Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Apple AirPods Max: Confused?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Apple AirPods Max are titans in the area of premium audio experiences, each delivering a different blend of cutting-edge technology and outstanding features.

The Bose QC 35 II is known for its noise-cancellation abilities and comfort, giving an oasis of calm in any setting.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, features a harmonious marriage of exceptional audio quality and stylish design, delivering a thrilling aural voyage.

As we compare these two behemoths, we’ll discover their distinct qualities and assist you in deciding between exceptional noise isolation and unequaled sound fidelity.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Apple AirPods Max: Confused – A Complete Guide

First, let’s go over the fundamentals of these Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Apple AirPods Max headphones. Let us now compare them in depth. When evaluating headphones, the first thing that comes to mind is usually their design and construction. So, shall we begin there?

Specification

Feature	Apple AirPods Max	Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Battery Life	Up to 35 hours.	Up to 20 hours.
Charging Time	1.5 hours.	15-minute quick charge = 2.5 hours of playback.
Charging Cable Type	USB.	Micro USB.
Fast Charging Feature	10-minute quick charge = 4 hours playtime.	10-minute quick charge = 4 hours of playtime.
Bluetooth Version	4.0.	4.1.
Working Range	9 m.	10 m.
Noise Cancellation	No.	Yes.
Number of Microphones	1.	2.
Color	Sky Blue, Silver	Balck, Silver.
Weight	13.6 ounces	8.3 ounces.
Dimension	10 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Apple AirPods Max
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to long listening sessions, the comfort element takes center stage, and this is where the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Apple AirPods Max differ.

In terms of fit and comfort, the QuietComfort 35 II comes out on top. Its design prioritizes lightweight wear, allowing users to listen to music or podcasts for hours without pain.

The ear cups securely surround the ears, and the whole construction strikes a harmonious balance between weight and comfort, making it an ideal choice for extended usage.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, provides a unique offering with memory foam ear cushions built for comfort. However, its metal design adds significant weight, which may cause fatigue with lengthy wear.

While the memory foam delivers a velvety sensation against the ears, the extra weight may compromise the QuietComfort 35 II’s seamless comfort. Finally, the choice between these two candidates is determined by the user’s priorities and preferences.

The QuietComfort 35 II is a feather-light, comfortable solution for extended listening, appealing to individuals who choose comfort over all else. 

Meanwhile, the AirPods Max, despite being significantly heavier due to its premium construction, delivers memory foam luxury that might be a nice compromise for individuals who value both comfort and cutting-edge technology integration.

Design & Build

The AirPods Max stands out from the crowd thanks to its striking appearance. Its distinctive mesh canopy headband conforms to the curves of the wearer’s head, ensuring weight distribution. The headband and frame are made of stainless steel and aluminum and combine durability and elegance.

However, the metal construction contributes to a rather hefty feel, which may cause discomfort during long listening sessions.

The memory foam ear pads relieve pressure around the ears, making them suitable for glasses wearers and decreasing strain.

The big ear cups comfortably accommodate larger ears, allowing for an efficient seal for optimal isolation. Notably, an inbuilt sensor detects whether the headphones are on, automatically playing or pausing media.

The AirPods Max has a Digital Crown and Noise Control button on the right ear cup for playback control. The Digital Crown controls playback, volume, and Siri, while Noise Control toggles between active noise suppression and Transparency mode.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, on the other hand, may not be the most recent entrant, but its classic design endures. The combination of lightweight plastic and matte-finished ear cups ensures comfort over long periods of time.

Memory foam ear cushions covered in soft protein leather add an appealing touch. The slight pressure of the headband ensures a secure seal without creating discomfort.

Physical buttons are carefully positioned on the Bose headset. The power switch on the right ear cup also functions as a Bluetooth control for pairing or device switching.

Three buttons beneath the right ear cup control volume and playback, while the Action Button on the left ear cup, which is configurable via the Bose Connect app, allows voice assistant access and toggles noise-canceling modes.

Both the AirPods Max and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are designed with comfort, usability, and smooth control in mind, catering to consumers looking for an improved audio experience.

Sound Quality

The AirPods Max delivers great audio quality, as expected given their $549 USD price tag. A slight concentration on bass allows kick drums and synth bass lines to shine in the mix without overpowering elements like voices, snares, or strings.

A small dip between 2-8kHz successfully reduces undesirable resonances from instruments like horns and strings, while it also somewhat impairs the clarity of vocal breaths and synth arpeggiations.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, on the other hand, has a notably neutral sound signature with a little bass increase below 50 Hz.

This sound profile offers precise reproduction across genres, keeping the integrity of your favorite music. The moderate bass boost adds vibrancy to low-end components, strengthening their impact without dominating other auditory elements.

This delicate combination of audio fidelity and profile personalization demonstrates both the AirPods Max and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II’s commitment to improving your listening experience.

Noise Cancellation

The Apple AirPods Max’s active noise cancellation outperforms top competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700.

These headphones excel at attenuating ambient sounds, especially at frequencies below 200Hz, which is a struggle for most ANC headphones. This leads to a tranquil music experience during flights with less jet engine rumbling.

The AirPods Max also impresses in passive isolation, effectively muting the clamor of construction activities or other urban noises.

The AirPods Max’s Transparency Mode displays smooth implementation and quickness. This feature, which activates in less than a second, uses the microphone array on the headphone to magnify the surrounding noises.

Whether you’re listening to public transportation announcements or having a quick conversation, the AirPods Max keeps you linked to your surroundings without removing the headphones.

This combination of cutting-edge active noise reduction and advanced Transparency Mode provides a new depth to the aural experience.

The noise cancellation on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is still amazing, but we’ve come a long way. It is effective in reducing mid-frequency noises such as computer fans and office conversation.

However, low-frequency attenuation is lacking, especially if you intend to use these headphones throughout a flight. To be honest, the noise cancellation here can’t compete with new premium headphones like the AirPods Max.

Microphone or Call Quality

The microphone performance of the AirPods Max varies depending on the device utilized. When coupled with an older Android handset, the microphone’s clarity diminishes, resulting in passable audio at most.

Our microphone sample from the Google Pixel 4a reveals a loss of resolution in the highs and lows, making the microphone passable for brief phone conversations but unsuitable for more demanding activities.

The story changes when the AirPods Max are paired with an iPhone. The microphone sample shows increased detail in higher frequencies, ensuring clarity in sibilant noises and, ultimately, boosting speech intelligibility during conference calls.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II’s microphone, on the other hand, is acceptable for phone and conference conversations. A minor de-emphasis below 200Hz makes precise pickup of lower sounds difficult.

Despite this, sibilant sounds come through clearly and without distortion, which is often difficult for built-in headphone microphones.

This microphone dichotomy emphasizes the impact of device compatibility on microphone performance and its importance in communication contexts.

Battery Life

Apple claims that the AirPods Max provides 20 hours of active noise-canceling use. In our tests, with ANC enabled and a standardized output peaking at 75dB(SPL), the AirPods Max lasted roughly 21 hours.

Similarly, Bose claims a 20-hour playtime for the QuietComfort 35 II. The QuietComfort 35 II exceeded our expectations, lasting a remarkable 21 hours and 12 minutes.

These findings highlight Apple and Bose’s commitment to providing prolonged listening experiences, ensuring people can enjoy their favorite music and content without interruption.

Control System

User control systems have a big impact on the user experience. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a control scheme that includes physical buttons for power, volume, and playback control, which improves tactile feedback.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, relies on touch controls on the ear cups, providing a more streamlined look. However, the touch controls may take some getting used to and may be less intuitive in some situations.

Connectivity

Both the AirPods Max and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II support the AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs exclusively, ensuring smooth compatibility with Apple devices. This means a stress-free experience for Apple users.

However, Android users may run into issues because AAC performance varies depending on the device. When considering Android usage, a choice must be made between using the lower-quality SBC codec or betting on AAC’s performance.

Both the Apple AirPods Max and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II have codec limitations that may cause problems for Android users.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II stands out with a strong and steady connection on both iOS and Android. The headphones also support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing them to connect to up to two devices at the same time.

The AirPods Max offers a smooth listening experience on iOS devices. This is owing to the inclusion of Apple’s H1 chip, a dedicated CPU within the headphones that manages audio processing, active noise cancellation, and device connectivity.

The AirPods Max has a strong connection, which is aided by the automatic device-switching capability.

This functionality works on any Apple device running the most recent MacOS, iOS, or iPadOS version, and all devices must be linked to the same Apple ID. This integration allows a smooth transition across devices and demonstrates Apple’s dedication to consumer ease.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

Bluetooth codec support is critical for audio transmission quality. The QuietComfort 35 II and AirPods Max only support AAC and SBC codecs. This limitation may cause concern for Android users, as AAC performance on Android devices can be unreliable.

In comparison, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 supports multiple codecs, including LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD, making it a more adaptable alternative.

Software Feature

Customizing your AirPods Max experience is only available to iOS users through the Settings app. Android users are deprived of basic functions such as firmware updates, Digital Crown customization, automatic head detection toggling, and Spatial Audio activation.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, on the other hand, allows for personalization using the Bose Connect app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

This software allows users to fine-tune noise cancellation levels, monitor microphones, manage connected devices, get firmware updates, and configure the Action Button for summoning favorite voice assistants.

