Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Headphones
$549List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Headphones
$299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is cheaper.
- The 2 rankable overall specs split 1 to 1.
- Saves $250 at list price.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Wireless charging case cover is sold as an optional accessory (USB-C wired standard)
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Over-ear, closed-back | In-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone stability bands |
| WeightDesign | 384.8 g (13.6 oz) | 15.4 g (0.54 oz) earbuds total (7.7 g each) / 60 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | No (swivels flat) | No (charging case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation with dual H1 chips) | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation with CustomTune sound calibration) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 20 hours (ANC + Spatial Audio enabled) | 6 hours listening time on single charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio) / up to 24 hours total with case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Reasons to choose it
- Superb spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Best-in-class transparency mode realism
- Premium stainless steel frame with breathable mesh canopy
Worth considering
- Heavier than plastic-built competitors at 384g
- Smart Case provides minimal protection
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Benchmark active noise cancellation that silences low and mid-frequency ambient noise
- CustomTune technology calibrates sound and ANC to your ear canal shape on every insertion
- Bose Immersive Audio provides spatialized audio regardless of source or platform
Worth considering
- Wireless charging case cover is sold as an optional accessory (USB-C wired standard)
- Battery life drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio turned on (6 hours standard)
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Comfort, Clamp & Travel Fit Check
Ergonomic factors that affect daily comfort, glasses wearers, and luggage space.
Folding & Travel Packability
Apple
Swivels flat only; Smart Case leaves headband exposed
Bose
Standard folding earcups
Clamp Force & Glasses Comfort
Apple
Firm clamp force (~5.2 N; steel & aluminum)
Bose
Standard headphone clamp
Weight & Crown Pressure
Apple
385g (heavy; noticeable neck load after 2 hours)
Bose
Standard headphone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Apple: What to watch for
- Ergonomics
Heavy 385g weight creates neck fatigue during long flights.
- Hardware Quirk
Smart Case offers virtually zero physical drop or travel protection.
- Maintenance
Condensation buildup inside earcups under mesh cushions.
Bose: What to watch for
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds costs $250 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Tied on flights & commutes. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is cheaper. The 2 rankable flights & commutes specs split 1 to 1. Saves $250 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 12 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.