If you have been looking for new headphones, chances are you have come across the Beats Studio 3 and the AirPods Max. They are both powerful and robust headphones with active noise cancellation and superb sound quality that will satisfy most users. However, there is a large disparity in price, and there are other differences to consider. In this review, we will compare the Beats Studio 3 vs. the AirPods Max point by point to help you decide and know if the price is worth it.
Table of contents
Beats Studio 3 vs. AirPods Max: Specs Comparison Table
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Traditional headphone design with plastic components | Modern, minimalist design with a mix of metal and fabric |
| Sound quality | Impressive bass Balanced audio performance | Superior sound quality Spatial audio for a surround sound experience |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes (advanced) |
| Ambient mode | No | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic head tracking | No | Yes |
| Audio switching | Yes | Yes |
| Audio sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Weight | 9.2 oz 260 grams | 13.6 oz 385 grams |
| Battery life | 22 hours | 20 hours |
| Microphone | Built-in | Built-in |
| Colors | Black, Red, Rose Gold, Satin Silver | Silver, Sky Blue, Green, Pink |
Beats Studio 3 vs. AirPods Max: Review
Sound quality
To start with, the sound quality of the Beats Studio 3 is not up to par with the AirPods Max. While they have strong low frequencies, and it’s a good option for boosting bass notes, their audio quality could be better.
In contrast, the AirPods Max deliver an over-the-top sound quality with dual neodymium ring magnet motors that minimize total harmonic distortion across the entire audible range. On top of that, the Beamforming technique can isolate your phone calls to be able to hear everything in noisy situations or outdoors. Simply put, the AirPods Max are the clear winner here with excellent audio quality and low distortion even at full volume.
Image credit: Apple
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation technology has become a central point in any earbuds or headphones buying decision. ANC offers more or less complete isolation from your surroundings so you can focus on your music, podcast, video, or game.
It’s worth noting that Beats were one of the first to introduce ANC in their headphones. The Beats cover your ears completely, although the noise cancellation technology is not one of the best we’ve seen in the market. This is one of the main differences that make them much cheaper than the AirPods Max.
Apple went two steps ahead with the AirPods Max and their Active Noise Cancellation technology. With the experience they bring from previous models, they offer a wonderful ANC that it’s hardly beatable. They have six outward-facing microphones that detect ambient noise in your environment and two inward-facing microphones to measure the audio inside the earcups.
Moreover, the AirPods Max have an ambient sound mode not present in the Beats Studio 3. This function enables you to introduce sounds from your surroundings in case you need to have a conversation without removing them or be aware of traffic when walking around streets, among others. To top it off, the dynamic head tracking feature gives the AirPods Max a theatre-like sound experience.
Have a look at the noise cancelling and transparency mode test in the following video:
Case
The case is of utmost importance to safely transporting your headphones everywhere. The Beast Studio 3 have a traditional case with standard dimensions that can store your headphones and cables inside as you would with any other.
In the case (no pun intended) of the AirPods Max, Apple has not included a traditional case. This has led users to criticize this decision because their case consists of a mesh that only covers part of the headphones, leaving the headband exposed. The case makes the AirPods Max enter ultra-low consumption mode, but it doesn’t offer enough protection for its price.
Comfort
The sound quality in any headphones loses its importance if they are uncomfortable. Yes, it’s pretty much subjective and bound to preferences, but we can approach the Beats Studio 3 vs. the AirPod Max comparison with some general ideas in mind.
The Beats Studio 3 are built with comfort in mind, especially if you use them for long-term periods. They are lightweight and durable. The advanced venting feature an ergonomic pivoting ear cups provide even more comfort for long hours. They weigh approximately 260 grams, while the AirPods Max weigh around 385, quite a considerable difference.
However, the AirPods Max fit different head shapes and distribute weight to reduce on-head pressure. The result is a premium-quality build with strength, flexibility, and comfort, with the canopy spanning the length of the headband made from breathable knit mesh. In addition, each aluminum cup can be rotated independently to balance the pressure.
While it’s true the Beats Studio 3 are fairly comfortable, the AirPods Max are simply on a superior level.
Battery life and charging
The autonomy of the headphones’ battery is usually capable of lasting for long hours, taking into consideration the size of the large size of these devices. In the case of the AirPods Max, it’s a big contrast in comparison to the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro. Therefore, if you prioritize battery life, you’re on the right track.
There isn’t a big difference between the Beats Studio 3 and the AirPods Max. The Beats Studio 3 offer up to 22 hours, while the AirPods Max go up to 20 hours. As usual, this would highly depend on your usage, but the two additional hours won’t make a significant impact.
When it comes to charging, both headphones show some differences you should know. The Beats Studio 3 use a micro USB port to charge, while the AirPods Max enjoy the popular Lightning port of Apple devices. Nonetheless, they support fast charging, and their speed is practically the same.
👉 Learn more: How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery & Lifespan)
Conclusion
The clear winner is the AirPods Max. Even though the price is considerably higher than the Beats Studio 3, the audio quality and the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are simply the best and cannot be beaten. While the Beats can be excellent headphones to consider for their price tag and offer pretty decent sound quality and bass, they can’t compete with Apple’s most recent technology.
If you want to save money in your next AirPods Max, you can go the refurbished route with RefurbMe. A refurbished device is a returned product (for whatever reason) that has been thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and repaired (if necessary). Their functionality is identical to a brand-new device. Check out our compared offers in real time below:
space-gray • 2020 release
