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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose QC45 · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45 · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Bose QC45 · Midnight Black at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick AirPods Max if…

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

Pick Bose QC45 · Midnight Black 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

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

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

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Bose QC45 · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

AirPods Max 88
vs
88 Bose QC45 · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Bose QC45 · Midnight Black
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Bose QC45 · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Bose QC45 · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2020
2021

AirPods Max

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 · Midnight Black

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 vs Bose QC45 · Midnight Black

Which is better, AirPods Max or Bose QC45 · Midnight Black? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Bose QC45 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

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

Does AirPods Max or Bose QC45 · Midnight Black 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 the better value, AirPods Max or Bose QC45 · Midnight Black? +

Bose QC45 · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($329 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.