Apple AirPods Max Midnight
Score: 83/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) is an over-ear wireless headphone delivering industry-leading ANC and up to 24 hours of playback. Its bulkier build and lack of water resistance limit active-use scenarios. Ideal for travelers and office workers seeking premium noise cancellation.
Apple AirPods Max are over-ear headphones delivering industry-leading ANC, 20 hours of battery life, and immersive spatial audio. Their premium weight and lack of multi-device pairing limit comfort and flexibility. They cater to dedicated Apple users who value audio fidelity above all.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
20 hours | 24 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 384.9 g | 250 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 5 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
16 Ωbest | — | |
15 mbest | 9 m | |
9best | 1 | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 20 hours | 24 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 15 m | 9 m |
Multipoint Pairing | false | true |
Audio(2) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Active Noise Cancelling | Active |
Microphone Count | 9 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 384.9 g | 250 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods Max for its industry-leading ANC, long 20-hour battery life even with spatial features active, and the new Adaptive Audio and Bluetooth 5.3 upgrades in the second-generation model, while noting its premium price and Apple-centric design.
Everyday owners praise the immersive Spatial Audio and the battery endurance that covers long trips, but many complain about the noticeable weight and the lack of multi-device Bluetooth pairing, describing the headphones as best suited for dedicated Apple users.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
Select AirPods Max for Apple-centric features and immersive Spatial Audio; select Bose QuietComfort Ultra for slightly longer battery and a lighter package.
Pick Bose for lighter weight, stronger ANC, and spatial audio; pick AirPods Max if you prioritize Apple ecosystem and premium build.
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
