I Returned My AirPods Max for These. (Bose QuietComfort Extremely Evaluate)
We have to discuss concerning the “Apple Entice.”
I personal an iPhone. I personal a MacBook. Naturally, once I wished high-end noise-canceling headphones, I purchased the AirPods Max. They had been lovely, metallic, and heavy.
Too heavy.
After a 4-hour flight the place my neck began to harm and the condensation contained in the ear cups began to harass me, I noticed that “premium construct” would not all the time imply “snug.”
I returned them and picked up the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones. Bose invented noise cancellation, however can they nonetheless compete in 2025?
I’ve been carrying these for a month—on the subway, within the workplace, and on a cross-country flight. Right here is my trustworthy breakdown.
The “Cloud” Issue (Consolation is King)
The very first thing you discover while you put these on is… nothing. They’re extremely gentle. The clamping pressure is light. The ear pads are manufactured from this smooth protein leather-based that appears like a marshmallow.
I put on glasses. With most over-ear headphones, the arms of my glasses dig into my temples after an hour. With the QC Ultras, I actually overlook I’m carrying them. In case you prioritize consolation over trying like a trend influencer, Bose wins, palms down.
The Silence: It’s Really Scary
Bose has all the time been the king of Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC), however the Extremely takes it to a bizarre stage. I examined this at a espresso store the place the barista was grinding beans and a child was crying. I put the headphones on “Quiet Mode.”
The world simply… deleted. It wasn’t simply “muffled”; it was gone. The silence is thick and heavy. It’s good for deep work. Additionally they have “Conscious Mode” (transparency), which is stable, although I’d admit Apple’s transparency is barely extra pure sounding.
Immersive Audio: The New Gimmick?
The massive promoting level of the Extremely is “Immersive Audio.” It’s Bose’s model of Spatial Audio. It makes the music sound prefer it’s coming from two audio system in entrance of you, moderately than inside your head.
- Static Mode: Nice for sitting at a desk. The “audio system” keep in entrance of you.
- Movement Mode: Nice for strolling. The soundstage strikes with you.
Is it a gimmick? Type of. However for watching motion pictures on my iPad throughout a flight? It’s unimaginable. It appears like a theater expertise. For informal music listening, I often flip it off to save lots of battery.
They Really Fold!
That is my largest gripe with the AirPods Max and the Sony XM5s. They do not fold. You need to carry round a large case.
The Bose QC Ultras collapse. They fold up right into a compact little ball and match into a fairly sized laborious case. In case you journey with a carry-on solely (like I attempt to do), each inch of house issues. The power to fold these up and shove them in a backpack pocket is a big win for vacationers.
The Cons: Plastic Incredible
Right here is the place Apple wins. The Bose headphones are manufactured from plastic. They appear premium, however they do not really feel like a $400 piece of bijou just like the AirPods Max do. Additionally, the quantity strip (a capacitive contact strip on the earcup) is a bit finicky. I typically by accident change the quantity once I’m simply attempting to regulate the match.
Last Verdict
Are they the sexiest headphones in the marketplace? No. However are they one of the best headphones for truly residing with? Sure.
They’re lighter, extra snug, and journey higher than the competitors. If you wish to block out the world and never have a headache after 2 hours, these are those to purchase.
Able to embrace the silence? Test the present value (they go on sale typically) on the hyperlink under.
Post Comment