Key Differences

Feature	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds	AirPods Pro
ANC	Yes, with 11 levels of adjustment	Yes, with Transparency mode
Sound quality	Excellent, with a balanced and detailed soundstage	Very good, with a focus on bass and treble
Battery life	Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 8 hours with ANC off	Up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, 5 hours with ANC off
Fit and comfort	Secure and comfortable fit with various ear tip options	Comfortable and secure fit with different ear tip sizes
Water resistance	IPX4 (splash-proof)	IPX4 (sweat-proof)
Wireless charging	No	Yes
Voice assistant	Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa	Supports Siri

Design

Both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and AirPods Pro feature a sleek and stylish design. The Bose earbuds have a more angular design, while the AirPods Pro have a more rounded design. Both earbuds are available in black or white.

ANC

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds feature 11 levels of active noise cancellation (ANC), which is one of the best ANC systems on the market. The AirPods Pro also feature ANC, but it is not as effective as the Bose earbuds. However, the AirPods Pro have a Transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when you need to.

Sound Quality

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed soundstage. The AirPods Pro also sound very good, with a focus on bass and treble. Both earbuds are great for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Battery Life

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a battery life of up to 6 hours with ANC on, and 8 hours with ANC off. The AirPods Pro have a battery life of up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, and 5 hours with ANC off. Both earbuds come with a charging case that provides multiple additional charges.

Fit and Comfort

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds come with a variety of ear tip options to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The AirPods Pro also come with different ear tip sizes. Both earbuds are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Water Resistance

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are IPX4 rated, which means they are splash-proof. The AirPods Pro are also IPX4 rated, which means they are sweat-proof.

Wireless Charging

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds do not support wireless charging. The AirPods Pro support wireless charging with a Qi-compatible charging pad.

Voice Assistant

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The AirPods Pro support Siri.

Price

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are priced at $299. The AirPods Pro are priced at $249.

Which Earbuds Are Right for You?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and AirPods Pro are both excellent noise-canceling earbuds. The Bose earbuds offer superior ANC and sound quality, while the AirPods Pro are more affordable and offer wireless charging.

If you are looking for the best possible ANC and sound quality, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with wireless charging, the AirPods Pro are a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which earbuds have better ANC?

A: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have better ANC than the AirPods Pro.

Q: Which earbuds sound better?

A: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds sound better than the AirPods Pro.

Q: Which earbuds are more comfortable?

A: Both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and AirPods Pro are comfortable to wear.

Q: Which earbuds have a longer battery life?

A: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a longer battery life than the AirPods Pro.

Q: Which earbuds are more water-resistant?

A: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and AirPods Pro are both IPX4 rated, which means they are splash-proof.

Q: Which earbuds support wireless charging?

A: Only the AirPods Pro support wireless charging.

Q: Which earbuds are more affordable?

A: The AirPods Pro are more affordable than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer superior noise cancellation with 11 levels of adjustment, while AirPods Pro has three fixed modes.

Sound Quality: AirPods Pro delivers balanced and clear audio with Adaptive EQ, but Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a more spacious and immersive soundstage.

Comfort and Fit: AirPods Pro has a smaller form factor and three ear tip sizes for a secure fit, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are larger and come with three StayHear Max tips for a snug fit.

Features: AirPods Pro has Siri integration, Transparency mode for situational awareness, and MagSafe charging, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.1, a companion app with customizable EQ, and multi-device connectivity.

Battery Life: AirPods Pro offers up to 4.5 hours of playtime with ANC on, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds last up to 6 hours. Both cases provide additional charges, giving a total of 18-24 hours.

Price: AirPods Pro is priced at $249, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds cost $279.

Active Noise Control for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds feature advanced active noise control (ANC) technology that cancels out unwanted sounds up to 40 dB. This allows users to enjoy their music or podcasts in a quieter and more immersive environment.

The ANC system uses a combination of microphones inside and outside the earbuds to monitor noise levels and generate equal and opposite sound waves to cancel them out. The earbuds also feature adjustable levels of ANC, allowing users to customize the amount of noise reduction to their preference.

Additionally, the earbuds offer transparency mode, which lets users hear their surroundings when needed. This mode is useful for situations where situational awareness is important, such as when crossing the street or having a conversation.

Active Noise Control Comparison: AirPods vs Bose

AirPods Pro

Uses Apple’s H1 chip for advanced noise cancellation
Features Transparency Mode for hearing surroundings
Compact and lightweight design with a secure fit

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Employs Bose’s proprietary Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technology
Offers Customizable Noise Cancellation for different environments
Larger design with interchangeable ear tips for improved comfort

Comparison

Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer slightly better noise cancellation in loud environments due to their more advanced ANR technology.
Transparency Mode: AirPods Pro have a dedicated Transparency Mode for more natural sound passthrough. Bose does not have a direct equivalent.
Design and Comfort: AirPods Pro are more compact and easier to fit, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provide more customizable comfort options.
Battery Life: AirPods Pro have a slightly longer battery life (up to 4.5 hours with noise cancellation). Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II last up to 6 hours with noise cancellation.
Price: AirPods Pro are more affordable than Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.

Conclusion

Both AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer excellent active noise cancellation, but they differ in design, comfort, features, and price. If you prioritize noise cancellation and customizable comfort, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a superior choice. If you prefer a more compact design, Transparency Mode, and better affordability, AirPods Pro are a good option.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ANC Performance

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) performance. They effectively block out a wide range of noises, including low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and road traffic. The adjustable ANC levels allow users to customize the level of noise reduction based on their environment. The in-ear design and comfortable ear tips create a tight seal, further enhancing the ANC capabilities. Overall, the QuietComfort Earbuds provide one of the best ANC experiences in the market, making them ideal for travel, commuting, or any noisy environment that requires peace and quiet.

