Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

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

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is best for: Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

4.3

4 sources$479as of Oct 16

Top-tier active noise cancellation and audio quality make the Apple AirPods Max an easy call for Apple ecosystem users who want over-ear headphones. SoundGuys called them 'a perfect pair of headphones,' and What Hi-Fi? praised their 'superb audio and noise-cancelling' and 'exceptional build quality.' Both also listed the drawbacks: no 3.5mm jack, poor compatibility outside Apple devices, and a smart case that does nothing useful. Dedicated iOS users willing to pay a premium for luxury design and tight integration are the fit, not Android users or anyone shopping on 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

$479 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

4.5

3 sources$327.99as of Oct 12

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths

— Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
— Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
— Plush, glasses-friendly ear cushions and a light, comfortable fit for long sessions

Watch-outs

— Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
— Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it

$327.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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 Ultra Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones add Immersive Audio spatial sound over the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, whose entry says spatial audio is saved for the Ultra, and they cost considerably more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 they give up LDAC playback and battery life, at 24 hours against 40. At 253g they are lighter than the 386g Apple AirPods Max and fold flat, and they cost less than the Apple.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple AirPods Max	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Weight	386g	253g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm
Driver	40mm dynamic	35mm dynamic
ANC	Best-in-class	Yes, adjustable + Immersive Audio
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours	24h (18h Immersive)
Charging Method	Lightning	—
Dimensions	24.35 x 23.99 x 8.1 inches	—
Codec	—	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Folding	—	Folds flat, hinged

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