AirPods Max Vs Bose QuietComfort 45 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Headphone

AirPods Max & Bose QuietComfort 45 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Max rather than the Bose QuietComfort 45.

Why Do I Recommend The Airpods Max

  • The AirPods Max has improved ANC, advanced algorithms & better hardware to block out more ambient noise, providing a high-quality listening experience, but the Bose QuietComfort 45 has basic ANC. 
  • It has high-fidelity drivers, which provide deeper bass & richer sound profile compared to the in-ear format of the Bose QuietComfort 45.
  • The Airpods Max supports high-resolution audio & features a more refined sound profile with enhanced bass response and clearer highs, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 does not match the fidelity and depth.
  • Apple’s AirPods Max has nine microphones for enhance call clarity even in noisy environments, but the Bose QuietComfort 45 has fewer microphones.
  • It has a Digital Crown for precise volume control and playback functions, providing a tactile experience. On the other hand, The Bose QuietComfort 45 relies on physical buttons.
  • AirPods Max supports Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, enhancing immersive listening experiences, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 lacks head tracking.

Maybe the Bose QuietComfort 45 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Max. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Apple AirPods Max Bose QuietComfort 45
ANC Performance Superior in low and mid frequencies Effective in high frequencies
Transparency Mode Available Limited
Controls Digital Crown and button Physical buttons
Sound Signature Warm and balanced, less treble emphasis Bright with slight treble boost
Spatial Audio Supported with dynamic head tracking Not available
Case Design Smart Case (minimal protection) Hard case (full protection)
Charging Port Lightning USB-C
Battery Life Approximately 20 hours Up to 24 hours
Voice Assistant Integration Seamless with Siri Siri and Google Assistant compatible
Multi-Device Pairing Not officially supported Supported
Build Material Premium aluminum and stainless steel Lightweight plastic
Weight 385g 240g
Foldability Non-foldable Foldable
Price Check Max Price Check QC 45 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Over-Ear Design: The over-ear design of both headphones ensures that the ear cups fully encompass the ears, providing passive noise isolation and a comfortable fit for prolonged use.
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models incorporate sophisticated ANC systems that effectively minimize external noise, allowing users to focus on their audio content without distractions.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Utilizing Bluetooth technology, both headphones offer wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for cables and providing compatibility with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  • Integrated Microphones: Equipped with built-in microphones, both headphones facilitate clear voice communication for phone calls and enable interaction with voice assistants, enhancing hands-free usability.
  • Battery Life: Both headphones provide ample battery life to support extended listening sessions. The AirPods Max offers approximately 20 hours of playback time, while the QC45 extends this to up to 24 hours, ensuring users can enjoy their music throughout the day without frequent recharging.
  • Comfort-Oriented Design: Designed with user comfort in mind, both models feature cushioned ear cups and adjustable headbands, accommodating various head sizes and shapes to ensure a comfortable fit during long listening periods.
  • High-Quality Audio Performance: Both headphones are engineered to deliver high-fidelity audio with balanced sound profiles, ensuring clarity and richness across different music genres, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
  • Transparency Mode: Each model offers a transparency or aware mode, allowing users to hear ambient sounds without removing the headphones. This feature enhances situational awareness, making it safer to use the headphones in environments where hearing external sounds is important.
  • Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones are compatible with popular voice assistants, enabling users to control their devices, access information, and manage tasks through voice commands, facilitating a hands-free experience.
  • Portable Design: Designed for users on the go, both models emphasize portability. The QC45 features a foldable design, allowing it to collapse into a more compact form for easy storage. The AirPods Max includes a Smart Case that provides protection during transport, ensuring the headphones remain safe when not in use.

Common Features

Feature Apple AirPods Max Bose QuietComfort 45
Over-Ear Design Over-ear, fully enclosed ear cups Over-ear, fully enclosed ear cups
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Yes Yes
Transparency Mode Available, allows external sound in Available, called Aware Mode
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.1
Voice Assistant Support Siri integration Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant
Built-in Microphones Yes, for calls and ANC functionality Yes, for calls and ANC functionality
Battery Life Approximately 20 hours Approximately 24 hours
Comfort-Oriented Design Cushioned ear cups with memory foam Cushioned ear cups with soft padding
Audio Performance High-fidelity sound, balanced and immersive High-fidelity sound, customizable EQ
Portability Features Includes Smart Case Includes foldable design with hard case
Price Check Max Price Check QC 45 Price

FAQ

Q: Which headphones are more comfortable for long listening sessions, AirPods Max or Bose QC45?
A: Both the AirPods Max and Bose QC45 are designed for comfort. The Bose QC45 is lighter at 240g, making it more suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. The AirPods Max, while heavier at 385g, features memory foam ear cushions and a breathable mesh canopy for comfort, though some users may find it heavy over extended periods.Q: Do both the AirPods Max and Bose QC45 have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
A: Yes, both headphones are equipped with advanced ANC technology. The AirPods Max offers excellent ANC, particularly in low and midrange frequencies, while the Bose QC45 is highly effective at canceling higher-frequency noises. Both models provide immersive listening by minimizing external sounds.Q: How do the AirPods Max and Bose QC45 compare in terms of battery life?
A: The Bose QC45 provides up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on, while the AirPods Max offers approximately 20 hours. Both headphones support quick charging, with the AirPods Max giving 1.5 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge and the QC45 offering 3 hours from a 15-minute charge.Q: Can I use voice assistants with both the AirPods Max and Bose QC45?
A: Yes, both headphones support voice assistants. The AirPods Max integrates seamlessly with Siri for voice commands and other tasks, while the Bose QC45 is compatible with popular voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, allowing hands-free control.

Q: Do the AirPods Max and Bose QC45 have Transparency Mode?
A: Yes, both headphones feature a transparency or aware mode. The AirPods Max has a well-developed Transparency mode that allows for natural listening to external sounds, whereas the Bose QC45 also offers a similar mode to help users stay aware of their surroundings.

Q: Which headphones have better sound quality, the AirPods Max or Bose QC45?
A: Both headphones offer high-quality sound with different sound profiles. The AirPods Max delivers balanced sound with rich bass, clear mids, and controlled highs, making it ideal for long listening without ear fatigue. The Bose QC45 has a brighter sound with a slight emphasis on treble and customizable EQ settings through its app.

Q: Are both headphones portable and suitable for travel?
A: Yes, both the AirPods Max and Bose QC45 are designed for portability. The QC45 has a foldable design and comes with a hard case, making it easy to store and travel with. The AirPods Max, although non-foldable, includes a Smart Case that offers protection during transport, but it might not be as compact as the QC45.

Q: What are the charging options for both headphones?
A: The AirPods Max charges via a proprietary Lightning connector and does not have a power button, relying on an automatic low-power mode. The Bose QC45 charges using USB-C, which is more universal and convenient. It also has a power button for manual control, which helps conserve battery.

Q: Can both headphones connect to multiple devices at once?
A: The Bose QC45 supports multi-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between two connected devices. The AirPods Max, while integrating smoothly with Apple devices for quick switching, does not officially support simultaneous multi-device connections like the QC45.

 

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