Head-to-head · Best Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Bose QC Earbuds Ultra

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QC Earbuds Ultra score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #2 in Best Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2

4.5

$249as of Apr 17

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 deliver a major upgrade in sound quality and active noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for iPhone users. While the USB-C case and improved durability are welcome additions, the lack of native EQ customization and the reliance on Apple-exclusive features limit their appeal for Android users. Despite minor fit issues with the stem design during intense activity, they remain a highly effective and intuitive wireless earbud option.

Strengths

— Significantly improved active noise cancellation powered by the H2 chip
— Clear, detailed, and powerful sound quality that rivals class leaders
— Case includes a built-in speaker and U1 chip for precise location tracking via Find My

Watch-outs

— Many advanced features like Spatial Audio and Find My are restricted to Apple ecosystem users
— No native way to customize the equalizer (EQ) without using third-party applications
— The stemmed design can snag on masks, hair, or towels during workouts, causing earbuds to dislodge

$249 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Wireless Earbuds

Bose QC Earbuds Ultra

4.5

$299as of Apr 17

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are widely praised as the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, offering exceptional comfort, powerful bass, and top-tier ANC. However, potential buyers should note that enabling the immersive audio feature drastically reduces battery life and the case does not support wireless charging. Despite the high price tag, they remain a top choice for those prioritizing sound quality and silence.

Strengths

— Delivers punchy, musical sound with solid, weighty bass
— Provides excellent active noise cancellation that outperforms rivals
— Offers a comfortable, secure fit with a design similar to the QuietComfort Earbuds II

Watch-outs

— Using Immersive Audio significantly slashes battery life
— Lacks wireless charging support for the charging case
— High MSRP of $299 makes them expensive compared to some competitors

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 2	Bose QC Earbuds Ultra
Driver	Custom Apple	6mm
Weight	5.3g (per bud)	0.37 oz (10.5g) per earbud
ANC	Yes	Active Noise Cancellation
Codec	AAC	SBC, AAC
Water Resistance	IP54	IPX4
Battery Life	6h (30h w/ case)	6 hours (ANC on)

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