Comparing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2

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When it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the AirPods Pro 2 are two of the top contenders in the market. They both offer excellent sound quality, advanced features, and come with a premium price tag. But how do these two earbuds stack up against each other? In this article, we will break down the similarities and differences between the two earbuds across seven categories, including ANC performance, microphone quality, audio quality, battery life, features, design, and price.

Active Noise Cancellation

ANC is often the most important factor for many people when choosing earbuds. In tests comparing ANC performance, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra blocked out more sound than the AirPods Pro 2. The Bose earbuds were able to block 65.2 decibels of noise, while the AirPods Pro 2 blocked 60.1 decibels. However, ANC is not a one-dimensional feature. Different tests, such as a general crowd test and a higher voice test, showed that both earbuds performed similarly. When it came to blocking out strong wind, Bose performed slightly better. Overall, Bose excelled in blocking lower droning sounds, making it the winner in this category.

Microphone Quality

For those who frequently use earbuds for phone calls, microphone quality is crucial. In tests, the AirPods Pro 2 performed better in an indoor studio environment, providing clearer and more natural-sounding audio. However, when tested in a louder outdoor environment, both earbuds performed similarly, struggling to deliver optimal audio quality in noisy settings. Overall, both earbuds offer solid microphone performance, making it a tie in this category.

Audio Quality

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the AirPods Pro 2 support the same audio codecs, allowing for seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices. The Bose earbuds have an advantage with their appdx adaptive feature, offering higher resolution audio for compatible phones. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 will soon support lossless audio, but only with Apple Vision Pro. In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a balanced and clean sound with solid bass lines. The Bose earbuds lean towards a bass-heavy sound, providing a warmer and more full-sounding experience. While the Bose earbuds offer more prominent bass, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a wider soundstage. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences.

Battery Life

Both earbuds offer decent battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides six hours of playback time in the earbuds, with an additional 24 hours when using the charging case. The AirPods Pro 2 advertise six hours of playback time in the earbuds, with 30 hours when using the case. However, using ANC with the AirPods Pro 2 may result in slightly reduced playback time. Overall, Bose wins this category with longer playback time.

Features

Features play a significant role in differentiating earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 offer features such as Find My, which allows users to track the location of their earbuds using Ultra Wideband technology. Bose earbuds can also be tracked, but the process is based on the last connected location. The AirPods Pro 2 have the advantage of wireless charging, whereas the Bose QuietComfort Ultra does not support this feature. Both earbuds offer mono mode, but neither supports multi-point connectivity. The AirPods Pro 2, however, provide seamless switching between Apple devices. The Bose earbuds have customizable modes for different activities such as commuting or running. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on individual needs and preferences.

Design

There are distinct differences in the design of the earbuds and their cases. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has a larger case compared to the AirPods Pro 2, but it does not support wireless charging. In terms of water resistance, the AirPods Pro 2 is rated IP54, while the Bose earbuds are only IPX4. In terms of comfort, the AirPods Pro 2 provides a secure fit, but the left earbud may fall out during intense physical activity. The Bose earbuds come with adjustable wingtips, offering a more secure fit. Overall, the choice between the two earbuds will depend on personal preferences in terms of comfort and aesthetics.

Price

Price is often a determining factor when choosing between two products. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds start at $299, while the AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249. Both earbuds offer great value for their price, but the extra $50 for the Bose earbuds may be worth it for those who prioritize powerful ANC and bass capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2 are both excellent choices in the ANC earbuds market. While the AirPods Pro 2 excel in versatility and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, the Bose earbuds offer superior ANC performance and bass quality. Factors such as microphone quality, audio quality, battery life, features, design, and price play an important role in the decision-making process. Ultimately, personal preferences and individual needs will determine which earbuds are the better fit.

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