# Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Bose) and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Apple) among over ear headphones. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the cheaper of the two at $359.

## Side by side

| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $359 | $549 |
| Brand | Bose | Apple |
| Released | 2023-10 | 2024-09 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | — | 40 |
| Battery hr | 24 | 20 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Wired option | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 250 | 386 |

## Key differences

- Battery hr: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 24 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 20
- Codecs: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) SBC, AAC
- Weight (g): Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 250 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 386

## What reviewers say

**Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones** — Three whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi) reviewed the original 2023 QC Ultra Headphones. All three rate the ANC best-in-class, comfort excellent and sound entertaining, while flagging the $429 price. SoundGuys measured 27h37m runtime and ~87% real-world noise reduction and praised battery; Tom's Guide and What Hi-Fi call the 24h battery only decent, not class-leading. Immersive Audio splits opinion. (3 sourced reviews.)

**Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)** — SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones (headphonecheck.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/specs/ (apple.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-vs-apple-airpods-max-usb-c/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($359) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) ($549) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-vs-apple-airpods-max-usb-c/
License: CC BY 4.0.