Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Beats Studio3 Wireless

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AirPods Max (Lightning) compared with Studio3 Wireless
AppleAirPods Max (Lightning)BeatsStudio3 Wireless
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020October 2017
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYes–
Spatial audio with head trackingYes–
Driver size40 mm–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNo–
ChipH1Apple W1
DriversApple-designed dynamic drivers with dual neodymium ring magnet motors–
ChipH1 in each ear cup–
Noise cancelling detailEight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency modePure Adaptive Noise Cancelling adjusts to surrounding noise and the fit of the ear cups; enabled when the headphones are switched on
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); analogue wired listening through a separately sold Lightning to 3.5 mm audio cableSBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs; 3.5 mm wired input (SoundGuys)
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 22 hours
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio; Smart Case puts headphones in an ultra-low-power state; charging via LightningUp to 40 hours with Pure ANC switched off
Fast chargingAround 1.5 hours of listening after 5 minutes of chargingA 10-minute micro-USB Fast Fuel charge gives up to 3 hours of playback
Design
Weight384.8 g–
Bluetooth5.0–
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsDigital Crown for volume, playback, calls and Siri; listening mode button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”Ear-cup buttons for music, calls and volume; hold the b button for Siri or voice commands; double-press the power button to switch Pure ANC on or off
MicrophonesNine microphones, three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC); optical, position and case-detect sensors and accelerometer in each cup, gyroscope in left cupBuilt-in microphone for wireless calls; RemoteTalk cable supports calls and voice commands
Fit and ear tipsStainless steel frame, telescoping arms and knit mesh canopy; memory foam cushions; aluminium ear cupsFolding ear cups and a protective carrying case (GearLab)
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)–
Dimensions187.3 × 168.6 × 83.4 mm (height × width × depth), including cushions–
Works withApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited featuresClass 1 Bluetooth with iOS and Android; W1 pairing and switching between Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account; voice controls may not work on all non-iOS devices
ColoursSpace Grey, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, PinkOriginally Matte Black, White, Blue, Red, Porcelain Rose and Shadow Gray
In the boxAirPods Max, Smart Case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentationHeadphones, carrying case, RemoteTalk audio cable and micro-USB charging cable (SoundGuys)

More comparisons