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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 QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
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 (USB-C) 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 (USB-C) if…

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

Pick Bose QC45 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max (USB-C)

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 86).

Comfort

Bose QC45

Long-session wearability

Bose QC45 leads on comfort (87 vs 82).

Value for money

Bose QC45

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QC45 more score per dollar ($329 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
88 Bose QC45

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Bose QC45 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Bose QC45
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
Codecs
AAC, SBC
—
Battery
20 h
—
Weight
384 g
—
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
Type
—
Over-ear
Release year
—
2021

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 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 (USB-C) vs Bose QC45

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QC45? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 QC45 worth the price? +

At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) 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.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QC45? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QC45? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 86). ANC strength for commute and travel.