Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Wins
Winner
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
9.5
Frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize noise cancellation above all
VS
Score Comparison
Criteria
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Apple AirPods Max
Overall Score
9.5
8.8
Sound Quality
9.4
9.5
Noise Cancellation
9.8
9.0
Comfort
9.5
8.5
Features
9.4
8.5
Build Quality
9.4
9.5
Pricing & Features
Specification
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Apple AirPods Max
Price
$449
$549
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize noise cancellation above all
Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen doubles down on what Bose does best - noise cancellation. The improved battery life and lossless audio make this the definitive ANC headphone.
Strengths
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery (up from 24)
- Lossless USB-C audio support
- New Cinema Mode for video content
Limitations
- Premium price at $449
- Immersive Audio still drains battery faster
- No aptX codec support
When to Choose Apple AirPods Max
Apple ecosystem users who want premium materials and seamless device switching
Apple AirPods Max offers exceptional build quality and sound for Apple users, but its high price, weight, and poor case design make it a luxury rather than a practical choice.
Strengths
- Premium aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Excellent sound quality with Apple's H1 chip
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Limitations
- Highest price in the category
- Heavy compared to competitors (384g)
- Poor case design doesn't protect well
