Apple has been dominating the audio industry with its popular AirPods Max, but their reign might be challenged by the introduction of the new Beats Studio Pro. While the specs seem to favor the Beats Studio Pro, there are various factors beyond mere specifications that can impact user experience, such as sound quality, active noise cancellation, comfort, and more. In this article, we’ll conduct a comprehensive comparison between the two headphones based on various criteria to see if Apple has indeed killed the AirPods Max with their latest Beats offering.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Beats Studio Pro | Apple AirPods Max |
| PROS | PROS |
| Ultra-plush cushions for comfortable wear Wide device compatibility (iOS & Android) Custom 44mm active drivers for improved sound Compact and sleek travel case Physical controls for easy playback management | Premium build quality with metal ear cups Intuitive crown control for easy operation Effective active noise cancellation Spatial audio support for a surround sound effect Impressive sound quality with wide soundstage |
| CONS | CONS |
| Shallow ear cups may cause ear fatigue No proximity sensor or auto-pause feature | Heavy weight may be uncomfortable for some users Controls on top may not be preferred by some users |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro headphones come with a fresh new style of packaging, utilizing recycled materials, reflecting a more eco-friendly approach. The unboxing reveals a compact and stylish travel case that sets it apart from previous hard-shell cases. The headphones feature a brushed look with reduced branding, now sporting only the B logo on the ear cups and the Beats name on the hinge. The new Studio Pro offers ultra-plush cushions, providing a comfortable fit, but some users may find the shallower ear cups slightly less comfortable during extended use.
The headphones have physical buttons for power, volume, and playback control, offering easy access to various functions. They are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering seamless one-tap pairing and customizable settings. The Beats Studio Pro boasts improved sound quality with custom 44mm active drivers, delivering a more refined and less bass-heavy sound compared to previous versions. The active noise cancellation performs effectively, blocking out environmental sounds, making them ideal for daily use or travel. Priced at an unspecified amount in the reference, the Beats Studio Pro offers a solid alternative to premium headphones, making them a suitable choice for those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max represent Apple’s venture into the wireless over-ear headphones market, characterized by a unique design and a premium price point of $550. The headphones feature metal ear cups, giving them a distinct and stylish appearance compared to traditional over-ear headphones. While the metal construction adds durability and elegance, it also contributes to the overall weight, which some users might find heavier than other wireless headphones. The inclusion of a protective case further emphasizes the delicate nature of the headphones’ design.
The controls on the AirPods Max feature a crown similar to the Apple Watch, allowing for intuitive control and adding a touch of sophistication. The headphones boast a fully adjustable headband for a personalized fit, although the mesh material on the headband may still lead to some hair flattening for certain users. The AirPods Max offer active noise cancellation that competes well with other top-performing headphones, excelling at isolating voices and less consistent environmental sounds. Sound quality is a highlight, with a bright and wider soundstage, better instrument separation, and richer sound compared to competitors like Sony’s XM4s. The spatial audio feature enhances the cinematic experience when watching movies and TV shows, creating a more immersive sensation.
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max Major Differences
Packaging and Case: Beats Studio Pro comes with a new style of packaging using recycled materials, while AirPods Max’s case is possibly more substantial due to metal ear cups.
Design: Beats Studio Pro features a brushed look with less branding, foldable design, and a B logo on the ear cups, whereas AirPods Max has a distinctive Apple design with metal ear cups, setting it apart from traditional over-ear headphones.
Controls and Compatibility: Beats Studio Pro has physical buttons for power, volume, and playback control, and it is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering one-tap pairing for both platforms. On the other hand, AirPods Max features a jog dial or crown similar to the Apple Watch for control and seamlessly integrates with Apple devices, providing personalized settings through the iOS settings app.
Sound Quality: Beats Studio Pro offers plush cushions and a more refined sound with custom 44mm active drivers, while AirPods Max is considered better sounding than Sony XM4s, with a wider soundstage, better instrument separation, and a brighter sound profile.
Noise Cancellation: Both headphones offer effective noise cancellation capabilities, with slight differences in their performance for specific types of environmental sounds.
