Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Apple

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C

89
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins by 4
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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class build quality
  • ✓Apple ecosystem integration
  • ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…

  • ✓Best comfort in class
  • ✓Excellent ANC
  • ✓Immersive Audio spatial feature
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

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 80).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs
93 Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Score breakdown

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
93
anc 96
sound 92
comfort 98
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra — full spec comparison
Spec Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Driver
40 mm dynamic
35 mm dynamic
ANC
Hybrid 9-mic
—
Bluetooth
5.0
—
Codecs
AAC + Lossless USB-C
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery
20 hr (with ANC)
▲ 24 h (Immersive Audio off) / 18 h (on)
Charging
USB-C
—
Weight
384 g
▲ 253 g

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Pros
  • +Best-in-class build quality
  • +Apple ecosystem integration
  • +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Cons
  • −No new chip vs original
  • −Heavy at 384g
  • −No fold-flat design

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: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +

At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — 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 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

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

Which is better for comfort, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on comfort (98 vs 80). Long-session wearability.