AirPods Pro ANC Effectiveness

The AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces background noise in various environments.

Quiet environments: ANC effectively silences fans, air conditioners, and other low-frequency sounds, creating a peaceful listening experience.
Moderate noise levels: ANC can significantly reduce conversations, traffic noise, and construction sounds, making it easier to focus on music and podcasts.
Loud environments: While ANC cannot completely eliminate very loud noises such as sirens, it can reduce their intensity, providing a more comfortable listening experience.
Transparency mode: In addition to ANC, AirPods Pro offer transparency mode, which allows external sounds to enter, enabling the user to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music.
Customizable settings: Users can adjust the ANC and transparency levels through their iPhone or iPad to optimize noise cancellation for different environments.

Best Earbuds with Active Noise Control

Active noise control (ANC) is a feature that can significantly reduce unwanted noise, making it an excellent choice for commuting, traveling, or working in noisy environments. Here are some of the best earbuds with ANC on the market today:

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: These earbuds offer exceptional ANC performance and comfortable ear tips, making them ideal for long-term use.
Sony WF-1000XM4: With industry-leading ANC and impressive sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 are a top choice for audiophiles.
Apple AirPods Pro: Featuring spatial audio and transparency mode, the AirPods Pro are a great option for iPhone users looking for earbuds with ANC.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: These earbuds offer comfortable fit, strong ANC, and IPX7 water resistance, making them a versatile choice for outdoor activities.
Beats Fit Pro: Designed for athletes, the Beats Fit Pro have secure ear hooks, reliable ANC, and water resistance.
Jabra Elite 85t: Known for their customizable ANC levels and comfortable fit, the Elite 85t are a solid choice for those seeking flexibility.
Bose Sport Earbuds: These earbuds excel in active listening, providing effective ANC and a secure fit for workouts.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: With exceptional sound quality and adjustable ANC, the Momentum True Wireless 3 are a premium option for audio enthusiasts.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7: Boasting beautiful design and high-fidelity sound, the PI7 offer impressive ANC and dual-driver technology.
NuraTrue Pro: These earbuds feature personalized sound optimization for a tailored listening experience, along with strong ANC.

Best Active Noise Control for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds’ advanced noise cancellation technology effectively reduces external noise, providing exceptional immersive sound. Here are the features that enhance its active noise control performance:

Precise Noise Sensing: Multiple microphones detect and filter out unwanted noise, creating a quiet listening environment.
Customizable Noise Levels: Adjustable noise cancellation levels allow users to tailor the listening experience to their preferences.
Transparency Mode: Enables users to hear their surroundings while wearing the earbuds, ideal for staying aware during conversations or in traffic.
Pressure Optimization: Proprietary technology alleviates pressure build-up in the ears, ensuring comfort even during extended use.
Personalized Audio: Bose Music App allows users to adjust noise cancellation intensity and create custom EQ profiles for optimized sound.

Best Active Noise Control for AirPods

Active noise control (ANC) is a feature that uses microphones to cancel out unwanted noise, creating a quieter listening experience. Here are the top ANC options for AirPods:

AirPods Pro: Apple’s flagship earbuds offer excellent ANC, effectively blocking out external sounds like traffic and office chatter.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Known for their superior noise cancellation, these earbuds have a wide range of ANC settings customizable to different environments.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s ANC technology is highly effective, providing a serene listening experience even in noisy surroundings.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: These earbuds offer impressive ANC with a natural sound profile, making them ideal for music and podcasts.
Beats Fit Pro: Designed for active lifestyles, these earbuds feature a secure fit and ANC that effectively reduces noise during workouts and outdoor activities.

Active Noise Control for AirPods vs Bose

Both AirPods and Bose offer active noise control (ANC), a feature that reduces unwanted noise. However, these systems differ in their capabilities and effectiveness.

AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro uses outward- and inward-facing microphones to detect and cancel noise. The ANC system adjusts in real-time to provide optimal noise reduction in various environments. However, it may not be as effective in very noisy situations as dedicated noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Bose uses a proprietary ANC technology called Bose AR to deliver exceptional noise cancellation. The system combines adaptive algorithms and multiple microphones to block a wide range of noises, including low-frequency hums and chatty environments.

Effectiveness: In general, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer better ANC effectiveness than the AirPods Pro. They can block out a wider range of noises and create a more immersive listening experience.

Transparency Mode: Both the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have a transparency mode that allows users to hear their surroundings while using ANC. However, the Bose system is more customizable, with adjustable levels of transparency.

Overall: While the AirPods Pro offers solid ANC performance, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provides a more effective and comprehensive noise-canceling experience. Bose’s superior ANC technology and customizable transparency mode make it a better choice for users seeking the best noise reduction capabilities.

Active Noise Control Comparison: Bose vs Apple

Bose and Apple are industry leaders in active noise control (ANC) technology. Both brands offer headphones and earbuds with ANC, but their approaches differ in terms of effectiveness, design, and features.

Bose’s ANC is generally considered superior, as it cancels out a wider range of frequencies with greater clarity. However, Apple’s ANC has improved significantly in recent years, offering a comparable level of noise cancellation in certain situations.

In terms of design, Bose headphones and earbuds tend to be larger and bulkier than Apple’s offerings. Apple’s products prioritize sleekness and minimalism, while Bose emphasizes comfort and noise isolation.

As for features, Bose headphones and earbuds often offer more advanced customization options, such as adjustable ANC levels and customizable EQ profiles. Apple’s products, on the other hand, integrate seamlessly with iOS devices and provide features like spatial audio and hands-free Siri access.

Ultimately, the choice between Bose and Apple ANC depends on individual preferences. Bose offers superior noise cancellation and customization, while Apple provides a more compact and feature-rich experience.