Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2: How do Apple's flagship headphones compare?

The Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 share many features, but key differences remain.

Beats just announced its new Beats 360 headphones , and it's impossible not to compare them to the AirPods Max 2 . Not only because, technically, they're both from Apple, but also because they share a lot of similarities. Both are over-ear headphones with a flexible headband and interchangeable ear cushions. Not only that, but both Beats and AirPods support Apple features like quick pairing, auto-device switching and Find My . So which one is actually better? Even though they are similar, there are some key differences you should keep in mind before choosing one over the other.

When you look at the new Beats 360, you can definitely see some inspiration from the AirPods Max 2. The ear cups can be rotated, the structural arch is made of stainless steel — which makes adjustments much smoother — and the headband is much more flexible. It looks quite different from other traditional Beats headphones, like the Beats Studio Pro . The iconic Beats logo is still on the side to remind you that this is a Beats product, though. But while the AirPods Max 2 is made of aluminum, the Beats 360 is mostly plastic.

There are pros and cons to this. The plastic makes the Beats 360 much lighter — they weigh 294 grams. The AirPods Max 2 weigh 386 grams, and you can definitely feel that on your head after a while. Wearing AirPods Max on a long flight can get quite uncomfortable after a while. Of course, maybe design matters more to you, and the AirPods Max clearly win in that regard. The aluminum makes them look much more premium than the Beats headphones.

Another thing I really liked about the new Beats 360 is the case. They come in a fabric case that closes magnetically and keeps the headphones safe from dust and scratches. It's not fancy, but it works well. The AirPods Max 2 stick with that weird Smart Case that doesn't do much besides covering the ear cups, leaving the rest uncovered. Again, it comes down to a matter of design preference. Maybe you like to carry your headphones around like a handbag, but others might prefer to have a proper case to store them in.

One interesting aspect of the AirPods Max 2 is how Apple implemented interchangeable ear cushions. Removing them is as easy as gently pulling them off — they're held in place magnetically. Beats tried something similar with its new 360 headphones, but the mechanism isn't quite as seamless. It's not hard, but it requires you to twist the ear cushions to detach and reattach them. There isn't that fancy magnetic click you get with the AirPods.

On the other hand, the Beats 360 comes with two different types of ear cushions. There are performance cushions made of woven fabric that are ideal for workouts and everyday use, or you can get a pair of UltraPlush cushions that use the same material as classic Beats headphones. If your thing is mixing and matching colors, choosing different ones is a great way to give your headphones a unique look. Even the headband is interchangeable. AirPods come with a single cushion type made of fabric. You can also mix and match colors with the AirPods Max 2 , but the headband isn't exactly user-replaceable.

The most important aspect of headphones is certainly sound quality — especially when it comes to expensive models like these two. The truth is, for most people, the differences aren't that noticeable, though the AirPods Max 2 have a slight edge. Apple's headphones definitely sound a little clearer, louder and it's easier to distinguish each layer of sound with them. AirPods also have deeper bass than Beats, which is something many people might prefer. Still, it's not a night-and-day difference, and the overall audio quality of the Beats 360 is quite satisfying. The sound is well-balanced, and your music will sound great.