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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerBose QuietComfort SC vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Bose QuietComfort SC vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.6★
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bose QuietComfort SC
★4.6
(16,733)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:AAC, SBC
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
★4.6
(3,079)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)
Bluetooth Version:5.0
Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)
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Comparison: Bose QuietComfort SC vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Bose QuietComfort SC
★4.6(16,733)Amazon
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
★4.6(3,079)Amazon
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort SC | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.6(3,079)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) | Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.0 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C) |
ANC | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
Drivers | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver |
Frequency Response | Not disclosed by manufacturer | Not officially specified |
Microphones | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable | 9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) | Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback | USB-C |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) | Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) | Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None |
Weight | 8.5 oz (240 g) | 0.85 lb (385 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) | Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) | iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations) |
Extras | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap | Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode) |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Bose QuietComfort SC
Rating:★4.6(16,733)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:AAC, SBC
ANC:Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block)
Transparency:Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Drivers:Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary)
Frequency Response:Not disclosed by manufacturer
Microphones:Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable
Battery Life:Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC)
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Standard SBC/AAC latency)
Wired Mode:Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:8.5 oz (240 g)
Controls:Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button)
App Eq:Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings)
Extras:Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Rating:★4.6(3,079)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)
Bluetooth Version:5.0
Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)
ANC:Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Transparency mode)
Drivers:40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver
Frequency Response:Not officially specified
Microphones:9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared)
Battery Life:Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio)
Battery Life:N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge)
Charging:USB-C
Multipoint:Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only)
Low Latency Mode:Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired)
Wired Mode:Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable)
Water Resistance:None
Weight:0.85 lb (385 g)
Controls:Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button
App Eq:iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations)
Extras:Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode)
✓ Pros:
- • Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem
- • Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
- • Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable
- • Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy
✗ Cons:
- • Heavier than most competitors (385g)
- • Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
- • Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness)
- • Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged
- • No official water resistance rating
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (Bose QuietComfort SC: 4.6★ vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): 4.6★), Bose QuietComfort SC pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Bose QuietComfort SC (World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block, Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear)
For value or versatility: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem, Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort SC excels if you value world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is better if you prioritize seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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