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- Table of Contents
- Top
- Main Differences
- Sound
- Design
- Isolation
- Microphone
- Active Features
- Connectivity
- Comments
Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
Tested using Methodology v2.0
Updated May 16, 2025 03:54 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v2.0
Updated Apr 23, 2025 09:03 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
TypeOver-Ear
Noise CancellingYes
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass AmountSlightly Emphasized (1 dB)
WirelessYes
TransducerDynamic
Treble AmountUnderemphasized (-4 dB)
MicYes
Sound SignatureWarm
TypeOver-Ear
Noise CancellingYes
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass AmountEmphasized (3 dB)
WirelessYes
TransducerDynamic
Treble AmountSlightly Emphasized (1 dB)
MicYes
Sound SignatureWarm
Variants
- AirPods Max (USB-C) (Blue)
- AirPods Max (Lightning) (Green)
- AirPods Max (USB-C) (Midnight)
- AirPods Max (USB-C) (Orange)
- AirPods Max (Lightning) (Pink)
- AirPods Max (USB-C) (Purple)
- AirPods Max (Lightning) (Silver)
- AirPods Max (Lightning) (Sky Blue)
- AirPods Max (Lightning) (Space Gray)
- AirPods Max (USB-C) (Starlight)
- QuietComfort 45/QC45 (Eclipse Grey)
- QuietComfort 45/QC45 (Midnight Blue)
- QuietComfort 45/QC45 (Triple Black)
- QuietComfort SE (Triple Black)
- QuietComfort 45/QC45 (White Smoke)
Our Verdict
Apple AirPods Max
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 are slightly more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods Max. The Bose are lighter and more comfortable. Their integrated mic offers significantly better overall performance, and these headphones support multi-device pairing or 3.5 mm wired. However, the Apple feel better built and have a virtual soundstage feature. They also have the edge in noise cancelling, although both headphones still do a fantastic job in this regard.