Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified purchasers, who praise their exceptional sound quality, best-in-class active noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. While the headphones are noted to be heavier than competitors like the Bose QC35 and Sony XM4, most users find the weight well-distributed and comfortable for extended wear. The transparency mode and Spatial Audio features are highlighted as standout capabilities, though some users note the ear cups can get warm and the carrying case is disappointing. Overall, these are considered premium headphones that justify their high price for Apple users who prioritize audio fidelity and ecosystem convenience.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich detail
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Premium build quality and materials
Cons
- Heavier than competing headphones
- Ear cups can get warm over time
- Disappointing carrying case
- No direct EQ adjustment on headphones
- Condensation buildup during physical activity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their superb sound quality, exceptional noise cancellation, and long battery life. Users praise the comfort for extended wear, even with glasses or earrings, and the immersive audio features. However, some note the high price as a significant drawback, and a few mention issues like the need for power when wired, plastic hinges, and a defective unit in one case.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Extremely comfortable for long wear
- Immersive audio features
Cons
- High price
- Must be powered on when wired
- Plastic hinges may raise durability concerns
- Some features require paid app subscription
- Not ideal for hot days (sweaty ears)
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Protein Leather |
| Headband | breathable mesh canopy | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Active Noise Cancellation , Adjustable Headband , Ambient Sound Mode , Built-in Microphone , Noise Cancellation , Rechargeable Battery , Stereo , Wireless | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Midnight Violet - Limited Edition |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | industry-leading | Hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, HFP, AVRCP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 2.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 0.5099999904632568 m |
| Range | — | 9.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 24 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hours | 15 min for 2.5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Fast Pair |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | iOS Only | Bose app |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong anc (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average comfort (34th percentile)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong comfort (85th percentile)85th %ile
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 38 specs.