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There’s no verified $400 price gap between Bose’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones and AirPods Max 2. Bose’s US category page displayed $369 for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), while a recent What Hi-Fi? comparison reported $549 for AirPods Max 2—a difference of $180 based on those observed prices. The Apple figure is secondary reporting, not a verified current Apple listing, and prices can change.
Which Bose headphones does the headline mean?
The product is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), not the separate QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Bose announced the Ultra second generation on September 10, 2025. Bose’s 2023 announcement described the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones as replacing the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as its flagship banded headphone; that is Bose’s product positioning, not an independent ranking.
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Bose’s August 6, 2026 announcement concerns the non-Ultra QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), a different product family. Bose says that model adds TrueSpatial modes previously exclusive to the Ultra series. The shared “QuietComfort” and “2nd Gen” wording can make the two easy to confuse.
What the available prices show
| Headphones | Price reference | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | $369 displayed on Bose’s US noise-cancelling category page when checked | A volatile listing observation, not a guaranteed price |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | $549 reported by What Hi-Fi? | Secondary reporting; Apple’s official current US price was not established |
Subtracting those observed figures gives $180 ($549 − $369), not $400. That arithmetic is only as current and comparable as the underlying listings. Check the exact model, region, seller, delivered checkout total, and any temporary offer before buying or repeating a price claim. The available price evidence does not identify which AirPods Max generation the original headline intended.
#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
What Bose says changed in the second generation
In its September 10, 2025 announcement, Bose highlighted lossless digital audio, smarter noise cancellation, longer battery life, and the ability to charge over USB-C while listening. These are manufacturer-described features or improvements; they do not by themselves establish a measured advantage over AirPods Max 2. Bose also promotes Immersive Audio and noise cancellation in the Ultra line.
How to choose between them
The available sources do not establish a definitive winner in a direct test. Match the headphones to your devices and priorities rather than treating the observed price gap as the whole decision.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
- Noise cancellation: Bose describes cancellation as a core feature and says it is smarter in the second generation. No controlled comparison here establishes which model blocks more noise.
- Sound and spatial audio: Bose highlights lossless digital audio and Immersive Audio. Check which features work with your devices and connection method before assuming the experiences are equivalent.
- Battery and charging: Bose describes longer battery life and USB-C charging while in use. A directly comparable Apple battery figure was not established here.
- Fit: Comfort depends on your head and ears. Consider clamp, headphone weight, earcup space, and the seller’s return terms; no reliable primary comparative comfort test was established.
- Device ecosystem and connectivity: Check behavior with the phones, computers, and other equipment you actually use. The available sources do not establish a primary-source comparison of cross-device behavior.
- Value: Compare the checkout total, discount conditions, and return policy for the exact models. The observed listings are not a like-for-like guarantee of what you will pay.
What to verify before purchase
- Confirm that the Bose listing says QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), rather than QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).
- Check the current price and return terms at checkout for both exact models in your region.
- Confirm that the audio, spatial, and connectivity features you want work with your devices and intended connection.
- Try the fit if possible, or make sure the return policy gives you a practical way to assess comfort.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
