I owned the Bose QuietComfort, my go-to brand for audio. Not surprisingly, I found this article informative and encouraging.
If you own or have owned Bose QuietComfort and AirPods Max, which do you prefer and why?
I ask because I plan to purchase new Bose QuietComfort headphones or AirPods Max once a newer model is released.
Thoughts?
It is encouraging; I like to see competition in this area.
I prefer AirPods Max. When I decided I needed something in that product category, I went to Best Buy to try all the options. I tried on the Apple, Sony and Bose options multiple times to find the best fit. Best meaning I could likely wear them for hours comfortably, the noise reduction seemed best and I was okay with the sound of the noise-reduced environment.
I’d suggest a similar process. Headphones have some measurable qualities but they’re also like buying shoes; you just have to try 'em and find out how they fit you.
I purchased the AirPods Max in December 2020 and returned them after a few weeks. I was impressed with the sound quality and noise cancellation but found them uncomfortable. I know people who comfortably wear them for hours, so YMMV.
I purchased the Bose QuietComfort Ultra shortly after its release in October 2023. I find them more comfortable than the AirPods Max. The sound quality and noise cancellation are good, albeit not quite as good as the AirPods Max. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra folds up and comes with a good case, so they’re a better fit for travelling.
I tend to use my AirPods Pro most of the time. I primarily pull out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra when I’m doing audio editing and when my environment is especially noisy.
As @cornchip mentioned, buying headphones is akin to buying shoes. It’s best to try them for yourself and see which ones fit best.
I tried the AirPods Max shortly after it was released. It was the most uncomfortable headphones I ever used. Super heavy.
On top of that, it doesn’t fold, has an abysmal case, and until a few weeks ago had a lightning connection.
Sound quality is very good but its lack of comfort completely negates the few pros it has.
The Bose QuietComfort on the other hand are the most comfortable headphones I ever used. Super light. I could wear it for hours with no fatigue.
Sound quality is very good, battery life is great. It has USB-C since 2021.
IMO, Apple’s only success in the audio department are the absolutely great AirPods (Pro). AirPods Max and HomePods are an afterthought. The AirPods Max update last month was the most lazy, minimal effort thing ever. It feels like there’s a “team” of one intern working in both projects.
I took some long flights to Asia earlier in the year and the AirPods Max were great in blocking out the noise and allowing me to watch videos and listen to music. I’ve owned Bose QuietComfort in the past, but the Max noise cancelling and sound quality is better in my opinion.
I agree the case is terrible, but I don’t buy headphones based on the case they come in.
Little bit off topic, but still;
I have tried a trillion over head headphones, but all of them fails me – My head wants to explode after 20 minutes due to the heat. This is really disturbing because I would really, really like to wear them. For five minutes the sound is awesome and everything just feels fine!
So I’m still using my AirPods Pro (2), and will probably have no other choice… (have tried a zillion in ear headphones and the AP Pro is the best for me)
/FWIW