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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins by 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive

93
/ 100
From $429
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…

  • ✓Best comfort in class
  • ✓Excellent ANC
  • ✓Immersive Audio spatial feature
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on anc (96 vs 92).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Long-session wearability

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on comfort (98 vs 82).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QuietComfort Ultra more score per dollar ($429 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
93 Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
93
anc 96
sound 92
comfort 98
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Driver
40 mm dynamic
35 mm dynamic
Codecs
AAC, SBC
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery
20 h
▲ 24 h (Immersive Audio off) / 18 h (on)
Weight
384 g
▲ 253 g
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Pros
  • +Best comfort in class
  • +Excellent ANC
  • +Immersive Audio spatial feature
Cons
  • −Bose app fiddly
  • −No USB-C audio (3.5 mm + Bluetooth only)
  • −No LDAC support

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — 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 (USB-C) 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 noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on anc (96 vs 92). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on comfort (98 vs 82). Long-session wearability.