Bose
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Apple
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and AirPods Max at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick AirPods Max if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Bose QC45 88
vs 88 AirPods Max
Score breakdown
Bose QC45
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
AirPods Max
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC45 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2021 | 2020 |
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
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
FAQ: Bose QC45 vs AirPods Max
Which is better, Bose QC45 or AirPods Max? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is AirPods Max worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QC45 or AirPods Max 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.