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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Apple AirPods Max comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about dedicated iOS users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple AirPods Max
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Apple AirPods Max
$549

The Apple AirPods Max deliver top-tier active noise cancellation and audio quality, making them excellent for Apple ecosystem users who want over-ear headphones. SoundGuys called them 'a perfect pair of headphones' while What Hi-Fi? praised their 'superb audio and noise-cancelling' and 'exceptional build quality.' However, both reviewers noted significant drawbacks including the lack of a 3.5mm jack, poor compatibility outside of Apple devices, and a useless smart case. The headphones are best suited for dedicated iOS users willing to pay a premium for luxury design and seamless integration, rather than for Android users or those seeking maximum value.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class active noise canceling (ANC) performance
  • — Superb audio quality with natural tone and cinematic spatial audio
  • — Exceptional build quality with sturdy all-metal construction
Watch-outs
  • — No 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C audio cable included
  • — Proximity sensors and voice assistant activation do not work on Android or Windows
  • — Smart case provides no protection and is considered terrible by reviewers
$549 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Bose QuietComfort 45
Ranked #5 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
$299

The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers excellent active noise cancellation that remains among the best in class, making it ideal for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised its comfort and USB-C upgrade over previous models, though noted the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting its reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. The headphones are best suited for users prioritizing ANC performance over audio fidelity, and those seeking more advanced codec support should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation that's among the best in class
  • — Comfortable over long periods of time with well-distributed weight (240g)
  • — USB-C charging port replaces outdated micro-USB
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality is not great, with only SBC and AAC codecs supported
  • — No true off ANC mode; must use Aware mode to disable ANC
  • — Controls are physical buttons that can be odd to get used to
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max delivers best-in-class ANC and audio quality that surpasses the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, but it's significantly more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks IP rating and is incompatible with Android devices, while the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X offers better value for professional audio work but lacks wireless convenience.

Bose QuietComfort 45

While the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers outstanding active noise cancellation that rivals the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, it falls short in sound quality compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which both deliver superior audio fidelity. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks true off ANC mode, forcing users to rely on Aware mode to disable ANC, a limitation not present in its competitors.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple AirPods MaxBose QuietComfort 45
Weight386g240 g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.05.1
Driver40mm dynamic40mm
ANCBest-in-classYes
Battery LifeUp to 24 hours24 hours
Charging MethodLightningUSB-C
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