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AirPods Max vs QuietComfort Ultra

Reddit rates both Stay Away. The split is what you want: the AirPods Max — don’t buy it — get the Sony XM4 instead. The QuietComfort Ultra — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead.

Apple AirPods Max
Apple · Audio

AirPods Max

Stay Away$397.67
40% of 2,158 owners recommend
~1 in 2 failure rate — ~1 in 2 long-term owner reports describe a failure — the highest failure rate of the 10 wireless headphones we track, against a category baseline of 27%. Connectivity is the most cited component, followed by battery and moisture/condensation damage. Failures typically surface between 12 and 31 months of ownership. Of tracked warranty outcomes, 111 cases landed unresolved versus 66 resolved — so failures usually land outside warranty or go unmade-right.

Don’t buy it — get the Sony XM4 instead

+ Repeatedly mentioned as the reference point other headphones get measured against.

− A vocal minority flags the price as hard to justify given the reliability record.

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Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose · Audio

QuietComfort Ultra

Stay Away$359.99
45% of 1,211 owners recommend
~1 in 3 failure rate — ~1 in 3 long-term owner reports mention a failure, with ear cushions and bluetooth connectivity the most cited components, typically appearing within the first 14 months. Of tracked warranty outcomes, 30 were resolved and 23 were unresolved — outcomes lean slightly toward resolution but a meaningful share lands outside coverage. That puts this headphone third-lowest in failure rate among the 10 wireless headphones we track, near the category baseline of 27% serious failures.

Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead

+ Repeatedly mentioned as best-in-class for all-day wearability across hundreds of owner reports.

− A vocal minority finds the tuning too soft or colored, especially versus Sony's profile.

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Questions people keep asking

Which is better, the AirPods Max or the QuietComfort Ultra?

Reddit rates both Stay Away. The split is what you want: the AirPods Max — don’t buy it — get the Sony XM4 instead. The QuietComfort Ultra — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead.

Is the Apple AirPods Max worth it?

Reddit's verdict is Stay Away. Don’t buy it — get the Sony XM4 instead. Exceptional sound and ANC — but ~1 in 2 long-term reports describe a failure, and only 40% of owners would buy again.

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth it?

Reddit's verdict is Stay Away. Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead. Sound and comfort hold up long-term, but ~1 in 3 long-term reports describe a failure — buy with eyes open.