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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max 2

Both are premium over-ear noise-cancelling headphones with strong ANC and spatial audio, and both rate 4.3 out of 5. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins on battery life, lighter weight and a replaceable battery, and reviewers say its noise cancelling and comfort improved this generation. The AirPods Max 2 wins for iPhone owners who want tight Apple integration, USB-C lossless audio and the H2 chip's adaptive features. Pick Bose for long listening sessions and Android or mixed-device use; pick Apple if you live in the Apple ecosystem.

  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want longer battery life, a lighter fit and a battery you can replace, and you use Android, iPhone or a laptop.
  • Choose the AirPods Max 2 if you use an iPhone and want seamless switching, Siri, Find My and USB-C lossless audio.

Prices

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $55.00 at luxlo (last seen Nov 11)
  • Apple AirPods Max 2: $21.00 at Impero (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods Max 2 is $34.00 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 11)
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

4.3(3,468 ratings)
$55.00at luxloChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit luxlo
Pros
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on
  • Replaceable battery extends service life
  • Lightweight with soft protein leather earpads
  • aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound support
  • Bluetooth multipoint across devices
Cons
  • No water resistance
  • Design unchanged from the previous model
  • No head-tracked spatial audio emphasis
  • Charging takes about 3 hours
Apple
Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple AirPods Max 2

4.3(1,263 ratings)
$21.00at ImperoChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Impero
Pros
  • Deep Apple integration: Siri, Find My, seamless switching
  • H2 chip with adaptive audio and transparency mode
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
  • USB-C lossless audio support
  • Up to 1.5x more ANC than the previous generation
Cons
  • Shorter battery life at up to 20 hours
  • Battery is not user-replaceable
  • Heavier on the head
  • Best features are limited to Apple devices

What separates them

Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesApple AirPods Max 2
Battery lifeUp to 24 hours with ANC onUp to 20 hours
Weight and fitLightweight over-ear with protein leather cushionsHeavier build with memory foam cushions
Battery serviceReplaceable batteryIntegrated rechargeable battery
CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless with Snapdragon SoundAAC over Bluetooth, lossless over USB-C
Ecosystem featuresBose Music app, multipoint, works across iPhone, Android and laptopsH2 chip, Siri, Find My, seamless switching between Apple devices
Spatial audioBose Immersive Audio, no head tracking emphasisPersonalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
Charging portUSB-CUSB-C
Water resistanceNoneNone

Price history

$449.99$29.00
Oct 27Nov 14
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: lowest $29.00 on Oct 30 at Butterfly Nursery; $195.00 on Nov 14.
  • Apple AirPods Max 2: lowest $29.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $404.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • Flange SpreadersNew

    In stock

    $51.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Flange Spreaders
  • luxloNew

    In stock

    $55.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit luxlo
  • Balux Pet MarketNew

    Availability unknownShips from Brazil · duties may apply

    $58.80Checked Nov 8
    Visit Balux Pet Market
  • td-mirex.ruNew

    Availability unknownShips from Russia · duties may apply

    $99.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit td-mirex.ru

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • World Wide StereoCheck price at World Wide Stereo
  • haruyamastoreCheck price at haruyamastore
All 83 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Max 2

  • Rent-A-CenterNew

    In stock

    $29.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Rent-A-Center
  • itayafurniture.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $134.70Checked Nov 9
    Visit itayafurniture.com
  • DancoooNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $199.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Dancooo
  • ImperoNew

    Availability unknownShips from Poland · duties may applyReturn policy

    $21.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Impero

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 48 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesApple AirPods Max 2
Battery Life24 hours (ANC on)20 h
Bluetooth5.3, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, Sn…Yes
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Bluetooth Version5.35.0
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C, USB C PORTUSB-C (for lossless audio), USB-C (for charging)
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorBlackBlue
StyleIn-earOn-ear
UseSportsSports
Over-EarYesYes
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon AlexaSiri
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesApple AirPods Max 2
BrandBoseApple
FeaturesImmersive Audio, Aware Mode, Custom EQ, Touch &…Built-in Microphone
Weight256 grams4.74 ounces (134.5 grams) (Smart Case)
Headphone TypeOver the earHeadphones
WirelessYesY
MicrophoneYesYes
Manufacturer ColorBlackMidnight
NFCNoYes
Wireless TechnologyBluetoothBluetooth
Type of Headphone

