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Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Max (Lightning)BoseQuietComfort 45
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020September 2021
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYes–
Driver size40 mm–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNo–
ChipH1–
DriversApple-designed dynamic drivers with dual neodymium ring magnet motors–
ChipH1 in each ear cup–
Noise cancelling detailEight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency modeTwo modes, Quiet (full noise cancelling) and Aware (full transparency); microphones inside and outside the ear cups with a proprietary digital chip, tuned for mid-range frequencies such as voices
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); analogue wired listening through a separately sold Lightning to 3.5 mm audio cableTriPort acoustic architecture; Active EQ; adjustable EQ (bass, mid-range and treble) in the Bose Music app
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 22 hours
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio; Smart Case puts headphones in an ultra-low-power state; charging via LightningUp to 22 hours on Bose's current product page, tested with noise cancelling on at 50% volume in continuous playback; Bose quoted up to 24 hours at launch (2021 press release); wired listening with the audio cable extends play time
Fast chargingAround 1.5 hours of listening after 5 minutes of charging15 minutes gives up to 3 hours; full charge in up to 2.5 hours (Bose UK; the launch press release said two hours)
Design
Weight384.8 g240 g
Bluetooth5.05.1
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsDigital Crown for volume, playback, calls and Siri; listening mode button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”Physical buttons; on the right ear cup, power, volume up, volume down and a multi-function button (play, pause, calls, voice assistant); on the left ear cup, an Action button to switch modes and mute the microphone on calls
MicrophonesNine microphones, three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC); optical, position and case-detect sensors and accelerometer in each cup, gyroscope in left cupFour external microphones for voice pickup in a beamforming array with a noise-rejection algorithm; What Hi-Fi counts six microphones in total
Fit and ear tipsStainless steel frame, telescoping arms and knit mesh canopy; memory foam cushions; aluminium ear cupsAround-ear with plush synthetic leather ear cushions and headband; impact-resistant nylon with cast-metal hinges; folds flat for the carry case
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)0.18 kg (carry case)
Water resistance detail–No water resistance rating published
Dimensions187.3 × 168.6 × 83.4 mm (height × width × depth), including cushions–
Works withApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited featuresBose Music app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; remembers up to seven paired devices; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers; Spotify Tap
ColoursSpace Grey, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, PinkTriple Black and White Smoke at launch
In the boxAirPods Max, Smart Case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentationHeadphones, carry case, 30.5 cm USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable

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