Gadget Otter

Headphones and earbuds

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Illustration of the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) headphones
Illustration of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) costs $449, against $549 for Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen).

Battery life (ANC on): 20 h on Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen), 30 h on Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Weight: 386 g on Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen), 264 g on Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Driver size: 40 mm on Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen), 35 mm on Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), side by side
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen)Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Price$549$449
Battery life (ANC on)20 h30 h
Weight386 g264 g
Active noise cancellingyesyes
Driver size40 mm35 mm
Bluetooth codecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Water ratingNoneNone
Multipointyesyes
See Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2nd gen)See Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Prices checked November 1, 2026.

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