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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple AirPods Max
Ranked #5 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Apple AirPods Max
6 sources$429.99as of Aug 1

Top-tier active noise cancellation and audio quality make the Apple AirPods Max an easy call for Apple ecosystem users who want over-ear headphones. SoundGuys called them 'a perfect pair of headphones,' and What Hi-Fi? praised their 'superb audio and noise-cancelling' and 'exceptional build quality.' Both also listed the drawbacks: no 3.5mm jack, poor compatibility outside Apple devices, and a smart case that does nothing useful. Dedicated iOS users willing to pay a premium for luxury design and tight integration are the fit, not Android users or anyone shopping on value.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class active noise canceling (ANC) performance
  • — Superb audio quality with natural tone and cinematic spatial audio
  • — Exceptional build quality with sturdy all-metal construction
Watch-outs
  • — No 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C audio cable included
  • — Proximity sensors and voice assistant activation do not work on Android or Windows
  • — Smart case provides no protection and is considered terrible by reviewers
$429.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
3 sources$327.99as of Aug 1

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep and they skip hi-res codecs, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
  • — Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
  • — Bose Immersive Audio spatial mode adds a convincing sense of space the standard QC lacks
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
  • — Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
  • — No high-resolution LDAC/aptX HD codec support, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM6
$327.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max delivers best-in-class ANC and audio quality that surpasses the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, but it's significantly more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks IP rating and is incompatible with Android devices, while the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X offers better value for professional audio work but lacks wireless convenience.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The QuietComfort Ultra sits a clear tier above the standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones in this guide, adding Immersive Audio spatial sound and stronger ANC for roughly $80 more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 it arguably edges ANC and comfort but gives up hi-res LDAC playback and longer battery. Versus the Apple AirPods Max 2 it is lighter, folds flat and works equally well on Android, while costing well over $100 less.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple AirPods MaxBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Weight386g253g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm
Driver40mm dynamic35mm dynamic
ANCBest-in-classYes, adjustable + Immersive Audio
Battery LifeUp to 24 hours24h (18h Immersive)
Charging MethodLightning—
Dimensions24.35 x 23.99 x 8.1 inches—
Codec—SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Folding—Folds flat, hinged
← See the full ranking of best over-ear headphones