Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Get the AirPods Pro 3. Unless quiet matters most, or you use Android — then the Bose block low rumble even better.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Noise cancelling to rival Sony's, a secure fit and seamless iPhone features. The ones to get with an iPhone.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
The strongest noise cancelling in any earbuds, and a comfy, stable fit. Battery is the weak spot.
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The AirPods are nearly as quiet, last about 8 hours against the Bose's 6, resist sweat and water, and cost less. The Bose have the strongest noise cancelling in any earbuds, and you don't need an iPhone to get the most from them.
- —You have an iPhone.
- —You work out: they're IP57 and track heart rate.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —Quiet matters most: flights, trains, open-plan offices.
- —You use Android.
- —You switch between a phone and a laptop.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Noise cancelling among the very best
- +Five tip sizes for a secure fit
- +Seamless with iPhone, plus heart rate
- −The case holds less charge than the AirPods Pro 2's: about 24 hours in total.
- −There's no EQ to adjust the sound, and only AAC (no hi-res codecs).
- −The case has no button for pairing; it's done from the iPhone.
- +The strongest noise cancelling in earbuds
- +Comfy, secure fit with stability bands
- +Clear calls, wireless charging
- −Battery is about 6 hours with noise cancelling, and around 4 with Immersive Audio on.
- −The case is large for a pocket.
- −Only splash resistant (IPX4).
Ready to choose?
- Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
- Is the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 worth it?
- Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2
- AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 5
- AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Best earbuds
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.