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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Sound
    1. Sound Profile
    2. Frequency Response Consistency
    3. Raw Frequency Response
    4. Bass Profile: Target Compliance
    5. Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
    6. Treble Profile: Target Compliance
    7. Peaks/Dips
    8. Stereo Mismatch
    9. Group Delay
    10. Cumulative Spectral Decay
    11. PRTF
    12. Harmonic Distortion
    13. Electrical Aspects
    14. Virtual Soundstage
    15. Test Settings
    16. Imaging
    17. Weighted Harmonic Distortion
  5. Design
    1. Style
    2. Comfort
    3. Controls
    4. Breathability
    5. Portability
    6. Case
    7. Build Quality
    8. Stability
    9. Headshots 1
    10. Headshots 2
    11. Top
    12. In The Box
  6. Isolation
    1. Noise Isolation - Full Range
    2. Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
    3. Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
    4. ANC Wind Handling
    5. Leakage
  7. Microphone
    1. Microphone Style
    2. Recording Quality
    3. Noise Handling
  8. Active Features
    1. Battery
    2. App Support
  9. Connectivity
    1. Wired Connection
    2. Bluetooth Connection
    3. Wireless Connection (Dongle)
    4. PC Compatibility
    5. PlayStation Compatibility
    6. Xbox Compatibility
    7. Base/Dock
  10. Comments

Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 vs Apple AirPods Max

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018
Apple AirPods Max

Tested using Methodology v1.5

Updated Mar 14, 2024 07:16 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v2.0

Updated Apr 18, 2025 06:31 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 Picture
Apple AirPods Max Picture
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Apple

Variants

  • QuietComfort 35 II (Black)
  • QuietComfort 35 II (Rose Gold)
  • QuietComfort 35 II (Silver)
  • QuietComfort 35 II (Triple Midnight)
  • 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)

Our Verdict

Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018

Apple AirPods Max

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 have a slight edge over the Apple AirPods Max. The Bose are significantly more comfortable and come with an AUX cable if you want to use an analog wired connection. They also support multi-device pairing if you want to stay connected to your smartphone and PC at the same time. However, the Apple headphones charge a bit quicker, and their ANC system is much better at reducing background noise.

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