Home Headphones Bose Quietcomfort Headphones Vs. Apple Airpods Max

Bose Quietcomfort Headphones Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review

Last updated on Oct 7, 2023   9 minute read
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Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Max

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 384.8 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 20 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Overall Score 5.7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 236 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 24 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bose Quietcomfort Headphones Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Summary

Category Features Apple AirPods Max Bose QuietComfort Headphones
DESIGN weight 384.8g 236g
has a detachable cable
has a tangle free cable
has an over-the-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 109dB/mW
driver unit size 40mm 40mm
impedance 47Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 20hours 24hours
charge time 2hours 2.5hours
has a battery level indicator
battery power 664mAh
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
uses 2.4ghz wireless
bluetooth version v5 v5.1
has usb type-c
has aptx adaptive
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has a 3.5mm male connector
MICROPHONE number of microphones 9only 1only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has a mute function
multipoint count 2only 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1years
travel bag is included
has dolby atmos
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Bose Quietcomfort Headphones Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Detail

Design

Weight

Apple AirPods Max 384.8g
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 236g

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a weight of 236g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We prefer a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The Apple AirPods Max, at 384.8g weigh more than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones with a difference 148.8g

Has A Detachable Cable

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into an audio source. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, Bose QuietComfort Headphones are one of those.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, Bose QuietComfort Headphones's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to bends in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or rendering your headphones defective.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Apple AirPods Max with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have stereo speakers, what this means is that Bose QuietComfort Headphones's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Headphones have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods Max
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make zero hence "diluting" the noise.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Apple AirPods Max too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out environment noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Apple AirPods Max isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20Hz
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 20Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. Bose QuietComfort Headphones's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Apple AirPods Max's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20,000Hz
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Bose QuietComfort Headphones's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Apple AirPods Max's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods Max 109dB/mW
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have a way of getting an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, Apple AirPods Max's measurement is 109dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods Max 40mm
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 40mm

The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. Bose QuietComfort Headphones driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Apple AirPods Max driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making both Apple AirPods Max, and Bose QuietComfort Headphones similar in how loud their sound gets , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance

Apple AirPods Max 47Ohms
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Defined as the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, when electricity flows through a conductor, it experiences electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a wire is measured in ohms. Apple AirPods Max's impedance is 47Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Neodymium magnets when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Apple AirPods Max have this type of magnet.

Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods Max 20hours
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 24hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Bose QuietComfort Headphones's battery life is 24 hours

Apple AirPods Max's battery life is 20 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Apple AirPods Max 2hours
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2.5hours

It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the Bose QuietComfort Headphones's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Apple AirPods Max takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

Apple AirPods Max too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

Apple AirPods Max 664mAh
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Apple AirPods Max's battery power is 664mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. Bose QuietComfort Headphones's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a rechargeable battery.

Apple AirPods Max
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Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement.

The Apple AirPods Max also can be used wirelessly

Uses 2.4Ghz Wireless

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

2.4GHz wireless is used for devices such as headsets such as the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, keyboards, and mice similar to Bluetooth but with a proprietary radio frequency. It typically offers better performance than Bluetooth, with low latency and good stability.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods Max v5
Bose QuietComfort Headphones v5.1

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Bose QuietComfort Headphones has a v5.1

Apple AirPods Max has a Bluetooth version of v5. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices.

Has Aac

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Apple AirPods Max support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods Max 10meters
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The Apple AirPods Max can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. Bose QuietComfort Headphones has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods Max 9only
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 1only

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have only 1 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

The Apple AirPods Max microphones are only 9.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

The Apple AirPods Max too use a noise-canceling type of microphone.

Apple AirPods Max
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

The Apple AirPods Max support ambient sound mode as well allowing you to hear the ambient sound even while wearing them.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

The Apple AirPods Max support in/on-ear detection, pause your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a mute function.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods Max 2only
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2only

Bose QuietComfort Headphones support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Apple AirPods Max support multipoint count. Bluetooth multipoint would come in handy because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

There is a control panel on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Apple AirPods Max can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods Max 1years
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Apple AirPods Max have a warranty period of 1 years

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.

Apple AirPods Max too have a travel bag or case included.

Has Dolby Atmos

Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. Apple AirPods Max have Dolby Atmos, which allows them to have immersive, 360-degree sound.