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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Airpods Max offers better noise isolation and is preferred for air travel with its superior build quality, but they are heavier and more expensive. Conversely, the Powerbeats Pro provides a more secure fit during exercise due to its ear hooks, has a longer battery life, and is more affordable, though they lack active noise canceling which could be a downside for noisy environments. If you prioritize sound quality and noise isolation for varied environments, especially frequent travel, you might lean towards the Airpods Max; if affordability, exercise use, and battery life are your main concerns, Powerbeats Pro would be a sensible choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.5
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Max is very good.
Noise Reduction
10.0
4.6
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$124
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Powerbeats Pro to be good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
5.7
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $124 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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