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The short answer · Balanced overview
AirPods Max 2 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 80.5–68.6. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Apple
Keep the Max generation exact and the test factors visible. This model has qualifying independent evidence alongside its sourced connection and battery details. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and USB-C audio.
Bettr Score · Balanced
80.5/100
Bose
The generation matters as much as the QuietComfort name. Use this exact model’s features and connections without borrowing the Ultra model’s test results. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation, wired playback and USB-C audio.
Bettr Score · Balanced
68.6/100
The sourced facts below explain each product’s features. Bettr Scores use the existing category models and available evidence automatically. Reference prices are not live checkout prices.
| AirPods Max 2 | Specification | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
$549.00 | Reference price (USD) | $359.00 ✓ Winner |
over-ear | Form factorTie | over-ear |
20 hours | Maximum battery life | 24 hours ✓ Winner |
20 hours | Battery life with ANC | 24 hours ✓ Winner |
Yes | Active noise cancellationTie | Yes |
Yes | Transparency / ambient modeTie | Yes |
13.62 oz | Weight | 8.11 oz ✓ Winner |
5.3 | Bluetooth version | 5.4 ✓ Winner |
Not verified | Bluetooth multipointNot enough data | Yes |
Yes | Wired audioTie | Yes |
Yes | USB-C audioTie | Yes |
Not verified | Full charge timeNot enough data | 3 hours |
Yes | Spatial audioTie | Yes |
Not verified | Water resistanceNot enough data | Not verified |
Not verified | FoldableNot enough data | Not verified |
Yes | Carrying case includedTie | Yes |
AirPods Max 2 leads the Balanced Bettr Score.
GearLab test results · checked 2026-10-19. GearLab wireless headphone category tests, July 2026 comparison table. Bettr Than did not perform these tests.
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