Choose Beats 360 if you want over-ear headphones better suited to sweaty workouts, longer rated battery life, Android support, or interchangeable cushions. Choose Apple AirPods Max 2 if you are willing to pay more for Apple’s premium model and value the sound and noise-cancellation strengths noted in an independent review. There is no controlled head-to-head test here to establish a definitive sound winner.
How do price and key features compare?
At the captured US prices, Beats 360 cost $349.99 on Apple’s product listing, while Tom’s Guide listed AirPods Max 2 at $549 in its 2026 review. That makes the difference $199.01, calculated from those two figures; it is not a guaranteed or permanent price gap. Check current prices before buying.
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| Feature | Beats 360 | Apple AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price in cited material | $349.99 on Apple’s US product listing in 2026 | $549 in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review |
| Battery rating | Up to 32 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled, according to Tom’s Guide | 20 hours, according to Tom’s Guide |
| Weight | Not stated in the cited material | 13.6 ounces, according to Tom’s Guide |
| Sweat/water rating | IPX4, per Apple’s product listing | No IP rating, according to Tom’s Guide |
| Platform support | Apple and Android; TechRadar reports Apple-device syncing, Android Fast Pair, and support through the Beats Android app | Not stated in the cited material |
Which is better for workouts?
Beats 360 is the clearer choice if sweat resistance matters. Apple lists an IPX4 rating, making it more defensible for sweat-prone activity than AirPods Max 2, for which Tom’s Guide reports no IP rating. IPX4 is not the same as waterproof: do not treat the Beats as suitable for submersion or assume they can be rinsed or worn in every wet environment.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Both are over-ear headphones, but the available sources do not establish which fits or stays comfortable better during exercise. If possible, try them on before choosing, especially if you plan to wear them while moving.
#1 Best Overall
- Beats 360 has interchangeable cushion options for both earcups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready post-workout or a new color just to switch up your look.These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit — with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
- The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion for the ultimate listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking3 delivers immersive surround sound.
- Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
- Exceptional call quality powered by an advanced AI-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.
How do battery life and weight compare?
Tom’s Guide reports up to 32 hours for Beats 360 with both ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. The same publication lists 20 hours for AirPods Max 2. These figures come from the reviewer’s reporting; they are not a controlled, side-by-side battery test described in the available material. Actual runtime can vary with use.
Tom’s Guide lists AirPods Max 2 at 13.6 ounces. The cited sources do not provide a Beats 360 weight, so there is not enough evidence here to compare their heft numerically. Weight and fit can affect long listening sessions differently from one person to another.
Rank #2
- Beats 360 has interchangeable cushion options for both earcups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready post-workout or a new color just to switch up your look.These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit — with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
- The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion for the ultimate listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking3 delivers immersive surround sound.
- Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
- Exceptional call quality powered by an advanced AI-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.
Which sounds better, and whose noise cancellation is stronger?
Tom’s Guide’s AirPods Max 2 review praises its sound and improved active noise cancellation. Tom’s Guide also describes Beats 360 as having surprising noise cancellation. Those are review impressions, not results from a controlled comparison of the two headphones, so they do not establish a categorical winner for sound or ANC.
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If sound quality and noise cancellation are the deciding factors, consider the AirPods Max 2 review’s favorable assessment, then listen to both models with music and audio you know if you can. The cited coverage does not provide a standardized head-to-head measurement that can settle which will sound better to you.
Rank #3
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
Will they work with your phone?
Beats 360 is explicitly positioned for both Apple and Android devices. Apple lists compatibility with both platforms; TechRadar reports Apple-device syncing, Android Fast Pair, and support through the Beats Android app. That makes Beats the more clearly documented option in this comparison for someone who uses Android or switches between phone platforms.
The cited material does not detail AirPods Max 2’s Android features or give a direct account of device switching between the models. If you are considering AirPods Max 2 with a non-Apple device, verify the functions you rely on before purchase rather than assuming feature parity.
Rank #4
- Beats 360 has interchangeable cushion options for both earcups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready post-workout or a new color just to switch up your look.These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit — with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
- The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion for the ultimate listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking3 delivers immersive surround sound.
- Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
- Exceptional call quality powered by an advanced AI-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.
What about carrying and cushion customization?
Apple describes Beats 360 as fold-flat and says it comes with Performance Knit cushions and a woven carrying case. Apple also says additional cushion kits are sold separately. Android Central describes different cushion styles and colors and how the interchangeable pieces attach; check current accessory pricing and confirm compatibility with the exact headphone generation before buying a kit.
The cited AirPods Max 2 review does not establish a directly comparable case or cushion-customization advantage. Choose based on the supplied Beats accessories and the value you place on the separately sold cushion options, rather than assuming the two models include equivalent extras.
Best Value
- Interchangeable cushions for your Beats 360 earcups and headband. Perfect for having a fresh set post-workout or a new color to switch up your look.
- Performance Knit cushions have a breathable, airy feel ideal for workouts, with each strand of the diamond-knit composed of 36 micro-threads for extra durability.
- Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
- Headband cushion helps disperse weight and optimize balance for lasting comfort.
- What’s in the box: Interchangeable Cushion Kit for Beats 360 Earcups and Headband. Beats 360 sold separately
Which headphones should you get?
Choose Beats 360 if:
- You expect to use over-ear headphones for sweat-prone workouts and want the documented IPX4 rating.
- You value the longer reported battery figure, with the understanding that Tom’s Guide gives it for ANC and Spatial Audio enabled.
- You use Android, want documented support across Apple and Android, or prefer the lower captured US price.
- You want the option to change cushion style or color, and are comfortable buying additional kits separately.
Choose AirPods Max 2 if:
- You prioritize Apple’s premium over-ear model and find Tom’s Guide’s favorable sound and ANC review impressions worth the higher captured price.
- You are comfortable with its reported 20-hour battery rating and 13.6-ounce weight.
- You do not need a documented IP rating for your intended use.
If neither set of priorities clearly fits, try both for comfort and compare their sound using familiar audio. The evidence available does not prove one is more comfortable for every listener or establish a controlled sonic winner.
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.
