Apple AirPods Max vs Beats Studio3 Specs

Beats and Apple are two well-known titans in the world of headphones, providing a wealth of alternatives to suit a wide range of tastes.

The Beats Studio3 Wireless and Apple AirPods Max are both great candidates for consumers looking for over-ear headphones with exceptional sound quality, comfort, and battery life.

With active noise cancellation (ANC) at its core, these headphones provide an immersive listening experience, as well as a secure and snug fit to improve comfort during extended usage. However, diving deeper into their specifications shows nuanced differences that may affect your decision. 

In this comparison, we’ll go through these distinctions to help you decide which headphones are best suited to your personal needs and sonic tastes.

Whether it’s the brand’s trademark sound, design aesthetics, or interoperability with your devices, these criteria will influence your choice between the Beats Studio3 Wireless and the Apple AirPods Max.

Apple AirPods Max vs Beats Studio3 Specs: A Comprehensive Guide

Specification

Feature	Apple AirPods Max	Beats Studio 3
Form Factor	Over Ear	Over Ear
Frequency Response	Unknown	20 Hz – 20000Hz
Impedance	Unknown	48 Ohms
Driver Unit size	40mm	Unknown
Battery Life	20h	40h
Charging Time	2 h	Unknown
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5	4
Color	Silver, Green, Pink, Blue	Black, Red, White, Blue
Weight	384.8g	260g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Apple AirPods Max	Beats Studio 3
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
User Guide	User Guide

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to fit and comfort, both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 provide remarkable design and engineering. The AirPods Max uses computational audio and the capability of the H1 chip’s 10 audio cores to adapt the audio to the fit and seal of your ear cushions, creating an immersive listening experience.

The AirPods Max are designed to fit a wide range of head shapes and have a breathable knit mesh canopy that distributes weight and reduces on-head pressure. Its stainless steel frame covered in soft material offers strength, flexibility, and comfort.

The telescoping arms stay in position for a consistent fit, and the ear cushions, covered in mesh cloth, provide pillow-like comfort even after extended use.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, stresses all-day comfort with a lightweight and sturdy design, making it appropriate for extended wear. These headphones also have improved venting to improve noise cancellation technology and ergonomic pivoting ear cups for a secure and comfortable fit.

Both headphones provide excellent comfort, but your choice may be influenced by your style choices, since the AirPods Max features premium materials and thorough engineering, and the Studio3 focuses on lightweight durability.

Design & Build

Both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 stand out in terms of design and construction quality.

The AirPods Max oozes elegance because of its quality materials and attention to detail. The stainless steel frame offers durability while keeping a sleek and beautiful design. The breathable knit mesh canopy on the headband ensures comfort during long listening periods, and the telescoping arms give a snug fit.

The metal ear cups with memory foam ear cushions add to the luxury feel while also providing excellent noise isolation. The AirPods Max demonstrates Apple’s devotion to both form and function.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, has a more sporty and modern appearance. While it does not have the same amount of quality materials as the AirPods Max, it emphasizes functionality and comfort.

The lightweight and sturdy design makes it appropriate for active use, while the ergonomic pivoting ear cups ensure a snug fit. The Studio3’s design language is unmistakably Beats, with bold branding and color selections that target a youthful and lively clientele.

In the end, the choice between these headphones in terms of appearance and build comes down to personal preference.

If you value a rich and refined aesthetic, the AirPods Max are likely to appeal to you. However, if you like a more casual and sporty design with an emphasis on durability, the Beats Studio3 is a solid contender. Both headphones are well-made and have diverse design philosophies to suit different tastes.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 provide diverse audio experiences.

The AirPods Max, which has twin neodymium ring magnet drivers, aims for audiophile-grade sound quality. They strive to decrease total harmonic distortion across the audible range, resulting in dependably clean playback even at high volumes.

Furthermore, the AirPods Max employs Beamforming technology to isolate your speech during phone calls, ensuring clarity in busy surroundings. These headphones include a dynamic driver capable of delivering a wide frequency range with low distortion.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, targets bass fans with its powerful lower frequencies. While it does not have the overall audio quality of the AirPods Max, it excels at providing deep and forceful bass notes.

