Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Name: Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) — Comparison Review
Item: Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Rating: 8.2
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Nov 11 by Billy G.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max 2

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Decision sheet: the facts that decide it

Apple AirPods Max 2: 5 of 8 decision facts sourced.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): 1 of 8 decision facts sourced. Missing: Noise cancelling, Battery life, Codecs, Bluetooth, Multipoint, Water resistance, Starting MSRP.

	Apple AirPods Max 2	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Price today	$399	$265
Noise cancelling	Active Noise Cancellation apple.com	Not yet sourced
Battery life	20 hours bestbuy.com	Not yet sourced
Bluetooth	5.3 bestbuy.com	Not yet sourced
Weight	0.85 pounds bestbuy.com	1.061 pounds bestbuy.com
Starting MSRP	$549.00 bestbuy.com	Not yet sourced

Not yet sourced — Apple AirPods Max 2: Codecs, Multipoint, Water resistance. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Noise cancelling, Battery life, Codecs, Bluetooth, Multipoint, Water resistance, Starting MSRP. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.

Pick Apple AirPods Max 2 if

Lighter — 0.85 lb vs 1.06 lb (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if

Lower price today — $265 vs $399

Skip both if

Neither publishes codecs, multipoint or water resistance yet.

The Apple AirPods Max 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) represent two distinct approaches to premium over-ear wireless audio. The AirPods Max 2 emphasize smooth integration within the Apple ecosystem, delivering spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, high-resolution codec support through USB-C. And refined aluminum construction that prioritizes long-term durability and crisp detail retrieval. In contrast, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) focus on class-leading active noise cancellation that adapts to environmental shifts, immersive audio modes with customizable levels. And a lighter build that favors all-day comfort during extended listening sessions. Public reviews consistently note strong battery performance on both models alongside clear call quality, though each carries trade-offs in weight distribution. And feature depth depending on the user’s device preferences. Both lack water resistance, so skip both if that is essential. The short version: choose the AirPods Max 2 for Apple-centric spatial playback or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for superior noise isolation in variable surroundings.

Verdict: The AirPods Max 2 offers lighter (0.85 lb vs 1.06 lb); the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones counters with lower price today ($265 vs $399). Neither publishes codecs, multipoint or water resistance yet.

Apple AirPods Max 2 lists at $399 while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) lists at $265 — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) undercuts Apple AirPods Max 2 by $134 (51%).

Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple AirPods Max 2: 8.2/10

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): 7/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Apple AirPods Max 2	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Noise cancelling	Active Noise Cancellation	—
Battery life	20 hours	—
Quick charge	Cable	—
Bluetooth	5.3	—
Type	Over-the-Ear	—
Weight	0.85 pounds	1.061 pounds

Apple AirPods Max 2

What works

Leads the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones on weight — 0.85 lb vs 1.06 lb

What doesn't

Trails the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones on price — $399 vs $265

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

What works

Bluetooth 5.4 with 30‑ft range

What doesn't

Heavier than AirPods Max 2

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple AirPods Max 2.

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