Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
$449Cheaper
Released 2023-10
Best Over Ear Headphones · head-to-head
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is cheaper at $449. Every spec and price links to its source.
Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
$549
Released 2024-09
Which is better: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the cheaper at $449. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $449 | $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 |
| 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).
What's the difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Class-leading active noise cancelling; Comfortable, lightweight foldable design; Rich, entertaining sound quality.
Flagged: High $429 price versus rivals; Only-decent 24h battery, not class-leading; No USB-C wired audio listening.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Active noise canceling is fantastic; Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones; Tested battery life ~21 hours, beating Apple's claim.
Flagged: Overpriced for what it offers.