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Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max

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

HIGHER SCORE
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8.2
/ 10
Over-earHigh end
Apple AirPods Max
8.1
/ 10
Over-earHigh end

Specs comparison

8.2/10
SCORE
8.1/10
32Ω
IMPEDANCE
43Ω
98dB
SENSITIVITY
99dB
No
NEEDS AMP
No

Analysis

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 8.2/10 with 32Ω impedance and 98dB sensitivity. At 32Ω, it drives well from most phones without an external amp.

The Apple AirPods Max scores 8.1/10 with 43Ω impedance and 99dB sensitivity. At 43Ω, it can be driven directly without extra hardware.

Based on our scoring, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 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 →QuietComfort Ultra details →AirPods Max details →

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