Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the cheaper of the two at $449 versus $549, a difference of about $100. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) stands out for outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is praised for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs with ANC | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | — |
| 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 | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).