However, the audio quality of Studio3 during calls fluctuates, with optimal results in quiet settings but potential issues in windy or noisy environments.

Your choice between these headphones should be based on your sound preferences, whether you prefer the balanced and detailed sound of the AirPods Max or the bass-enhanced signature of the Beats Studio3.

Noise Cancellation

The Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 both use noise-canceling technology but in different ways. The AirPods Max uses a complex system of six outward-facing microphones to detect ambient noise in your surroundings, as well as two inward-facing microphones to monitor the audio environment inside the earcups.

This thorough approach to noise reduction results in an immersive listening experience with few external distractions.

The AirPods Max also includes a noise cancellation button that allows users can toggle between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, allowing for normal engagement with their environment when necessary.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, relies on its physical architecture to efficiently shut out external noise. While it does not have the same level of active noise cancellation technology as the AirPods Max, its over-ear design helps to robust noise isolation, giving a cumulative effect that greatly decreases external noise.

Finally, your choice among these headphones should take into account your preferences for noise-canceling technology.

The AirPods Max shines at providing advanced ANC features and a transparency mode for adaptable listening, whilst the Studio3 focuses on its design for effective noise isolation. Your choice should be consistent with how you prioritize noise reduction and your overall listening experience.

Microphone or Call Quality

When it comes to microphone and call quality, both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 give respectable results, but there are some differences to consider.

The AirPods Max includes a high-quality microphone technology that employs several microphones to ensure clear and comprehensible calls.

It uses beamforming technology to focus on your speech while eliminating background noise, making it a perfect choice for phone calls and video conferences. The ability of the AirPods Max to separate your voice even in noisy surroundings improves call quality dramatically.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, provides adequate call quality thanks to its built-in microphone, but it may not equal the AirPods Max’s degree of clarity and noise reduction.

While it works well in calmer locations, it may suffer in louder or more congested environments, where the AirPods Max’s sophisticated microphone system thrives.

Finally, if call quality is important to you, especially in noisy circumstances, the AirPods Max’s microphone setup is likely to give a more reliable and clear conversation experience. However, for more casual call use, the Beats Studio3 should still provide enough performance.

Battery Life

Both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 have amazing battery life. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Spatial Audio activated, the AirPods Max can last up to 20 hours of listening time, call time, or movie playback.

Charging the AirPods Max for 5 minutes using a lightning connector gives you about 1.5 hours of listening time, making it ideal for rapid top-ups.

Furthermore, using a 20W charger can enhance charging speed greatly. When the AirPods Max are put in their Smart Case, they enter an ultra-low power mode, conserving battery life between uses.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, has a large battery life of up to 22 hours with ANC activated and an amazing 40 hours when ANC is switched off.

It also has Fast Fuel technology, which provides 3 hours of playback after only 10 minutes of charging. When plugged in, the LED fuel gauge on the Studio3 indicates the charge level, keeping you informed of the battery’s state.

Both headphones provide strong battery performance, with the option between them based on your preferences for additional functions, sound quality, and design.

Control System

The control methods of the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 reflect their different design philosophies and user experiences.

Apple’s AirPods Max includes an easy-to-use control system. Touch controls on the ear cups allow you to conduct many things with simple motions.

You may, for example, use these touch-sensitive surfaces to play or pause music, control the volume, skip tracks, answer or end calls, and activate Siri. Additionally, the AirPods Max includes sensors that automatically pause and resume playing when you remove them, delivering a seamless listening experience.

In contrast, the Beats Studio3 uses physical controls to control playback and manage calls. These buttons are normally situated on one of the ear cups and give tactile feedback when pressed.

While they lack the touch-sensitive elegance of the AirPods Max, they are basic and simple to use, offering them a solid solution for customers who prefer tactile controls.

Finally, the decision between various control systems is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer touch controls that fit in with the appearance of the headphones and provide gesture-based ease, the AirPods Max’s control method is likely to appeal to you.

If, on the other hand, you like classic physical buttons that provide tactile feedback and simplicity, the Beats Studio3’s control scheme should be adequate.

