AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive
Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Max 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…
- ✓Best comfort in class
- ✓Excellent ANC
- ✓Immersive Audio spatial feature
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort UltraLong-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on comfort (98 vs 90).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort UltraSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra more score per dollar ($429 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | — |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | ▲ 24 h (Immersive Audio off) / 18 h (on) |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | — |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | — |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | — |
| Driver | — | 35 mm dynamic |
| Weight | — | 253 g |
| Codecs | — | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- +Best comfort in class
- +Excellent ANC
- +Immersive Audio spatial feature
- −Bose app fiddly
- −No USB-C audio (3.5 mm + Bluetooth only)
- −No LDAC support
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth the price? +
At $429, Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in comfort.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on comfort (98 vs 90). Long-session wearability.
Which is the better value, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — more score per dollar ($429 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.