Beats Studio Pro vs. AirPods Max: Which one should you buy?

In July, Apple launched the rebranded Beats Studio Pro with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio, support for iOS and Android, a USB-C port, and much more.

More attractively, Beats Studio Pro is lightweight, delivers up to 40 hours of listening time, and features the same iconic design as its predecessor Studio 3 with slight changes like removed Beats logo on the head strap, added more comfortable ear pads, and a soft carrying case.

Apple acquired Beats by Dre company in 2014 but continued to sell Beats headphones under the same branding. In 2017, Apple launched Beats Studio 3 with a W1 chip, ANC, up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC and up to 40 hours of listening time in low-power mode, a micro USB connector, and more.

Since Studio 3 has been discontinued, Apple now retails 2 very different types of over-ear headphones: the Studio Pro and AirPods Max.

If you are looking to upgrade your headphones, then we have a comprehensive comparison of Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max to help you in deciding which premium headphone is suitable for you.

Beats Studio Pro vs. AirPods Max: Specs comparison

SpecsBeats Studio ProAirPods Max
ChipCustom Beats chipApple h1 chip
Weight260 grams384.8 grams
DesignPremium plastic body, metal slides
and leather over-ear cushions.
Metal body
FeaturesFully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
Transparency mode
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Music and movies available in Dolby Atmos
Hey Siri and Find My support on iOS
Audio switch on Android
Active Noise Cancellation
Transparency mode
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Adaptive EQ
Hey Siri
ConnectivityClass 1 Wireless BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
Sensors NoneOptical sensor
Position sensor
Case-detect sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Battery lifeUp to 40 hours of listening time (ANC off)
Up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC or Transparency mode
Up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode
Up to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio
Up to 20 hours of talk time
Price$349$549

Is the audio quality on Beats Studio Pro as good as AirPods Max?

AirPods Max has an amazing sound quality which is enough to overlook the high price tag and extra weight. But how is the sound quality of the Beats Studio Pro?

CNET’s David Carnoy found the sound quality on the new Studio Pro to be “really good overall” with effective noise cancellation, and transparency mode. Although it was not like the AirPods Max, it was close.

“It may not be the best out there, but it approaches what you get from top noise-canceling headphones from Sony and Bose, and the transparency mode allows you to hear the outside world in a pretty natural sounding way with virtually no hiss. I thought the AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 were slightly more natural sounding in their transparency modes, but the Studio Pro were close. It’s a step down, but just a slight one.”

Studio Pro offers additional audio features in wired modes:

  • Lossless audio when plugged into a 3.5mm headphone port or to a computer or smartphone via USB-C.
  • Three EQ modes in USB-C mode:
    • Beats Signature Sound, an Entertainment mode for movie-watching and game-playing.
    • Conversation mode optimizes the frequency response for voice, ideal for calls.
    • No EQ settings when listening in wireless mode.

YouTuber Marques Brownlee also commended the sound quality of Studio Pro.

Conclusion: Studio Pro offers good quality sound for a cheaper price than AirPods Max

Studio Pro

ProsCons
Price
Lightweight design great for
portability
Wired option
Enhanced iOS and
Android compatibility
Good battery life
Lacks ear-detection
Old design
Prones to finger prints
Find My only shows last location
the headset was on at
Lose ANC and Transparency mode
when connected via USB-C

In comparison to AirPods Max, the new Beats Studio Pro offers good sound quality and portability for a cheaper price, $200 less. Their lightweight and foldable design makes them good headphones when you are on the move like walking in the park, traveling, or working out at the gym.

About the Author

Addicted to social media and in love with iPhone, started blogging as a hobby. And now it's my passion for every day is a new learning experience. Hopefully, manufacturers will continue to use innovative solutions and we will keep on letting you know about them.