Beats Studio3
Score: 74/100
Apple AirPods Max Midnight
Score: 83/100Rankings
Apple AirPods Max are over-ear headphones delivering industry-leading ANC, 20 hours of battery life, and immersive spatial audio. Their premium weight and lack of multi-device pairing limit comfort and flexibility. They cater to dedicated Apple users who value audio fidelity above all.
Beats Studio3 Wireless are over-ear headphones featuring Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling, a bass-forward sound signature, and up to 22 hours of playback with ANC on (40 hours off). Their ANC is weaker against low-frequency noise and the bass-heavy tuning can become muddy. Best suited for Apple ecosystem users seeking long battery life and seamless iOS pairing.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
22 hoursbest | 20 hours | |
40 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 260 gbest | 384.9 g |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutes | 5 minutesbest |
28 Ωbest | 16 Ω | |
10 m | 15 mbest | |
— | 9best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 22 hours | 20 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 15 m |
Audio(2) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling | Active Noise Cancelling |
Impedance (Ω) | 28 Ω | 16 Ω |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 260 g | 384.9 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Beats Studio3 for their comfortable, stable fit, long battery life, and flawless Apple ecosystem integration that eliminates latency on iOS. However, they criticize the ANC as weak against bass-range noise, the bass-forward tuning as inconsistent, and the microphone as sub-par, noting that the premium price is hard to justify against rivals offering more balanced sound and better ANC.
Everyday users love the extended battery life, easy Apple pairing, and the punchy bass that suits hip-hop and rap. Common complaints revolve around the over-emphasized bass muddying other genres, ANC that doesn't block low-frequency rumble, poor call mic quality, and ear heating during workouts due to lack of water resistance.
“lightweight, compact”
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods Max for its industry-leading ANC, long 20-hour battery life even with spatial features active, and the new Adaptive Audio and Bluetooth 5.3 upgrades in the second-generation model, while noting its premium price and Apple-centric design.
Everyday owners praise the immersive Spatial Audio and the battery endurance that covers long trips, but many complain about the noticeable weight and the lack of multi-device Bluetooth pairing, describing the headphones as best suited for dedicated Apple users.
