AirPods Max
Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or AirPods Max? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +
At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Is AirPods Max worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or AirPods Max 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.