Apple AirPods Max
Apple
70 Overall Score
vs
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose
87 Overall Score
Scores
Budget
Gaming
Work
Calls
Commute
Music
Studio
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 | knit-mesh | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max, Space Gray | 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 | Dolby Atmos, 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 of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time | 15 min for 2.5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 9★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Fast Pair |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Apple | Bose app |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong anc (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong connectivity (91st percentile)91st %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
Pricing
Verdict
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Scores 87 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 38 specs.
