
Apple
$549

Bose
$199
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) narrowly beats the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)W | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | In-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm✓ | 9mm |
| Frequency Response | — | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 103 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) | Bose Music |
| Touch Controls | Yes (Digital Crown, button) | Yes (touch controls) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 20hrs✓ | 6hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | false |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 385g | 6.2g✓ |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange | Black, White |
| Price | 549$ | 199$✓ |
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 if…
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) narrowly beats the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the clear pick.
Yes, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) scores higher overall (5.1 vs 4.0).
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 is cheaper at $199 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a larger battery (2,400mAh vs 290mAh for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) lasts longer with 20 hours vs 6 hours for the other.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 is lighter at 6.2g vs 385g.