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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 2 wins by 4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio

93
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 2 if…

  • ✓Deepest ANC on the market
  • ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
  • ✓Bose Immersive Audio
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 92).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Long-session wearability

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 80).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs
93 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Score breakdown

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
93
anc 100
sound 90
comfort 96
battery 88
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — full spec comparison
Spec Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Driver
40 mm dynamic
35 mm
ANC
Hybrid 9-mic
Hybrid · 8-mic
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3 + Snapdragon Sound
Codecs
AAC + Lossless USB-C
aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC
Battery
20 hr (with ANC)
▲ 30 hr (24 with ANC)
Charging
USB-C
USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr
Weight
384 g
▲ 254 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 2

Pros
  • +Deepest ANC on the market
  • +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
  • +Bose Immersive Audio
Cons
  • −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
  • −Cable not included
  • −Pricier than XM6

FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 2 worth the price? +

At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.

Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 92). ANC strength for commute and travel.