Furthermore, the app lets you choose between several ANC modes. It’s worth mentioning that Bose excludes EQ settings, leaving customers with the headphone’s default sound profile.

Exploring the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 may be a better alternative for individuals looking for EQ capabilities.

The disparity in customization choices emphasizes the importance of personalized experiences in the world of audio technology.

Support for Digital Assistants

Hands-free control has become more important in the field of smart audio technologies. This tendency is addressed by both the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Apple AirPods Max, which allow users to interact with their favorite voice assistants.

The QuietComfort 35 II is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but the AirPods Max works seamlessly with Siri. However, because of Apple’s ecosystem-centric design, Siri’s full capability is limited to Apple devices.

Price & Value

Price is an important factor in every purchasing choice. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II stands out due to its low pricing of under $300 USD. In comparison, the Apple AirPods Max costs $549 USD. The QuietComfort 35 II offers a good value proposition, with impressive active noise cancellation and sound quality at a reasonable price.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Sony WH 1000XM4: Pros And Cons

Which is the Winner?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the undisputed winner for consumers looking for the best value. Even four years after its release, it still has a portable design, remarkable active noise cancellation, and excellent sound quality that caters to a wide range of music genres.

It costs less than $300 USD, which is a $250 savings over the AirPods Max. Additionally, promotional events such as Black Friday may give additional discounts on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, appeals to devoted Apple fans willing to invest. Its outstanding technical integration is noteworthy, with top-tier active noise cancellation. The use of the H1 processor demonstrates the attraction and seamless integration of Apple’s ecosystem.

While the AirPods Max is more expensive, Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation and ecosystem coherence makes it a premium pick for people who identify with the Apple brand.

Individual preferences, affordability, and commitment to technology ecosystems all play a role in deciding between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the AirPods Max.

Alternative Options

Due to the restricted codec compatibility of both the AirPods Max and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, Android users looking for active noise-canceling headphones should look into other solutions.

An appealing alternative could be the Sennheiser PXC 550-II, which offers great noise canceling at a reasonable price of $299.99 at Walmart, as well as comprehensive codec support, including aptX and aptX Low Latency.

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, available for $283 on Amazon, is a good alternative with its outstanding sound quality, prolonged battery life, and support for aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs.

For Android users, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as a popular alternative, offering outstanding sound quality, impressive ANC performance, and compatibility with Sony’s LDAC codec for $387 on Amazon. The previous generation, the Sony WH-1000XM4, offers comparable quality and costs $348 on Amazon.

Furthermore, if you’ve realized that investing large sums in headphones isn’t now practical, our list of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100 may be a useful resource.

This variety of options guarantees that Android customers have a myriad of options to suit their interests, budgets, and audio quality expectations.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Apple AirPods Max: Confused – FAQs

1. Are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Apple AirPods Max compatible with both Android and iOS devices?

Yes, both headphones are compatible with Android and iOS devices. However, the AirPods Max’s connectivity is optimized for Apple’s environment, whereas the QuietComfort 35 II offers broader platform freedom.

2. Which headphone provides the most long-term comfort?

In terms of comfort for extended listening periods, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II takes the lead. Its lightweight design and padded ear cups make it a good choice for extended wear. While the AirPods Max has memory foam cushions, the aluminum construction may cause fatigue over time.

3. Do the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Apple AirPods Max provide active noise cancellation?

Yes, both headphones have active noise-canceling technology. The AirPods Max is particularly amazing in this area, providing one of the greatest noise-canceling experiences on the market.

4. Can I change the sound profile of the headphones?

The AirPods Max includes a more configurable sound profile with Adaptive EQ, which tailors sound to your particular fit and usage. The QuietComfort 35 II does not have as many sound adjustment options.

5. What is the pricing difference between the two headphones?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is less expensive than $300 USD, giving it a more affordable option. In comparison, the Apple AirPods Max are priced at $549 USD, reflecting their premium build and powerful technology integration.

Final Thoughts

The comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Apple AirPods Max reveals a varied landscape in which each candidate brings distinct strengths and limitations.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is an inexpensive alternative with comfortable wear, ideal for people looking for money without sacrificing performance.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, with its higher price tag, features cutting-edge technology integration, outstanding active noise cancellation, and immersive sound quality, all targeted primarily to the Apple ecosystem.

As consumers browse the options between these two, their tastes, finances, and audio priorities will unavoidably guide their decision, ensuring a personalized and enriched aural experience.