Apple‘s AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are two of the top contenders when it comes to active noise cancelling true wireless earbuds. Both offer an immersive listening experience by blocking out external noise, but they have some key differences that may make shoppers prefer one over the other. This comprehensive guide compares all the details on design, features, audio quality and value to help you decide which advanced earbuds are the better buy.
Brief Background
First, some history on both models. The original AirPods launched in 2016 to offer a seamless truly wireless experience for iPhone users. Apple then released the AirPods Pro in 2019 with a new in-ear design and the addition of active noise cancellation, earning rave reviews for their sound quality and noise blocking abilities.
Bose has a longer history with noise cancelling headphones, having pioneered the technology back in the 1980s. They were the first to introduce it for passenger use in 2000, and have continued to innovate industry-leading active noise cancellation. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are their latest entry, released in 2020 to critical acclaim.
AirPods Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Key Specs
|| AirPods Pro | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds |
|-|————-|——————————-|
| Price | $249 | $279 |
| Weight | 0.19 oz (5.4 g) | 0.3 oz (8.5g) |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | Up to 4.5 hrs | Up to 6 hrs |
| Total Listening Time | Over 24 hrs with case | Up to 18 hrs with case |
| Noise Cancellation | Active (ANC) | Active (ANC) |
| Water Resistance | Yes (IPX4 rating) | Yes (IPX4 rating) |
| Onboard Controls | Squeeze stem | Tap touchpad |
As you can see from this overview, the specs are generally comparable between the AirPods Pro vs QuietComfort Earbuds. The AirPods Pro have a slight edge when it comes battery life when you factor in the charging case, while the Bose buds last longer on a single charge. However the QuietComforts are heavier. Both feature touch controls and water/sweat resistance as well. Let‘s now dive deeper into the details.
Design and Fit Comparison
While both earbuds share an in-ear design, there are some clear differences when looking at their shape and dimensions.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro have a sleek, low profile look with shorter stems compared to regular AirPods. They come with three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips to get a customized fit. There is also a vent system to relieve pressure in the ear canal. The ergonomic shape and tips provide a very comfortable and stable fit for most users.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: The Bose earbuds have a bulkier design that protrudes more from the ears. They utilize StayHear Max tips that have a fin for added security, coming in three sizes. The tips are also made from soft silicone for comfort. While the winged tips allow the QuietComfort earbuds to stay firmly positioned, some may find the larger size uncomfortable for long-term wear.
So when it comes to design and fit, the AirPods Pro have a leg up with their more compact, ergonomic shape and lightweight feel. But those who struggle to get earbuds to stay in place may prefer the stability from the QuietComfort‘s fins.
Control Comparison
Being able to easily control music playback, volume, calls and noise cancelling modes is important for wireless earbuds. Here is how the control schemes compare:
AirPods Pro: The main way to control the AirPods Pro is by squeezing or pressing on the force sensor built into the stem of each earbud. You can press once to play/pause, twice to skip forward, three times to skip back and long squeeze to toggle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. Volume is adjusted by swiping up or down on the stem. The AirPods Pro also respond to "Hey Siri" commands thanks to the Apple H1 chip.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: The Bose earbuds have a capacitive touch surface on the outer part of each earbud. The touch controls are context-aware – for example, swiping back and forth switches tracks while up and down controls volume. You can configure shortcuts within the Bose Music app. A tap and hold will also let you cycle through Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency/Aware modes. As an advantage over the AirPods Pro, the Bose earbuds work with any voice assistant like Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa.
For ease of use, the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have excellent touch-based controls with the ability to customize. The Bose earbuds do give you enhanced flexibility to remap gestures and use with non-Apple devices.
Connectivity and Features
As advanced wireless earbuds packed with technology, both the AirPods Pro and QuietComfort Earbuds have excellent Bluetooth connectivity along with some special features. Here‘s a more detailed breakdown:
AirPods Pro
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Apple H1 Chip enables easy connectivity, "Hey Siri", Audio Sharing
- Adaptive EQ adjusts sound in real-time basd on fit and seal
- Active Noise Cancellation uses dual microphones to block external noise
- Transparency Mode amplifies ambient sound
- Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive experience
- Automatic switching between Apple devices
- Find My integration to help locate missing earbuds
- Wireless charging case
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Active Noise Cancellation with 11 levels adjustment
- Aware Mode for letting ambient sound in
- ActiveSense hearing protection against loud bursts
- Self Voice mode to hear yourself during calls
- SimpleSync tech to connect device and earbuds simultaneously
- Wireless charging case
- Connect via Bose Music app on any OS
- Find My Buds to locate lost earbuds
- Share audio with another set of Bose headphones
While the AirPods play best within Apple‘s ecosystem and sync seamlessly with iPhones, iPads and Macs, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer greater flexibility for both iOS and Android users. The Bose Connect app also allows firmware updates and control customization lacking in the AirPods.
Audio Quality Comparison
Sound quality is an essential consideration that makes or breaks wireless earbuds. Especially at this price point, you expect an exceptional listening experience from both the AirPods Pro and QuietComfort Buds – but how do they actually stack up?
