Airpods Pro 2 vs. Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Which Wins?
Struggling to choose between premium earbuds? The battle between the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is fierce, promising top-tier audio quality and noise cancellation. Both are giants in the audio world, but which one truly delivers the best listening experience?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of each earbud. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to comfort and battery life. You’ll gain valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or a Bose loyalist, prepare to discover which earbud reigns supreme. We’ll analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to help you find your perfect audio companion.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | Bose QC Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case | Charging Case |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | No |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Microphone Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Controls | Touch Controls | Touch Controls |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Offers significantly improved ANC compared to the original AirPods Pro, leveraging the H2 chip for enhanced processing and adaptive transparency mode. Pros include excellent noise reduction and a natural-sounding transparency mode. Cons might include occasional pressure sensation for some users.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Renowned for its industry-leading ANC, Bose provides exceptional noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. Pros include powerful noise reduction and a comfortable fit. Cons can include a slight reduction in audio quality when ANC is enabled.
- Winner: Bose
Sound Quality
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Delivers balanced sound with improved clarity and a more refined audio experience compared to the previous generation, especially with the personalized Spatial Audio feature. Pros include good overall sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices. Cons might be considered less bass-heavy by some listeners.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Presents a rich and detailed sound profile, known for its powerful bass and overall balanced audio reproduction. Pros include a dynamic soundstage and a focus on delivering a pleasing listening experience. Cons could include a slightly less natural sound compared to some competitors.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Comfort
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Maintains a similar design to the original AirPods Pro, with a comfortable and secure fit, now offering an extra small ear tip size. Pros include a lightweight and pocketable design. Cons include a potentially less secure fit for some users.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Features a more robust and slightly larger design, known for its secure and comfortable fit, including different size ear tips and stability bands. Pros include a very stable fit suitable for workouts. Cons might be considered bulkier than the AirPods Pro 2.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Offers up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. Pros include good battery life for everyday use. Cons include that the battery case still uses lightning.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 18 hours total with the charging case. Pros include a decent battery life for the size. Cons include that the battery life is not as long as the AirPods Pro 2.
- Winner: Apple
Call Quality
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Delivers clear and crisp call quality, with improved voice pickup and noise cancellation for phone calls. Pros include excellent voice clarity. Cons include the lack of a call-specific volume control.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Provides good call quality, effectively reducing background noise for clear voice transmission. Pros include good voice quality, Cons include it’s not as good as the AirPods Pro 2.
- Winner: Apple
Water Resistance
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Features an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the charging case, providing resistance to sweat and water splashes. Pros include protection against light rain and workouts. Cons include that it is not fully waterproof.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Also offers an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, protecting against splashes and light rain. Pros include protection during workouts. Cons include that it is not fully waterproof.
- Winner: Tie
Controls
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Employs a force sensor on the stems for easy control of music playback, calls, and Siri activation, with added swipe controls for volume. Pros include intuitive controls and seamless integration with Apple devices. Cons include that the force sensor might take some getting used to.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Uses touch controls on the earbuds for music playback and call management. Pros include intuitive controls. Cons include that the touch controls can be less responsive.
- Winner: Apple
Price
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Generally retails at a higher price point, reflecting its premium features and brand recognition. Pros include a good value for the features. Cons include that it is more expensive.
- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: Typically priced comparably, offering a competitive value proposition for its noise cancellation and sound quality. Pros include a good value for the features. Cons include that it is not as cheap.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Noise Cancellation | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Ecosystem Integration | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Transparency Mode | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
What They Have in Common:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds excel at blocking out unwanted background noise, offering a premium listening experience in various environments.
- Water Resistance: Both earbuds are rated IPX4, meaning they can withstand splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both earbuds utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming from various devices.
- Touch Controls: Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds feature touch controls on the earbuds themselves, allowing for easy playback control and call management.
Apple Airpods Pro 2 Vs Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds Buying Guide
Sound Quality
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver excellent sound quality, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The AirPods Pro 2 often present a more balanced sound signature with crisp highs and well-defined bass, suitable for various music genres. Bose, on the other hand, frequently emphasizes a warmer sound profile with a more pronounced bass response, appealing to those who enjoy a richer, more immersive listening experience. Consider your preferred music style and sound signature when making your choice.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a key feature, and both earbuds excel in this area. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are often considered to be top-tier in noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. The AirPods Pro 2 also provide impressive noise cancellation, utilizing adaptive technology to adjust to your environment. The level of noise cancellation is very similar. Consider your typical environment, and assess if one does a better job in your usual noisy environments.