Connectivity

Because of their individual Apple chips, the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 provide seamless connectivity experiences. The Apple H1 chip in the AirPods Max provides Class 1 Bluetooth.

This chip improves on its predecessor, the W1 chip, by providing benefits such as 1.5 times faster connection time for phone conversations, up to 30% lower gaming latency, and double the speed while switching between active devices. Additionally, consumers can use their AirPods Max in wired mode to conserve battery life when preferred.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, is powered by the Apple W1 chip and supports Class 1 Bluetooth. This chip facilitates a smooth setup procedure and allows for seamless switching between Apple devices, providing longer range and fewer dropouts.

Additionally, Studio3 users can utilize the Audio Sharing function to wirelessly transfer audio, including tunes, podcasts, or movies, with another set of compatible Beats headphones or AirPods.

Both headphones have powerful wireless connectivity and user-friendly features that cater to Apple device users, so selecting between them is a matter of personal preference based on variables such as design, sound quality, and additional functionalities.

Support for Bluetooth Codec

Support for Bluetooth codecs can dramatically improve your listening experience, and both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 support key codecs.

The Apple AirPods Max uses the AAC (Advanced Music Codec) Bluetooth codec, which is known for delivering high-quality music via a wireless connection.

While it provides exceptional sound quality and is the default codec for Apple devices, it may not be the most compatible with non-Apple devices. However, for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, AAC provides a quality audio experience with seamless communication.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, supports the AAC codec, offering a high-quality listening experience for consumers of numerous devices, including Apple goods. 

However, Beats headphones are known for their bass-heavy sound signature, which the AAC codec complements by producing powerful bottom and crisp highs. This codec selection improves Studio3’s performance for those who prefer a focus on low-frequency frequencies.

While both headphones support AAC, it’s crucial to note that neither supports aptX, aptX HD, or LDAC, which are extra high-resolution audio codecs.

As a result, the choice between the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 in terms of Bluetooth codec support may come down to your device preferences and sound signature preferences rather than the availability of advanced codecs.

Extra Feature

In terms of supplementary features, the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 stand out.

The Apple AirPods Max excels at easy device swapping. Because of the H1 chip, these headphones can seamlessly switch between your Apple devices that are logged in with the same Apple ID.

This feature allows you to easily shift from listening to music on your iPhone to taking a call on your iPad or Mac without the need for a manual connection.

Furthermore, the AirPods Max features spatial audio, which provides a three-dimensional listening experience for compatible content, making it great for movie and gaming enthusiasts.

The Beats Studio3, on the other hand, relies on its powerful noise-cancellation features. These headphones are designed to effectively filter out external noise, delivering an immersive listening experience even in noisy surroundings.

They also have a “Fast Fuel” feature that enables three hours of playback with just a ten-minute charge, guaranteeing that you’re never without music for long.

Additionally, the Beats Studio3 offers audio sharing, letting you share your audio with another pair of compatible Beats headphones or AirPods, making it a useful tool for sharing music or movies with friends.

Finally, the decision between these extra features is determined by your priorities. If you value seamless device switching and spatial audio, the AirPods Max are likely to be more enticing.

However, if you desire superior noise suppression and the capacity to easily recharge for extended listening periods, the Beats Studio3’s features effectively meet those requirements.

Which is the Winner?

When it comes to expensive headphones, the choice typically comes down to more than simply audio quality. While both the Beats Studio Pro and the AirPods Max provide excellent sound quality, there are strong reasons to prefer the Beats Studio Pro.

First and foremost, price is an important consideration. The Beats Studio Pro, which costs $349, is a less expensive alternative to the $549 AirPods Max. The Beats Studio Pro provides a superior listening experience without the premium price tag of the AirPods Max.

Some consumers may think $349 is a lot of money to spend on headphones, but it’s still $200 less than Apple’s version.

Another strong attribute of the Beats Studio Pro is its versatility. These headphones interact with both Apple and Android smartphones with greater compatibility and provide a consistent listening experience across platforms, making them an excellent solution for users who work in a multi-device environment.

