Apple AirPods Max Midnight
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max Midnight
The Apple AirPods Max receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, premium build, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Users consistently praise the active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio, though many note the high price and noticeable weight as drawbacks. While some find the controls less intuitive than standard AirPods, the overall sentiment is that these are top-tier headphones for Apple users willing to invest.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Premium build and materials
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Immersive Spatial Audio
Cons
- High price point
- Noticeable weight
- Less intuitive controls than standard AirPods
- Bulky for transport
- Shorter battery life than regular AirPods
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones receive mostly positive feedback for their exceptional comfort and balanced sound quality, though opinions on noise cancellation and durability are mixed. Many users praise the long-wearing comfort and effective ANC for travel and focus, but some report issues with build quality, such as headband splitting or ear pad deterioration. The lack of USB-C and occasional Bluetooth or app connectivity problems are common minor complaints.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long wear
- Effective noise cancellation
- Balanced sound quality
- Good battery life
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Micro-USB charging port
- Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Build quality concerns (headband splitting)
- Ear pad deterioration over time
- No auto-pause when removed
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max Midnight | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.24 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Mesh textile, memory foam | Protein Leather |
| Headband | Stainless steel | Premium materials (combination of substances) |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control - Black |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Three levels of world-class noise cancellation |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0★ | 4.1 |
| Multipoint | ✗ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | — |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 15.199999809265137 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 2.25 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | micro-USB |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | iOS Only | Bose Connect |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max Midnight
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average comfort (34th percentile)
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong comfort (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong anc (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average battery (25th percentile)
- Below average sound (25th percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max Midnight offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 41 specs.
