Best Over Ear Headphones · head-to-head
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
A sourced, side-by-side spec comparison. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is cheaper at $429. Every spec and price links to its source.
Side by side
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $429 (US MSRP at launch (October 2023); Bose.com now lists a 2nd Gen model at $449 launch / $379 current, implying the original Gen 1 launched at $429 per widespread launch coverage.) | $549 (US MSRP, all color options, as listed on apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max at time of access.) |
| Brand | Bose | Apple |
| Released | 2023-10 | 2024-09 |
| anc | true | true |
| driver mm | — | 40 |
| battery hr | 24 | 20 |
| bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| wired option | true | true |
| weight g | 250 | 386 |
| release | 2023-10 | 2024-09 |
Sources — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: headphonecheck.com (verified 2026-06-15). Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): apple.com (verified 2026-06-15).