Design and Comfort
Comfort and design are crucial for extended use. The AirPods Pro 2 feature a sleek, compact design with a comfortable fit, offering a range of ear tip sizes for customization. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are slightly larger, but they also prioritize comfort, often including multiple ear tip sizes and a secure fit. The best choice depends on your ear shape and personal preference for in-ear fit. Try both before buying to determine which is more comfortable for you.
Features and Controls
Both earbuds offer a range of features, including touch controls, voice assistant integration, and wireless charging. The AirPods Pro 2 benefit from seamless integration with Apple devices, offering features like spatial audio and easy pairing. Bose earbuds also offer intuitive touch controls and voice assistant compatibility. Evaluate the specific features that are most important to you, such as spatial audio or integration with a particular voice assistant. Consider also how seamlessly they connect to your existing ecosystem.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for on-the-go use. The AirPods Pro 2 typically offer a good battery life, with the charging case providing additional listening time. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds also have a good battery life, with the charging case extending the total usage time. Consider your average daily usage and the importance of extended listening sessions. Wireless charging is available on both, adding convenience to the charging process.
Price and Value
Price is a significant factor in any buying decision. The AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are both premium earbuds, with prices that reflect their high-end features. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you. Assess whether the premium features and performance justify the price. Consider also if you can find them on sale. Evaluate the overall value proposition, comparing the features, performance, and price of each model.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and prioritize seamless integration with your other Apple devices.
- You value the personalized spatial audio with head tracking feature for a more immersive listening experience.
- You want the best possible transparency mode for situational awareness.
- You want a more compact and pocketable charging case.
Buy Bose QuietComfort Earbuds If…
- You prioritize exceptionally powerful noise cancellation.
- You prefer the sound signature of Bose products.
- You use Google Assistant or Alexa and want native support.
- You prefer a more secure fit for intense activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds?
The primary difference lies in the sound signature and noise cancellation. AirPods Pro 2 often offers a more balanced sound, while Bose typically emphasizes bass. Both excel in noise cancellation, but Bose often edges out in effectiveness. Also, the integration with Apple devices is much more seamless with AirPods Pro 2.
Which earbuds have better noise cancellation?
Both earbuds have excellent noise cancellation. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are often considered to be slightly better due to their powerful noise cancelling technology, particularly in blocking out low-frequency sounds. The AirPods Pro 2 also provide impressive noise cancellation, utilizing adaptive technology to adjust to your environment. Test both in different environments.
Do the AirPods Pro 2 work with Android devices?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are compatible with Android devices, but you’ll miss out on some of the exclusive features available on Apple devices. Features like automatic device switching and spatial audio may not work as seamlessly. You can still use the basic functions of playing music and taking calls, making them a viable option.
How long does the battery last on the AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 offer around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of total listening time. This allows for several full days of use before needing to recharge the case. Battery life can vary depending on usage.
How long does the battery last on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds typically offer around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled. The charging case provides an additional 18 hours of total listening time. This is still a good amount, but slightly less than the AirPods Pro 2. Battery life also depends on usage.
Which earbuds are better for making calls?
Both earbuds offer good call quality, but the AirPods Pro 2 often have a slight edge due to their optimized microphone array and better noise reduction during calls. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds also provide clear call quality, but the AirPods Pro 2’s focus on voice clarity often results in a better experience in noisy environments.
Which earbuds are more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective and depends on your ear shape. The AirPods Pro 2 are generally known for their comfortable and compact design, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are slightly larger. Both come with different ear tip sizes, allowing you to find the best fit. Try both before making a decision.
Final Verdict
Both the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are excellent choices, with impressive noise cancellation and sound quality. The AirPods Pro 2 excel with seamless Apple ecosystem integration and a balanced sound. Bose offers a warmer sound and often top-tier noise cancellation. The best choice depends on your priorities.
Winner: Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds