Bose QuietComfort Ultra Vs Airpods Max – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra & Airpods Max 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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra rather than the Airpods Max.
Why Do I Recommend The Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
- The QuietComfort Ultra has an improved Auto Noise Cancellation Optimizer that better adapts to environmental changes; on the other hand, the AirPods Max has noise cancellation as well, but it’s more static.
- It includes touch controls for a more modern, sleek interface compared to the button controls on the AirPods Max, which feel less intuitive.
- It has a slight edge with up to 24 hours of battery life for more flexibility in longer listening sessions, especially with spatial audio enabled, compared to AirPods Max’s 20 hours.
- The QuietComfort Ultra features a foldable design, enhancing portability compared to the AirPods Max’s non-foldable structure.
- It supports high-resolution audio & features a more refined sound profile with enhanced bass response and clearer highs, while the AirPods Max does not match the fidelity and depth.
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has 12 microphones to enhance call clarity even in noisy environments, but the AirPods Max has fewer microphones.
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 in the QuietComfort Ultra ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency than Bluetooth 5.0 in the AirPods Max.
Maybe the Airpods Max price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. 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 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Apple Airpods Max |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC with Aware mode | Effective ANC |
| Spatial Audio | Features Immersive Audio with head tracking | Supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Controls | Physical buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and ANC; capacitive volume slider | Digital Crown for volume and playback; dedicated button for ANC/Transparency mode |
| Design | Foldable for portability | Non-foldable |
| Carrying Case | Full protective hard-shell case | Minimal protection |
| Color Options | Colors like Black, White Smoke, and Sandstone | Multiple colors |
| Compatibility | Compatible with both iOS and Android devices | Optimized for Apple devices |
| Weight | 8.9 ounces (252 grams) | 13.6 ounces (385 grams) |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours with ANC enabled; 18 hours with Immersive Audio activated | Up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning USB-C |
| Price | Check QC Ultra Price | Check Max Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Wireless Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices, enhancing mobility and convenience.
- Over-Ear Design: Designed with over-ear ear cups, both headphones provide a comfortable fit that encompasses the ears, contributing to effective passive noise isolation and a rich audio experience.
- Built-in Microphones: Integrated microphones in both models facilitate clear voice calls and enable interaction with virtual assistants, ensuring seamless communication and control.
- Spatial/Immersive Audio: Both Feature Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, delivering a theater-like surround sound experience for compatible content.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Support both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing flexibility in virtual assistant usage based on user preference.
- Automatic Ear Detection: Both headphones feature sensors that detect when they are removed from the ears, automatically pausing playback to conserve battery and enhance user convenience.
Common Features
| Feature | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Apple Airpods Max |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth-enabled | Bluetooth-enabled |
| Over-Ear Design | Over-ear form factor | Over-ear form factor |
| Built-in Microphones | Integrated microphones | Integrated microphones |
| Companion App Support | Yes (via iOS settings) | Yes (Bose Music app) |
| Spatial/Immersive Audio | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | Immersive Audio with head tracking |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Supports Siri | Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa |
| Automatic Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check QC Ultra Price | Check Max Price |
FAQ
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1. What type of noise cancellation do the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones use? The Apple AirPods Max use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that effectively blocks out external sounds to provide an immersive listening experience. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, on the other hand, have adaptive ANC, which dynamically adjusts to the surrounding noise levels, making them highly effective in various environments. 2. Do both models have a Transparency or Awareness mode? Yes, both headphones feature modes that allow users to hear external sounds. The AirPods Max have a Transparency mode, enabling users to stay aware of their surroundings without taking off the headphones. Similarly, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones include an Aware mode, which also lets ambient sound through, providing situational awareness. 3. Can the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones connect wirelessly? Both headphones support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices. This provides users with the freedom to move around without being tethered to a device. 4. What is the design style of these headphones, and how does it affect comfort? Both the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones feature an over-ear design, which covers the entire ear for enhanced sound isolation and comfort. This design also helps to create a fuller audio experience by encompassing the ears, making both options suitable for prolonged listening. 5. Do both models have built-in microphones for calls and voice assistant commands? Yes, both headphones come with integrated microphones that enable clear voice calls and allow users to interact with virtual assistants. This makes them suitable for both hands-free calls and voice-controlled tasks. 6. Do the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer companion app support? The Apple AirPods Max are primarily configured through the iOS settings, where users can adjust features such as ANC and Spatial Audio. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones work with the Bose Music app, which provides a more customizable experience, including firmware updates, sound settings, and control adjustments. 7. Do both headphones support Spatial or Immersive Audio for a surround sound experience? Yes, both headphones offer immersive audio features. The AirPods Max have Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a surround sound experience with compatible content. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones provide Immersive Audio with head tracking, which delivers a similar 3D sound experience. 8. What is the battery life for the AirPods Max compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones? The AirPods Max provide up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer a longer battery life, with up to 24 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and up to 18 hours when using Immersive Audio. 9. Do both models support voice assistant integration, and if so, which assistants are compatible? The AirPods Max integrate with Siri, allowing users to perform tasks and control playback using voice commands. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, offering users a choice of virtual assistants based on personal preference. 10. Do the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have automatic ear detection? Yes, both headphones feature sensors that detect when they’re removed from the ears, automatically pausing playback to conserve battery and enhance user convenience. This feature resumes playback when the headphones are put back on, adding to the seamless listening experience. |