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No—the available prices do not support a $400 gap. Bose’s flagship over-ear noise-cancelling line is the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Bose’s U.S. category page displayed $369, while a recent What Hi-Fi? comparison reported $549 for AirPods Max 2. That makes the difference $180, not $400. Both prices can change, and the Apple figure is secondary reporting rather than an official current Apple listing.
Which Bose headphones does “flagship” mean?
The model in this comparison is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), announced on September 10, 2025. Bose’s 2023 announcement said the original QuietComfort Ultra replaced the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as its flagship banded headphone. That is Bose’s product positioning, not an independent assessment of performance.
Do not confuse it with the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), a separate, non-Ultra model announced on August 6, 2026. Bose says that model adds TrueSpatial modes previously exclusive to the Ultra series; the shared “QuietComfort” name does not make the two products interchangeable.
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How much cheaper is Bose right now?
Bose’s U.S. noise-cancelling category page displayed the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at $369 when checked. A recent What Hi-Fi? comparison reported AirPods Max 2 at $549. Subtracting those observed prices gives a $180 difference. This is an arithmetic comparison of a Bose listing and secondary reporting about Apple’s headphones—not a verified, like-for-like checkout comparison.
#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.
The available information does not establish Apple’s official current U.S. price or the AirPods Max generation intended by the original headline. Check the exact model, retailer, delivered price, and any temporary discount before buying; the $400 claim should not be treated as a current fact.
What to compare before choosing
Noise cancellation
Bose describes smarter noise cancellation as a change in the second generation, but the available information does not include a controlled test comparing it with AirPods Max 2. Bose’s claims alone do not establish which pair cancels more noise in commuting, travel, or office conditions.
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.
Sound and spatial audio
Bose highlights lossless digital audio and Immersive Audio for the second-generation Ultra. Before treating these features as equivalent to Apple’s audio features, check which devices and connection modes support them. The available comparison does not establish a direct, controlled sound-quality winner.
Battery and charging
Bose says the new Ultra has longer battery life and can charge over USB-C while in use. No directly comparable Apple battery figure is established here, so these claims do not support a reliable battery-life ranking.
Rank #3
- 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.
Fit and comfort
Comfort depends on your head shape and preferences. Consider clamp pressure, headphone weight, and earcup space, and check the seller’s return terms so you can try the fit rather than relying on a general claim.
Devices and connectivity
Consider the phones, computers, and other equipment you actually use. The available information does not establish a primary-source comparison of how the two models behave across different devices, so verify the features and switching behavior you need for your setup.
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.
- LOSSLESS USB AUDIO: Over-the-ear headphones with USB-C audio for wired listening deliver crystal-clear lossless sound that reveals every nuance, so you can hear your fave song like it’s the first time all over again.
- 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.
How to make a fair price comparison
- Confirm the model names. Compare QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) with the exact AirPods Max generation you intend to buy.
- Check current delivered prices. Use the same country and account for taxes, shipping, and any conditions attached to a sale price.
- Review the return terms. A return window matters when comfort and fit are part of the decision.
- Match the features to your devices. Verify supported connection modes and the audio or spatial features you expect to use.
Bose’s September 2025 announcement describes lossless digital audio, smarter noise cancellation, longer battery life, and USB-C charging while in use as second-generation features or changes. Those are manufacturer statements; the available sources do not provide independent tests that establish a winner between the Bose and Apple models.
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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.
