Beats has announced its new Beats 360 headphones, which inevitably invites comparison with Apple's AirPods Max 2. Both are premium over-ear headphones from Apple that share many features, including flexible headbands, interchangeable ear cushions, and Apple integration such as quick pairing and Find My. However, several key differences exist that consumers should consider when choosing between them.

The Beats 360 uses plastic construction and weighs 294 grams, making them significantly lighter than the aluminium AirPods Max 2 (386 grams), which offer a more premium aesthetic but can become uncomfortable during extended wear. The Beats 360 include two types of interchangeable ear cushions and a proper fabric case, whilst the AirPods Max 2 feature a more limited Smart Case and a magnetic ear cushion mechanism that is easier to use than Beats' twist-to-detach system. Regarding sound quality, the AirPods Max 2 hold a slight edge with clearer, louder audio and deeper bass, though the difference is modest for most users; notably, the AirPods Max 2 support lossless audio and wired passthrough, features absent from the Beats 360.