AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
AirPods Max 2Tuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max 2 leads on sound (93 vs 90).
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 95).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 90).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | Hybrid · 8-mic |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | ▲ 30 hr (24 with ANC) |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound |
| Codecs | — | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
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 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 sound quality, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on sound (93 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 95). ANC strength for commute and travel.