[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] Apple-affiliated audio brand Beats' new over-ear headphones, the 'Beats 360', has entered competition by highlighting a cheaper price and longer battery life than the AirPods Max 2. AirPods Max 2 leads in Apple ecosystem integration, but the Beats 360 shows strengths in price, wearing weight and battery.

On Sept. 22 (local time), IT outlet Engadget analysed the two products, saying there were differences in key specifications such as price, battery, sound quality and features.

The Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 are both over-ear headphones that support features linked with Apple devices, including fast pairing, automatic device switching and Find My. They differ, however, in materials, sound quality, smart functions and battery performance.

The Beats 360 has a similar appearance to the AirPods Max 2, using rotating earcups, a flexible headband and replaceable ear cushions. The materials differ, though. While the AirPods Max 2 uses aluminium, the Beats 360 is made mostly of plastic.

They also differ in weight. The Beats 360 weighs 294 grams, 92 grams lighter than the AirPods Max 2 at 386 grams. For users who wear headphones for long periods, the lighter weight of the Beats 360 could be an advantage.

The Beats 360 offers more options for ear cushions and headband configuration. Users can swap to fabric cushions for exercise and everyday use, UltraPlush cushions using material in the existing Beats style, and can also change the headband. The AirPods Max 2 uses fabric ear cushions and is not built in a way that lets users easily replace the headband.

In sound quality, the AirPods Max 2 edged ahead slightly. Engadget said the difference is not likely to stand out for most users, but rated the AirPods Max 2 as a bit clearer, with easier separation of layers and deeper bass. The Beats 360 was also rated as offering balanced sound overall.

In wired audio, the AirPods Max 2 has the advantage. The AirPods Max 2 supports wired use via USB-C, but the Beats 360 does not support lossless audio or wired audio passthrough.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) was cited as a strength for both products. The AirPods Max 2 showed slightly better performance based on relatively larger earcups, but the Beats 360 also delivered sufficient performance in noisy environments such as airplane cabins.

They differ in how they let users adjust to hear surrounding sound. The AirPods Max 2 supports adaptive audio, while the Beats 360 is simplified to turning noise cancelling on or off.

In smart features, the AirPods Max 2 highlights integration with the Apple ecosystem. It is equipped with the H2 chip and supports functions such as live translation and conversation awareness. The Beats 360 does not support some of these functions, but can also connect easily to Android devices and provides Google's device-finding feature.

Battery life is the biggest differentiator for the Beats 360. Beats said it can be used for up to 32 hours with active noise cancelling turned on. Similar battery endurance was reported to have been confirmed in real-world use. The AirPods Max 2 has a maximum usage time of 20 hours.

The price gap is also significant. The AirPods Max 2 is priced at $549 (about 740,000 won), while the Beats 360 is $350 (about 470,000 won), $199 cheaper. The Beats 360 sells at about a 36 percent lower price than the AirPods Max 2.

In controls, the AirPods Max 2 shows strength in automation. It provides functions such as automatically stopping music when the headphones are removed. The Beats 360 lacks such automation, and there was also criticism that some buttons are similar in shape, making them hard to distinguish when operating.

The differences between the two products depend on what users prioritise. The AirPods Max 2 is focused on users who value sound quality, Apple-only functions, wired audio and Apple ecosystem integration. The Beats 360, by contrast, emphasizes a relatively lower price, lighter weight, longer battery life and compatibility that also covers Android.