AirPods Max can connect to Android devices through Bluetooth. However, some Apple-only capabilities, such as seamless switching and spatial audio, may not be available while using AirPods Max with Android.

AirPods Max also only supports the AAC Bluetooth codec, which may cause audio latency and sync issues on non-Apple devices.

Finally, the battery life of the Beats Studio Pro is impressive. It provides up to 40 hours of listening time on a full charge, ensuring that customers are rarely left seeking a charger.

In comparison to the AirPods Max’s 20-hour battery life, this extended battery life, especially when employing sophisticated capabilities, can be a game changer for avid music listeners or travelers.

With affordability, battery life, and a pleasant listening experience on its side, most potential purchasers will find it difficult to justify purchasing the AirPods Max over the Beats Studio Pro.

Alternative Options

When looking for luxury headphones, it’s important to look beyond the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 to discover the perfect fit for your needs.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an appealing option for individuals who value high-fidelity sound and outstanding noise cancellation.

These headphones include industry-leading noise-canceling technology, LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming, and a comfortable fit. They are also priced similarly to the AirPods Max, making them a viable challenger in the premium headphone market.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a good option if you want to save money without losing audio quality. These headphones have excellent noise cancellation, balanced sound, and dependable comfort. While they lack the sophisticated capabilities of the AirPods Max, they provide a solid listening experience at a reduced price range.

The Sennheiser HD 660 S headphones are a fantastic alternative for audiophiles looking for an open-back design with audiophile-grade sound. These wired headphones prioritize sound quality and provide a natural, rich audio experience.

While they lack the convenience of wireless connectivity, they cater to discerning listeners who value sonic excellence.

Finally, whether you value noise cancellation, sound quality, or price considerations, the choice among these alternatives is entirely up to you. Exploring the larger premium headphone market can lead to the right pair of headphones that meet your specific demands and preferences.

Apple AirPods Max vs Beats Studio3 Specs – FAQs

1. Are the Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 compatible with Android devices?

The Apple AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 are both Bluetooth-enabled and work with Android devices. However, some advanced capabilities, such as seamless device switching and spatial audio, may not be entirely usable on non-Apple devices. The fundamental functionality, such as audio playback and noise suppression, works well with Android smartphones and tablets.

2. Do the AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 support wireless charging?

Wireless charging is not supported by either the Apple AirPods Max or the Beats Studio3. Both headphones require standard wired charging through a Lightning cable for the AirPods Max and a micro-USB cable for the Beats Studio3.

3. Can I use the AirPods Max or Beats Studio3 for gaming?

While both the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 can be used for gaming, they may not deliver the optimal experience for competitive gaming due to significant audio latency. The H1 processor in the AirPods Max reduces gaming latency, although specialist gaming headphones are advised for professional gamers. However, for casual gaming and intensive single-player experiences, both headphones may give outstanding audio quality.

4. Do the AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 headphones feature a wired audio mode?

Yes, both the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 include a wired audio mode. You can use the provided audio cable to connect them to your device for a wired connection, which is great when you want to save battery life or use them with devices that lack Bluetooth connectivity.

5. Can I use the AirPods Max and Beats Studio3 for phone calls?

Yes, both headphones contain built-in microphones, making them excellent for phone calls and video conferencing. The AirPods Max, with its computational audio features, gives great call quality, whilst the Beats Studio3 provides adequate call quality in most instances. Keep in mind that external noise and environmental factors can have an impact on call quality.

Final Thoughts

Both the Apple AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3 have a wealth of functions, outstanding build quality, and distinct sonic designs.

However, when it comes to audio quality, the AirPods Max outperforms the Beats Studio3, as the latter emphasizes bass, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Given Studio3’s pricing point, some consumers have expressed reservations about its value proposition.

It’s also worth noting that utilizing third-party cords with the AirPods Max in wired mode can cause complications, so stick to Apple cables. Both items come with a one-year Apple Limited Warranty. 

This article tries to give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision based on your priorities and interests. Whether you prioritize audio quality, comfort, or certain features, your choice should be based on your personal needs and tastes. Have a fantastic day!