What reviewers say

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • 4.3 / 53,468 ratings

Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality, noise cancelling and comfort. Some find the bass-forward tuning too strong, and a few note average build quality on the earpads and heat over long wear.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedReviewers call the sound detailed and accurate, with well-defined bass and natural mids.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say ANC blocks out background noise superbly and ActiveSense smooths sudden spikes.
  • ComfortPraisedThe cushioned earpads are widely described as comfortable for long listening.
  • Bass tuningMixedSome listeners find the bass-heavy signature too strong for their taste.

Apple AirPods Max 2

  • 4.3 / 51,263 ratings

Reviewers rate the AirPods Max 2 highly, calling them the best over-ear headphones for iPhone users and praising their deep integration with Apple devices. The main criticism is that the exterior design has barely changed from the original.

What people mention
  • Apple ecosystemPraisedReviewers say the headphones fit seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, with easy switching across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
  • DesignCriticisedOne reviewer notes that the exterior design has barely changed from the original AirPods Max.
  • Noise cancellationPraisedThe adaptive Active Noise Cancellation is often highlighted as a key strength.
Reviews
  • Best wireless headphones for 2026 - Engadget - Best wireless headphones for 2026
  • Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2026
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET
  • The best headphones in 2026: Lab-tested by experts - All products featured are independently chosen by us
  • Best Wireless Headphones

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling?
Both are top-tier. Bose improved its ANC this generation and reviewers call it much improved. Apple claims up to 1.5x more ANC than the previous AirPods Max. Try both if you fly often; the gap is small.
Which is better for iPhone users?
The AirPods Max 2. Seamless switching, Siri, Find My and personalized spatial audio work best inside Apple's ecosystem. The Bose works fine on iPhone but loses those integrations.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Bose, at up to 24 hours with ANC on versus up to 20 hours for the AirPods Max 2. The Bose battery is also replaceable, which stretches its usable life.
Is the AirPods Max 2 worth stepping up to over the Bose?
Only if you are deep in Apple's ecosystem and want lossless audio over USB-C and head-tracked spatial audio. Otherwise the Bose gives you more battery life and a lighter fit.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The Bose is lighter and uses soft protein leather cushions, and reviewers praise its comfort. The AirPods Max 2 is heavier, though its memory foam cushions are plush.
Do either work with Android?
Both pair over Bluetooth and play audio on Android. The Bose keeps multipoint and its app features; the AirPods Max 2 loses Siri, Find My and seamless switching outside Apple devices.

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Over-Ear
Over-Ear
USB TypeUSB-CUSB-C
Noise CancellingActive Noise Cancelling, Passive Noise Cancelli…Active Noise Cancelling
Actual ColorDesert GoldStarlight
Charging Time3 Hours5 minutes (provides around 1.5 hours of listeni…
Included AccessoriesUsb CableSmart Case, AirPods Max, Documentation, USB‑C C…
Driver40mm dynamic—
Headphone Cup TypeOver-ear—
Body Part UseHead—
Noise Cancellation TypeActive—
Max Battery Life24 hours—
Recharge Time3 hours—
Rechargeable BatteryYes—
Standby TimeGo into sleep mode automatically (when you remo…—
Earpad MaterialProtein Leather—
Driver Size40 mm—
Frequency ResponseBose doesn't provide frequency range specs—
Headphone Impedance32 ohm—
SensitivityUnnecessary to take sensitivity measurements (r…—
Battery lifePraised
Up to 20 hours of battery life is frequently mentioned as a plus.
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