Apple
AirPods Max · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2020
88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max · Arctic White lands at 88 and Bose QC45 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Max · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
AirPods Max · Arctic White 88
vs 88 Bose QC45
Score breakdown
AirPods Max · Arctic White
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Bose QC45
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max · Arctic White | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2020 | 2021 |
AirPods Max · Arctic White
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Bose QC45
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: AirPods Max · Arctic White vs Bose QC45
Which is better, AirPods Max · Arctic White or Bose QC45? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max · Arctic White or Bose QC45 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.