The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Beats 360 is the better fit for workouts, Android use, longer rated battery life, and a lower listed US price; AirPods Max 2 is the premium pick if you value the sound and noise-cancellation strengths reported in its review. Neither model is a proven across-the-board winner: the available reviews do not provide a controlled head-to-head sound test, and comfort depends on fit.
Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2 at a glance
| Factor | Beats 360 | Apple AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price in the cited US listings | $349.99 on Apple’s 2026 product listing. Apple | $549 in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review; this is the review’s reported price, not a guarantee of today’s retail price. Tom’s Guide |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled, according to Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review. Tom’s Guide | 20 hours, as specified in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review. Tom’s Guide |
| Weight | Not stated in the cited sources. | 13.6 ounces, according to Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review. Tom’s Guide |
| Sweat and water rating | IPX4, per Apple’s 2026 US product listing; this is resistance, not waterproofing. Apple | No IP rating, according to Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review. Tom’s Guide |
| Platforms | Apple and Android compatibility; TechRadar reports Apple-device syncing, Android Fast Pair, and support in the Beats Android app. Apple TechRadar | Apple’s premium over-ear model; the cited source set does not establish equivalent Android features. |
| Cushions | Performance Knit cushions are included; other cushion kits are sold separately by Apple. Apple | Comparable interchangeable cushion options are not stated in the cited sources. |
At the captured prices, AirPods Max 2 costs $199.01 more than Beats 360 ($549 minus $349.99). That calculation compares an Apple US listing with a price reported in a review; prices and availability can change.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Midnight | $429.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Starlight | $429.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Purple | $429.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Blue | $429.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which is better for workouts?
Beats 360 is the more defensible choice for sweat-prone activity because Apple lists an IPX4 rating. IPX4 indicates resistance to water splashes; it does not mean the headphones are waterproof or suitable for immersion. AirPods Max 2 has no IP rating in Tom’s Guide’s review, so it is harder to recommend for workouts where sweat exposure is likely.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Beats 360 is also described by Apple as fold-flat and comes with a woven carrying case, which may make it easier to pack between sessions. Those features do not establish that either pair is comfortable or secure for every exercise or head shape. If fit matters, try the headphones on before buying if possible.
#1 Best Overall
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
How do battery life and weight compare?
Tom’s Guide reports up to 32 hours for Beats 360 with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. It also notes that Beats 360 lacks wear detection, so the headphones do not automatically pause playback when removed. Tom’s Guide lists AirPods Max 2 at 20 hours of battery life and 13.6 ounces. The cited sources do not give a comparable Beats 360 weight, so they cannot establish which pair is lighter.
These figures are not a controlled battery test of both models under identical conditions. Use them as the published ratings and review figures, not as a promise of your own runtime: settings, volume, and use affect battery life.
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Which sounds better, and which has stronger noise cancellation?
Tom’s Guide’s AirPods Max 2 review praises its sound and improved active noise cancellation. Tom’s Guide also describes Beats 360’s noise cancellation as surprising in its review. That gives AirPods Max 2 the stronger independent review impression for sound in the sources cited here, but it does not prove a categorical sonic win: the reviews do not provide a controlled, side-by-side listening test.
If sound quality or noise cancellation is your deciding factor, treat review impressions as context rather than a lab ranking. Audition both with music and noise conditions similar to your regular use when possible.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Do both work with Apple and Android devices?
Apple lists Beats 360 as compatible with both Apple and Android. TechRadar reports Apple-device syncing, Android Fast Pair, and support through the Beats Android app. That makes Beats 360 the clearer option if you use Android or move between platforms.
The supplied sources do not establish comparable Android functionality for AirPods Max 2. If you rely on particular phone features, check their current compatibility with your device before choosing.
Rank #4
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
What do you get for the price?
Apple’s US listing places Beats 360 at $349.99 and describes it as over-ear, noise-cancelling, fold-flat headphones supplied with Performance Knit cushions and a woven carrying case. Tom’s Guide reports a $549 price for AirPods Max 2 in its 2026 review. At those cited prices, the AirPods Max 2 premium is $199.01, but the figures may not match current sale prices.
Beats 360’s lower cited price comes alongside a workout-friendly IPX4 rating, cross-platform support, longer reported battery life, and optional separately sold cushion kits. AirPods Max 2 asks more while offering the sound and ANC qualities praised in its review. Decide whether those qualities matter enough to you to justify the higher price; the sources do not support calling one a better value for every listener.
Can you change the Beats 360 cushions?
Yes. Apple sells additional Beats 360 cushion kits separately. Android Central describes different cushion styles and colors and explains that the pieces attach interchangeably. Check current price and compatibility for a specific kit before ordering; the cited sources do not establish accessory pricing.
Which headphones should you get?
Choose Beats 360 if
- You expect to wear the headphones during sweat-prone workouts and want the IPX4 rating.
- You use Android, switch between Android and Apple devices, or want the longer battery figure reported by Tom’s Guide.
- You prefer the lower of the two cited US prices or want the option to buy different cushions separately.
Choose AirPods Max 2 if
- You are willing to pay more for Apple’s premium over-ear model.
- You prioritize the sound and ANC strengths praised in Tom’s Guide’s review.
- You do not need an IP rating and accept the 20-hour battery rating and 13.6-ounce weight reported in that review.
If neither list settles it, fit and your own listening preferences are the remaining deciding factors. Try both on if practical, particularly if you plan to wear them for long sessions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
