Bose QuietComfort 45vsApple AirPods Max (USB-C)
WINNER
Bose
QuietComfort 45
5.9
5.9/10$229
Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
5.6
5.6/10$549
AI
AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AIBose QuietComfort 45 narrowly beats the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in price, scoring 5.9/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort 45 is the clear pick.
5 Reasons Why Bose QuietComfort 45 Is Better
- 1.Longer battery life: 22h vs 20h
- 2.Lighter: 238g vs 385g
- 3.Lower price: $229 vs $549
- 4.Better value score: 9.3 vs 8.2
- 5.Higher overall score: 5.9/10 vs 5.6/10
Score Comparison
Bose QuietComfort 45Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Score Breakdown
Bose QuietComfort 45Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
9.3
Price20% weight
8.2Bose QuietComfort 45 wins
5.0
Codec Quality25% weight
5.0Tied
2.0
Battery Life20% weight
1.8Tied
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0Tied
3.7
Driver Size10% weight
3.7Tied
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0Tied
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Better value for money
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
✓ Pros
- ●Water resistant (IPX4)
✗ Cons
- ●Higher price tag
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 45W | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| EQ App | Bose Music | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) |
| Touch Controls | No | Yes (Digital Crown, button) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 22hrs✓ | 20hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | false |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Weight | 238g✓ | 385g |
| Colors | Black, White Smoke, Triple Black | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Price | 229$✓ | 549$ |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Community Vote
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — FAQ
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is better?
Bose QuietComfort 45 narrowly beats the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in price, scoring 5.9/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort 45 is the clear pick.
Is Bose QuietComfort 45 better than Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Yes, Bose QuietComfort 45 scores higher overall (5.3 vs 5.1).
Which is cheaper, Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Bose QuietComfort 45 is cheaper at $229 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
Who should buy the Bose QuietComfort 45?
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Who should buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Which has better battery life, Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a larger battery (2,400mAh vs 2,000mAh for the Bose QuietComfort 45), which generally means longer use between charges.
Which lasts longer, Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Bose QuietComfort 45 lasts longer with 22 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
Which is lighter, Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Bose QuietComfort 45 is lighter at 238g vs 385g.
