Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Apple AirPods Max 2

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

Overall sound quality was broadly praised as rich, cleaner and more resolving, though some reviewers found the tuning less neutral or only incrementally improved.

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

Immersive audio was praised for depth, fullness and a big presentation, especially with spatial content and USB-C playback.

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

ANC background artifacts were mostly praised as quiet, but lab-focused reviewers noted low-frequency rumble or added noise in specific modes.

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

ANC processing was described as natural and airy, avoiding the heavy pressure some rivals create.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

Passive isolation from the earcups helped ANC and was praised where fit fully enclosed the ears.

Reviewers often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

Soundstage width was a strength in positive reviews, with several praising width, depth, openness and more dynamic presentation.

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

Voice Isolation and mic noise reduction performed well in many noisy call tests, although standard mode could lag behind.

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

Spatial audio was often strong for movies and immersive use, though at least one reviewer found it distracting for music.

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

Reviewers generally found ANC substantially improved and often class-leading, though a few considered the improvement incremental versus already-strong rivals.

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

Frequency-response accuracy was viewed as generally balanced or accurate, with caveats around bass lift and treble shaping.

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

Latency improved enough for casual gaming and video use, especially with Game Mode or wired USB-C.

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

Bass was usually praised as tighter, deeper, punchier, and controlled, though some listeners found it heavy or boomy.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Multi-platform compatibility remained weak because non-Apple devices lose many settings, updates and ecosystem features.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

Included accessories disappointed some reviewers, especially the lack of a charging brick or proper case at this price.

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

Portability was a repeated weakness because the headphones do not fold and occupy too much bag space.

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

Travel friendliness suffered because the headphones are heavy, bulky and paired with a minimally protective case.

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

The Smart Case was widely criticized for poor protection, awkward design and poor travel practicality, despite enabling low-power mode.

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

Android compatibility was repeatedly framed as limited: basic listening works, but Apple-only features and controls are missing.

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

Premium feel was one of the clearest strengths, driven by aluminum, stainless steel and luxury fit-and-finish.

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

Headband comfort was split between high praise for pressure distribution and criticism that the canopy can feel under-padded.

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

Ear cup padding was generally seen as roomy, breathable and supportive, though material feel was not universally preferred.

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

Maximum-volume clarity improved, with reviewers noting cleaner highs and less muddiness at high volume.

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

Connection stability and switching were considered better with H2 and reliable in Apple-device use.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

Transparency mode was one of the strongest consensus wins, often described as best-in-class, natural and conversation-friendly.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

Midrange clarity was praised for vocals, improved detail and more natural mids.

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

Replaceable or washable earcups were a minor positive for maintenance and longevity.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

Treble was praised for detail by some reviewers but criticized by others as rolled off, harsh or recessed in specific ranges.

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

Instrument separation improved noticeably, with reviewers hearing more distinct placement and cleaner layering.

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

Overall recommendations were positive for Apple users and first-time premium buyers, but cautious for existing owners and audio purists.

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

Water and sweat resistance remained a limitation, with reviewers warning against gym or wet use.

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

Wired USB-C lossless playback was valued for added clarity, depth and more critical listening, even when the difference was not night-and-day.

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

Connectivity was a standout for Apple users, with automatic switching reducing the need for manual multipoint management.

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

USB-C was welcomed for charging and wired lossless playback, especially by owners of Lightning-era AirPods Max.

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

The design was praised as sleek and fashionable, especially for public use, with few cosmetic changes from earlier models.

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

Two reviews explicitly awarded Editors' Choice recognition, reinforcing strong critical reception.

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

Weight comfort was the most persistent ergonomic drawback, with several reviewers saying the heavy earcups become noticeable over time.

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

Clamp comfort was mixed: generally tolerable, but with some pressure concerns during longer wear.

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

Comfort was divisive: some called the headphones extremely comfortable, while others found long sessions uncomfortable because of weight or clamp.

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

Build quality was a major strength, with reviewers praising the aluminum, steel and premium construction.

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

The design was widely praised as elegant and gorgeous, though unchanged from the original.

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers wanted LDAC, aptX, LC3 or other high-resolution wireless options.

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

The low-power case behavior preserves charge well, but the lack of a physical power button was criticized.

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

Automatic device switching worked well inside Apple's ecosystem and exceeded conventional Bluetooth multipoint for reviewers.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

Value depended heavily on Apple ecosystem commitment: some found the price more justified, while others saw better sound or portability for less.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

Battery life was the most consistent weakness, with 20 hours repeatedly called disappointing or behind current flagships.

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

Charging-related feedback was limited but charge reminders and quick top-ups were viewed as useful conveniences.

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

The Digital Crown and physical button controls were repeatedly praised as intuitive, tactile and among the best on headphones.

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

Conversation Awareness was mostly praised for convenience, though some reviewers preferred to switch modes manually or turn it off.

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

EQ customization was a repeated frustration because Apple still does not offer a full manual equalizer.

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

Setup simplicity was praised as extremely easy, especially for pairing and first-run setup on iPhone.

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

H2-enabled software features were widely viewed as useful modernization, with the main caveat that some users may not use every feature.

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

Apple's no-standalone-app approach was treated as a tradeoff: seamless on iOS but less flexible than a dedicated app.

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

Smart listening features such as Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness were usually useful, but not universally preferred.

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

Call and mic quality were generally strong, ranging from top-tier to good enough, with occasional unevenness or fuzz.

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

Wireless connection reliability was strong in tested Apple setups, with no dropouts reported in key reviews.

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

Bluetooth 5.3 was treated as a welcome stability and latency upgrade, though not cutting-edge.

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

Live Translation drew mixed reactions: some found it impressive and travel-ready, while others found pauses awkward or said it still needs work.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

Ecosystem integration was a major strength, with reviewers praising Apple-device switching and deep iPhone, iPad and Mac behavior.

Firmware and software-update support was praised where it unlocked meaningful sound and spatial improvements at no added cost.

Headband adjustability had a minor fit caveat, with one review wishing it adjusted smaller for more head shapes.

Head gestures worked well and felt natural to reviewers who tested them, though they were not always considered essential.

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

LDAC absence was a downside for reviewers comparing the AirPods Max 2 with Sony and other hi-res Bluetooth rivals.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

The H2 chip was consistently credited for the meaningful upgrade, powering ANC, calls, smart features, latency and tuning improvements.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.