Reviewers and audio experts largely agree that both deliver excellent sound with impactful bass, clear mids and crisp highs.
AirPods Pro: The custom speaker driver and H1 chip produce sparkling sound covering the complete frequency range. Bass has real punch to it thanks to the in-ear seal, without losing balance. Mids like vocals are given warmth while highs maintain detail without harshness. Many critics consider the AirPods Pro to have some of the best audio around for true wireless.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Utilizing proprietary Bose Active EQ technology, the audio has rich depth with booming yet defined bass reproduction. The sound is very spacious, making instruments sound true to life. While some say the highs can occasionally sound slightly sharp, the overall profile is dynamic, balanced and pleasing to the ears for a wide variety of genres.
So when it comes to audio fidelity, there may not be a clear "winner" between the AirPods Pro vs QuietComfort earbuds. Both deliver immersive, studio-like quality that surpasses most other wireless options. Those used to Bose‘s signature lively sound may prefer the QuietComfort while Apple fans will love the seamless iOS integration of AirPods Pro.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
One of the headline features for both advanced earbuds is just how well they block out external noise when enabled. This allows you to focus purely on your content without distractions. Here is an in-depth look at how noise cancellation works on each:
AirPods Pro
Apple‘s noise cancelling utilizes dual microphones, one inward-facing to detect internal sound and one outward-facing that listens to environmental noise. An anti-noise signal simultaneously neutralizes background noise. The H1 chip ensures this happens in real-time. Reviewers found the AirPods Pro can eliminate anything from loud traffic to office chatter, making them suitable even for airline travel.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds have a noise cancelling prowess that builds on over 30 years of industry leadership. Their active EQ, microphones and algorithms work together to continuously monitor the low, mid and high frequency bands – blocking them by generating an opposite anti-noise signal. There are also multiple levels of noise cancellation to choose from. Tests show they virtually eliminate ambient noise as well as more expensive over-ear ANC headphones.
So who wins when it comes to noise cancellation? The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds tend to have the edge, providing the most complete and adjustable noise reduction experience that lives up to their name. But the AirPods Pro still achieve an admirable level of silence that will satisfy most people.
Pros and Cons Summary
AirPods Pro
Pros
- Great battery life with charging case
- Extremely comfortable, lightweight fit
- Industry-leading audio quality
- Seamless connectivity with Apple devices
- Reliable touch controls and "Hey Siri" access
- Sweat and water resistance for workouts
Cons
- More expensive than standard AirPods
- Noise cancellation good but not best-in-class
- Limited customization without iOS companion app
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Pros
- Undisputed top noise cancelling performance
- Spacious, vibrant audio reproduction
- StayHear Max tips provide secure fit
- Greater controls and settings via Bose Music app
- Compatible with iOS, Android and any voice assistant
Cons
- Bulky case and bud design
- More expensive than AirPods Pro
- Battery life shorter than competitors
- Can lack bass for some without perfect seal
As you can see, both wireless noise cancelling earbuds have excellent qualities catering to slightly different needs and preferences. See the final section for our overall recommendation.
FAQs – Useful Info
Can you swim / shower with AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort earbuds?
No, neither earbud is fully waterproof so they should not be submerged or worn in heavy rain. But thanks to IPX4 splash resistance, you can safely work out, run and sweat while wearing them.
How do you pair AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort earbuds?
AirPods Pro: Open the case near your iPhone or iPad and a pop-up will appear to connect. For non-Apple devices, enter Bluetooth settings and select AirPods Pro.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Download the Bose Connect app and follow the pairing instructions. You can enable one-tap SimpleSync technology within the app for easier connections thereafter.
Can you use AirPods Pro with an Android phone?
Yes, the AirPods Pro work great with Android phones, you just lose some features like "Hey Siri" ability and automatic device switching. You still get active noise cancellation though.
Do the Bose QuietComfort earbuds work with iPhones or Macs?
Absolutely! The QuietComfort buds can actually pair with any Bluetooth device thanks to their dual antennae system. You also get added control via the Bose Music app on iOS.
What are the charging cases like?
Both the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort earbuds come with wireless charging cases as standard. The case provides additional top-ups on the go to extend total listening time up to 24 hours for AirPods and 18 hours for Bose. They both have LED indicators to display charging status as well.
Conclusion – Which to Buy in 2023?
Weighing up all the similarities and differences, the AirPods Pro present the most well-rounded package that seamlessly brings Apple users active noise cancellation, great sound quality, intuitive controls and wireless charging at a relatively affordable price point compared to alternatives.
However the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds remain the top choice solely for noise cancellation ability and audio fidelity. Those who want the very best external sound blocking alongside premium layered audio will appreciate Bose‘s prowess. Keep in mind the higher price tag though, as well as added bulk in the ear.
Ultimately you can rest assured knowing both advanced wireless earbud models represent the peak of audio engineering applied to audio accessories. Let your smartphone ecosystem, design preference and budget guide you toward the better option for your personal needs. Both the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort earbuds deliver on satisfying those craving freedom from wires and distraction-free sound through industry-leading noise cancellation technology.
