
Apple
$549

Bose
$429
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are closely matched headphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (5.6 vs 5.6). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm✓ | 35mm |
| Frequency Response | — | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) | Bose Music App |
| Touch Controls | Yes (Digital Crown, button) | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 20hrs | 24hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | — |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Weight | 385g | 250g✓ |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange | Black, White |
| Price | 549$ | 429$✓ |
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.
Buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if…
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are closely matched headphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (5.6 vs 5.6). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Both products score similarly — it depends on your priorities.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is cheaper at $429 vs $549 for 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.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a larger battery (2,400mAh vs 2,200mAh for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones), which generally means longer use between charges.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones lasts longer with 24 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is lighter at 250g vs 385g.