Pricing: Beats Studio Pro’s price is not specified in the reference, but Beats headphones are generally more affordable compared to AirPods Max, which are priced at $550 and considered expensive, but popular and well-received due to Apple’s pricing strategy and premium features.
| Specifications | Beats Studio Pro | Apple AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Connection Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| True Wireless | No | No |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Foldable Design | Yes | No |
| Product Height | 7.125 inches | 7.37 inches |
| Product Width | 3.1 inches | 6.64 inches |
| Product Depth | 7 inches | 3.28 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.57 pounds | 0.85 pounds |
| Manufacturer’s Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| PRICE | CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max – Detailed Comparison
Packaging and Design
Starting with the packaging, the Beats Studio Pro immediately impresses with a premium and functional case, while the AirPods Max has been criticized for its less appealing case. The Beats Studio Pro case features a sleek design with pockets for a USB Type-C cable and a 3.5mm jack cable, which comes included in the package. In contrast, the AirPods Max requires an additional purchase for a Lightning to 3.5mm cable, which is inconvenient for users.
In terms of build quality, the Beats Studio Pro may fall short when compared to the AirPods Max’s stainless steel and aluminum design, making the latter feel more premium. Additionally, the Beats Studio Pro is lighter, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial aspect when choosing headphones, and both the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro have their unique features. The AirPods Max offers a soft top cushion that provides a comfortable fit, although some users may experience extra pressure on the sides during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Beats Studio Pro features a standard band design, which may not be as comfortable for everyone.
Moreover, the ear cups of the AirPods Max feel softer due to their memory foam material, and the added magnetic feature allows for easy swapping of the ear cups when they wear out. Unfortunately, the Beats Studio Pro lacks this convenient feature.
Controls and Connectivity
The AirPods Max excels in the control department with its digital crown and touchpad, offering smooth and intuitive interactions. The Beats Studio Pro, however, relies on a standard plastic touchpad, which may not provide the same premium feel and ease of use as the AirPods Max controls.
Both headphones offer seamless pairing with Apple devices, but the AirPods Max gains an advantage with its direct integration into the iOS settings, providing easy access to various options without requiring a dedicated app.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Beats Studio Pro boasts impressive active noise cancellation that effectively blocks external sounds, providing an immersive listening experience. However, in a direct comparison, the AirPods Max still manages to outperform the Beats Studio Pro in terms of noise cancellation, offering superior sound isolation and a more natural transparency mode that replicates real-world audio.
Microphone Quality
When it comes to microphone performance, the AirPods Max has been known for its clear and high-quality audio capture. In contrast, the Beats Studio Pro’s microphone might fall slightly behind, producing decent but not exceptional results during calls and voice recordings.
Sound Quality
Both the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro deliver exceptional sound quality, with the AirPods Max having a slight edge in terms of loudness and a more balanced sound profile. The Beats Studio Pro holds its ground with deep bass and impressive low-frequency response, making it ideal for bass enthusiasts.
There is one worthy feature which make the Beats Studio Pro better. It is, its ability to play audio without loosing any quality, even when it’s connected via USB Type-C, It provide users a pure and unadulterated sound experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Beats Studio Pro presents a compelling alternative to the AirPods Max, especially for users who prioritize battery life, sound quality with lossless audio support, and a more affordable price point. However, the AirPods Max still shines in certain areas like build quality, noise cancellation, and a more seamless user experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Both headphones offer outstanding performance and cater to different needs in the high-end audio market.
Alternatives of Beats Studio Pro and Apple AirPods Max
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
- Noise Cancellation: Industry-leading active noise cancellation
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Sound Quality: High-resolution audio with LDAC support
- Comfort: Soft ear cushions and adjustable headband
- Additional Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, Speak-to-Chat feature, and adaptive sound control
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
- Noise Cancellation: Advanced noise-canceling technology
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Sound Quality: Powerful sound with deep bass
- Comfort: Luxurious headband and ear cup materials
- Additional Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support (Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri), and customizable noise cancellation levels
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
- Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
- Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours with ANC on
- Sound Quality: Rich and detailed sound with deep bass
- Comfort: Genuine leather earpads and adjustable headband
- Additional Features: Smart pause/play, voice assistant support (Google Assistant and Siri), and transparent hearing mode
Jabra Elite 85h
- Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
- Noise Cancellation: Smart active noise cancellation
- Battery Life: Up to 36 hours with ANC on
- Sound Quality: Custom-engineered speakers for great music experience
- Comfort: Memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband
- Additional Features: SmartSound technology, voice assistant support (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri), and water-resistant design
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
- Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
- Noise Cancellation: Adjustable active noise cancellation
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Sound Quality: Immersive sound with omnisonic speakers
- Comfort: Lightweight design with soft ear cups
- Additional Features: Intuitive touch controls, voice assistant support (Cortana, Alexa, and Google Assistant), and on-ear dials for volume and noise control
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.