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Apple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Side-by-side comparison — scores, specs and which one fits your setup.

HIGHER SCORE
Apple AirPods Max
8.1
/ 10
Over-earHigh end
Bose QuietComfort 45
7.8
/ 10
Over-earHigh end

Specs comparison

8.1/10
SCORE
7.8/10
43Ω
IMPEDANCE
32Ω
99dB
SENSITIVITY
102dB
No
NEEDS AMP
No

Analysis

The Apple AirPods Max scores 8.1/10 with 43Ω impedance and 99dB sensitivity. At 43Ω, it drives well from most phones without an external amp.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 scores 7.8/10 with 32Ω impedance and 102dB sensitivity. At 32Ω, it can be driven directly without extra hardware.

Based on our scoring, the Apple AirPods Max scores higher overall. However, the right choice depends on your full audio chain — use our analyzer to see which fits your actual setup.

Own one of these headphones?

A high headphone score doesn't mean your audio sounds great. Your DAC, amp or source might be the real bottleneck.

Analyze my setup →AirPods Max details →QuietComfort 45 details →

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