Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
We compare the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Scored 9.4/10 in our testing
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Best noise cancellation on the market — the most effective ANC available
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Best ANC headphones for Apple ecosystem users with AirPods Max features
Score Breakdown
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Category | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Performance | 9.3/10 |
| 9.2/10 ✓ | Features | 9/10 |
| 9.3/10 | Ease of Use | ✓ 9.5/10 |
| 8.3/10 ✓ | Value | 7.8/10 |
| 9.4/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.2/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| CustomTune audio calibration | ANC | H2 chip computational audio |
| 24hrs ANC on | Battery | 20hrs |
| Immersive Audio (Bose spatial) | Special | Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio |
| aptX, AAC, SBC | Codec | AAC (Apple Lossless via Apple devices) |
| 254g | Weight | Aluminum ear cups, mesh headband |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Pros
- + Finest noise cancellation available
- + CustomTune personal audio calibration
- + Bose Immersive Audio spatial experience
- + Supremely comfortable ear cushions
Cons
- − Most expensive on this list
- − No LDAC support
- − Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Pros
- + Seamless Apple ecosystem switching
- + Adaptive Audio blends ANC and transparency
- + Exceptional build quality (aluminum)
- + Best-in-class with Apple Lossless sources
Cons
- − Ecosystem locked — limited Android use
- − No fold — bulky to travel with
- − Most expensive headphones here
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra comes out on top with an overall score of 9.4/10. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra takes the legendary Bose noise cancellation to a new level with CustomTune — microphones measure your ear canal shape on the fly and calibrate both ANC and audio response individually. On a loud plane or train, the silence achieved is genuinely remarkable. Bose Immersive Audio adds a convincing spatial dimension to music. The premium price is steep but justified for serious travelers.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra on AmazonRead the full Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.
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