Apple AirPods Max vs. Beats Solo 4: Which are the better Apple headphones?
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This article is part of our series Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.
The Beats Solo 4 just launched and are already viewed as some of the best Beats headphones and best on-ear headphones. Hallmarks such as a classic design and flawless iOS integration combined with multiple performance upgrades have earned them such accolades.
If Beats wants its fourth-gen release to also claim the title of best Apple headphones, then the Solo 4 must compete against the AirPods Max. Apple’s flagship cans are an exceptional over-ear alternative to the AirPods Pro that share many features and terrific audio with active noise cancellation thrown into the mix.
You’re probably wondering which pairs best with your new iPhone. We can answer that. Our comparison breaks down the AirPods Max and Solo 4’s biggest strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right investment. Let’s dive right in.
Apple AirPods Max vs. Beats Solo 4 at a glance
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s debut headphones are a top selection for iOS/macOS devotees wanting dynamic ANC and sound in a contemporary design.
$400 at Amazon
$550 at Best Buy
Beats Solo 4
An outstanding revival of a classic, the Solo 4 deliver better battery life and sound quality than their predecessors, while retaining the series’ iconic look.
$150 at Amazon
$150 at Best Buy
Specs comparison
They sound equally great
We’re fans of the audio quality present in these two pairs of headphones. Beats’ custom 40mm transducers give the Solo 4 a bass-forward sound signature that also highlights clear mids and crisp highs. The AirPods Max have their own 40mm drivers to produce punchy bass, rich mids and transparent highs.
Any sonic differences lie within the listening modes. The Solo 4 feature USB-C lossless playback when using a compatible source file or any of the best music streaming services (Tidal is the best option) that support the format. Hi-res lossless playback is available via 3.5mm input. Personalized Spatial Audio does a fine job of creating a 3D sound profile tailored to your hearing, though the feature is more immersive on the AirPods Max.
Listeners can customize audio on the AirPods Max and Solo 4 by playing with the different sound settings in iOS or their favorite streaming platform. You can also apply these tips and tricks to get better sound on your Apple TV.
TL;DR: Expect impressive sound from these two models, but choose the AirPods Max for 3D audio or the Solo 4 for lossless playback.
Only one is truly a platform-neutral headphone
Beats went out of its way to create a proprietary chipset for Apple and Android optimization. In other words, the Solo 4 will perform identically on these platforms and support native features. Noteworthy iOS perks are automatic switching, audio sharing, EQ, Find My Device and “Hey Siri” voice activation. Android users gain access to Google’s Find My Device, one-tap Fast Pair and the Beats app for personalization.
The AirPods Max were specifically designed for use with (what else?) Apple devices and support the same iOS features as the Solo 4, along with these tips and tricks. You can pair them with Android devices, but that means losing out on popular Apple functions like audio sharing, Siri, and many others.
TL;DR: Functionality is more consistent on the Solo 4 whether you’re team iPhone or Android.
Gorgeous designs with glaring flaws
The Solo 4 are an incremental improvement from the Solo 3. Faux leather is the only new addition. Many components were left untouched, including the all-plastic frame with multifunctional B button and the incredibly fragile hinges. Fit is also unpleasant; the tight clamp force is tough to bear after two hours of use.
Apple showed its innovative craftsmanship with the AirPods Max. Everything looks ultra-modern, from the aluminum ear cups with removable memory foam pads to the metal yokes. The mesh headband provides pleasant comfort atop the skull. Even chic details like the Digital Crown are gorgeous and work well. As practical as the purse-inspired Smart Case is for preserving power when storing the headphones, it’s gimmicky and offers very little protection.
TL;DR: You’ll feel trendy wearing either set of headphones, but their delicate builds will induce panic attacks when dropped on the ground.
The Solo 4 easily win on battery life
It’s simple math: 20 hours vs. 50 hours. We’re choosing the Solo 4 since they hold a much longer charge. You’ll be lucky to achieve the AirPods Max’s rated battery life when factoring in ANC and high volume. Keep in mind that special features like Find My and spatial audio decrease playtimes by about four to five hours on both headphones. Fast-Fuel technology is also stronger on the Solo 4 with a 10-minute charge generating up to five hours of use. The AirPods Max net you 1.5 hours on a five-minute charge.
TL;DR: The AirPods Max have enough juice to get you through bicoastal flights and the Solo 4 will keep you entertained for several international trips.
Bottom line
The AirPods Max are the better performer, but the Solo 4 aren’t too far behind and stand out as the better value. Sound quality is satisfying on both pairs of headphones, with one model having superior 3D audio and the other featuring lossless playback. Beats’ battery life is more than double that of Apple’s, while the AirPods Max’s feature set is more enticing than the Solo 4’s.
What it comes down to is price, and it’s hard justifying the cost of Apple’s headphones when they don’t rank higher than less-expensive rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and class-leading Sony WH-1000XM5. Those who can afford to splurge will receive much enjoyment from the AirPods Max. Others with a smaller budget can get more use out of the Solo 4.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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