AirPods Max USB-C Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 20h · AAC · BT 5.3
MSRP
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 6h/30h · H3 chip · BT 5.3
MSRP
Our verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds takes the performance lead with a 7% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $250 versus the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones's $550 price tag, it costs 120% less while delivering performance that's only 7% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds
7% faster overall
Best value for money
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds
54% better value per dollar
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones best for
Raw performance
54% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones worth $300 more than the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones scores 90 overall vs 84 for the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones or AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds?
The AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones handle 4K gaming?
The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones or AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds?
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
Related comparisons
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones VS Px7 S3 Headphones
Score 84 VS 84
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds VS Px7 S3 Headphones
Score 90 VS 84
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones VS WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Score 84 VS 84
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds VS WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Score 90 VS 84
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones VS Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds
Score 84 VS 84
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds VS Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds
Score 90 VS 84
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones VS Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds
Score 84 VS 84
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds VS Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds
Score 90 VS 84