54 facts in comparison
Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Why is Apple AirPods Max better than Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
- Has a neodymium magnet?
- 8 more microphone(s)?
9vs1 - 1 hours shorter charge time?
2 hoursvs3 hours - Has a mute function?
- Has Dolby Atmos?
Why is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones better than Apple AirPods Max?
- Has a detachable cable?
- Sweat resistance?
- 0.3 newer Bluetooth version?
5.3vs5 - Can be folded?
- 130.8 g lighter?
254 gvs384.8 g - Has aptX?
- Has USB Type-C?
- 20 m greater wireless connectivity range?
30 mvs10 m
Price comparison
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Silver
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Pink
Original Air Pro 6 Pods TWS Max Wireless Bluetooth Earphones Mini Earbuds Earpod Headset For Airpodding A...Original Air Pro 6 Pods TWS Max Wireless Bluetooth Earphones Mini Earbuds Earpod Headset For Airpodding Apple iPhone Headphones
Ear Pad For Apple/ AirPods Max Headset Replacement Headphones Memory Foam Replacement Earpads Foam Ear Pa...Ear Pad For Apple/ AirPods Max Headset Replacement Headphones Memory Foam Replacement Earpads Foam Ear Pads
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over-the-Ear Headphones ...Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over-the-Ear Headphones with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Black
Ear Pads Ear Cushions Earpads Replacement Compatible with Bose QC Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise...Ear Pads Ear Cushions Earpads Replacement Compatible with Bose QC Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone
Replacement Braided Cable Cord for Bose QC45 QC35 I II QC25 QuietComfort Ultra 45 35 25 700 NC700 OE2 Sou...Replacement Braided Cable Cord for Bose QC45 QC35 I II QC25 QuietComfort Ultra 45 35 25 700 NC700 OE2 Soundlink Headphones
Replacement Ear Pads Cushion For Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphone Earpads Soft Protein Leather Memory Fo...Replacement Ear Pads Cushion For Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphone Earpads Soft Protein Leather Memory Foam Earphone Sleeve
User reviews
Overall rating
Features
Build quality
9.1/10
31 votes
10.0/10
2 votes
Sound quality
9.3/10
31 votes
9.5/10
2 votes
Value for money
7.2/10
31 votes
8.5/10
2 votes
Comfort
8.4/10
31 votes
10.0/10
2 votes
Noise isolation
8.9/10
31 votes
10.0/10
2 votes
Design
The fit of the headphones.
We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.
With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking.
The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.
It can be folded into a more compact form.
The cable is designed to minimize tangling.
The device comes with its own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.
The device is designed in a way that allows sound to go out through the back of the ear cups, which usually have vents or perforations. This design provides very natural and accurate sound.
The device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water.
Sound quality
This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
lowest frequency
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple AirPods Max)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones)
The lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.
highest frequency
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple AirPods Max)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones)
The highest frequency at which device produces audio. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.
The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device. Bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.
impedance
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple AirPods Max)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones)
Impedance is the device’s electrical resistance to the current being pushed through it. The lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.
sound pressure level
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple AirPods Max)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones)
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
Devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. They also have more bass and clear high notes.
The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.
Power
The device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often.
The battery life when using active noise cancellation (ANC), as given by the manufacturer.
The time it takes to fully charge the battery.
The USB Type-C features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.
An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
battery power
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple AirPods Max)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones)
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
A solar battery takes its energy from light, and stores it in a self-recharging battery which never needs to be changed.
The battery can be recharged and used over again.
Connectivity
The connectivity type of the headphones.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
aptx Adaptive is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices.
aptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony for Bluetooth audio. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high resolution audio. It can also automatically adjust to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability.
aptX Low Latency is a codec developed by Qualcomm. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide low latency audio (around 40ms), which is useful when you want to avoid audio lag (e.g. when playing games).
aptX HD is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It supports high quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).
aptX Lossless is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It supports high quality 16-bit/44.1kHz audio (at a maximum bit rate of 1200kbps). This codec provides CD-quality audio without any loss of data.
AAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Features
These microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.
Ambient sound mode uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re jogging but still want to be able to hear traffic.
Sensors can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life.
More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.
The device has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
Multipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
There is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.
A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.
There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it.
Miscellaneous
This audio plug allows you to connect to a range of devices which use a standard 3.5mm jack.
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound.
Price comparison
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Silver
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized ...Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Pink
Original Air Pro 6 Pods TWS Max Wireless Bluetooth Earphones Mini Earbuds Earpod Headset For Airpodding A...Original Air Pro 6 Pods TWS Max Wireless Bluetooth Earphones Mini Earbuds Earpod Headset For Airpodding Apple iPhone Headphones
Ear Pad For Apple/ AirPods Max Headset Replacement Headphones Memory Foam Replacement Earpads Foam Ear Pa...Ear Pad For Apple/ AirPods Max Headset Replacement Headphones Memory Foam Replacement Earpads Foam Ear Pads
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over-the-Ear Headphones ...Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over-the-Ear Headphones with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Black
Ear Pads Ear Cushions Earpads Replacement Compatible with Bose QC Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise...Ear Pads Ear Cushions Earpads Replacement Compatible with Bose QC Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone
Replacement Braided Cable Cord for Bose QC45 QC35 I II QC25 QuietComfort Ultra 45 35 25 700 NC700 OE2 Sou...Replacement Braided Cable Cord for Bose QC45 QC35 I II QC25 QuietComfort Ultra 45 35 25 700 NC700 OE2 Soundlink Headphones
Replacement Ear Pads Cushion For Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphone Earpads Soft Protein Leather Memory Fo...Replacement Ear Pads Cushion For Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphone Earpads Soft Protein Leather Memory Foam Earphone Sleeve
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Which are the best headphones?
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Comments
José
6 months ago
10 / 10
Headphones with Quality Sound
José
6 months ago
10 / 10
To be honest, I was hesitant to buy them as I saw many YouTube reviews stating that they weren't worth the cost, and recommending the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead. So, I followed their advice. However, from the get-go, these Sony headphones did not excite me. Although their sound quality is good, the overpowering bass drowns out all other sounds, not to mention the mids are seriously lacking. Even their construction didn't seem premium, with too much plastic. On the other hand, these AirPods have continuously surprised and excited me since they arrived. Listening to music with them is highly enjoyable. They offer impressive fidelity and although the bass is strong, it doesn't overpower other sounds. I love their design; they are beautiful and comfortable, albeit a bit heavy. Watching movies that are compatible with Dolby Atmos (360) sound is mind-blowing, truly a gem. The noise cancellation is also very good, on par with the Sony, and at times I've noticed that it performs even better. That's saying something, as the WH-1000XM5 is supposed to be the best in this area. Now, it's true that for the price you could get headphones with better fidelity and sound quality. However, none offer the features of the AirPods Max in the Apple ecosystem. In other words, they are the best Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones you can buy if you have an Apple ecosystem. If you don't, don't even consider them, as they don't sound nearly as good on Android, Windows, etc.
Pros
Cons
Duvan
1 year ago
10 / 10
A Valuable Indulgence
Duvan
1 year ago
10 / 10
I previously owned the Sony WH1000XM3. I loved them but I was not a fan of the plastic finishes, the 'touch' control, and the switch between device connections. These issues are resolved with the Airpods Max (as I am an Apple ecosystem user) and on top of that, I find them very comfortable and they have top-notch audio quality and noise cancelling. They are expensive, so I wouldn't recommend them to everyone, but I am absolutely thrilled with my purchase.
Pros
Cons
William
2 years ago
5 / 10
Really nice sound and noise canceling
William
2 years ago
5 / 10
With the sound and noise cancelling being one of the best(better: Bose noice cancelling headphone, Sony wh1000-xm3/4), the rest is meh
Pros
Cons