Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver premium over-ear experiences with excellent active noise cancellation and 20-hour wireless battery life, but they target different priorities. Apple AirPods Max ($549) emphasize ecosystem integration, featuring spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, a premium stainless steel build, and the intuitive Digital Crown interface. Sound quality through Apple's 40mm driver excels with adaptive EQ tuning. However, the heavier 384.8g weight and lack of multipoint connectivity limit versatility. Bose QuietComfort 35 II ($299) offers significant value, weighing just 235g with a foldable design for portability. Its three-level ANC adjustment and built-in Google Assistant provide practical functionality, plus wired mode extends battery to 40 hours. Sound signature leans warmer and more balanced for diverse content. For Apple ecosystem users prioritizing innovation and spatial audio, AirPods Max justifies the premium. Budget-conscious buyers or those valuing portability and flexibility should choose the Bose.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) if…
- →Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- →Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- →Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
- Digital Crown provides precise, tactile volume and playback control
- 20-hour battery life easily lasts multiple days of use
Cons
- Extremely expensive at $549 — most costly consumer headphones
- 384.8 g is noticeably heavy for long listening sessions
- Lightning port instead of USB-C is frustrating
- Smart Case doesn't fully protect the headphones and looks odd
- No power button — relies on Smart Case for low power mode
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs with ANC | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs playback | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with 9 microphones, Transparency mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, Digital Crown for volume control, Stainless steel frame with aluminum ear cups, Mesh knit canopy headband | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Bose products. View full details for the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.