Bose and Apple are big players in the true wireless earbuds game, and they both bring serious sound quality and noise-canceling skills to the table. Picking between them can be a tough call, but let’s break down the key differences to make things a bit easier. Bose has upped its game with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, taking things to the next level after the success of the award-winning QuietComfort Earbuds II. These earbuds come with the latest Immersive Audio technology from Bose, support for aptX Adaptive, and a cool feature called CustomTune calibration that lets you set up personalized audio settings. Bose is well-known for top-notch audio quality and killer noise cancellation, making the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds a pretty exciting choice, especially for audio enthusiasts and anyone who wants to dive into immersive sound experiences.
On the other side, we have the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which has received five-star reviews after a series of four-star iterations. Apple has improved both noise cancellation and sound quality in these earbuds, making them a compelling option for Apple enthusiasts. The seamless integration with Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, adds to their appeal.
To make an informed decision, consider your specific needs and priorities. If you value deep personalization and sound quality, Bose’s CustomTune calibration and Immersive Audio tech might be enticing. However, if you are already within the Apple ecosystem and prioritize seamless connectivity, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the natural choice.
Ultimately, both Bose and Apple offer high-quality true wireless earbuds, and the decision may come down to your brand preference, compatibility with your existing devices, and the specific features that matter most to you.
Price Considerations for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and AirPods Pro 2
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are set to launch in October with a price tag of $299. This pricing places them in a higher price range compared to their predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds II, which were priced at $279. Additionally, they are more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2, which had an initial launch price of $249 in September 2022.
It’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 recently introduced a USB-C charging case, aligning with the USB-C compatibility of the iPhone 15. As of now, the AirPods Pro 2 can be purchased for a competitive price of $249, making them a more cost-effective choice compared to the Bose Ultra Earbuds.
Potential shoppers should also keep an eye out for price drops during sales events such as the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days in October or Black Friday in November. While Bose is confirmed to participate in the former, it’s likely that the latest Bose earbuds may not receive significant discounts due to their recent release.
Design Comparisons Between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs AirPods Pro 2
When examining the physical design of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2, there are subtle differences and similarities to note.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The Ultra Earbuds feature a design very similar to their predecessor, the QuietComfort Earbuds II.
- They carry the ‘Ultra’ branding, but the design changes are minimal.
- Notable changes include a new metallic finish for the touch-sensitive stems.
- The stability bands have been slightly adjusted to provide a more secure interlocking design.
AirPods Pro 2:
- The AirPods Pro 2 maintain a design closely resembling their predecessors, the AirPods Pro.
- They come with four sizes of eartips, with the XS size being a new addition.
- On-bud controls have been added, featuring a touch-capacitive layer on the stems.
- The charging case includes a built-in speaker and lanyard loop, with the latest version featuring a USB-C port instead of the original Lightning connection.
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2 follow a philosophy of retaining successful design elements while making subtle adjustments and additions for improved user experience.
Feature Comparison Between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and AirPods Pro 2
When comparing the features of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2, there are several aspects to consider:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- Feature Bose Immersive Audio, offering a wider and more spacious soundstage for an immersive listening experience.
- Utilize advanced noise-canceling technology with proprietary signal processing and enhanced microphone technology.
- Support Bose Aware Mode with ActiveSense, which adjusts ANC levels based on the surrounding environment.
- Offer intuitive on-ear touch controls.
- Feature CustomTune sound calibration.
- IPX4 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Include voice pickup technology for improved voice calls.
- Compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
AirPods Pro 2:
- Feature Apple’s advanced ANC system with repositioned vents and microphones, powered by the H2 chip.
- Include Adaptive Transparency and standard Transparency modes, similar to Bose’s ActiveSense and Aware Mode.
- Provide a total battery life of 30 hours with the charging case, with the buds lasting six hours.
- Offer Conversation Awareness for awareness of external sounds.
- Have an IPX4 rating for dust-, sweat-, and water-resistance.
- Feature integration with Siri voice assistant.
- Some features are iOS-exclusive, limiting functionality for Android users.
Both earbuds offer impressive noise-canceling capabilities and water resistance, but the choice between them may depend on your preference for the ecosystem (iOS or Android) and specific features like spatial audio and voice assistants.
Noise Canceling and Sound Features Compared Between AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer advanced noise-canceling and sound features, providing users with immersive audio experiences. Here’s a comparison of their noise-canceling and sound capabilities:
AirPods Pro 2:
- Upgraded noise canceling that significantly reduces background noise, making it a comfortable and effective system.
- Adaptive Transparency mode, which adjusts environmental noise levels, providing a balanced listening experience.
- Adaptive Audio feature reacts to surrounding noise levels, dynamically adjusting ANC for various environments.
- Conversation Awareness detects when the user is speaking, lowering volume and allowing outside sound for conversations.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- Bose QC Earbuds II are known for exceptional ANC performance.
- ANC effectiveness is so high that they can be used as an alternative to over-ear headphones, particularly during travel.
- Offers versatility in ANC settings, enhancing user control and adaptability.
While specific details about the noise-canceling capabilities of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are not available in this comparison, the Bose QC Earbuds II, from which they derive, are highly regarded for their ANC performance. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, offer a blend of advanced ANC and sound features that adapt to various environments, making them a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market. Users may choose between the two based on their specific preferences and priorities regarding noise cancellation and sound quality.
Sound Quality Comparison Between AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds aim to deliver exceptional sound quality, offering a premium audio experience to users. Here’s a comparison of their sound quality:
AirPods Pro 2:
- Notable improvement in sound quality compared to their predecessors.
- Retains Apple’s neutral sonic balance with added weight, detail, and dynamic subtlety.
- Engaging and entertaining sound profile with a superb sense of drive.
- Rhythmically agile and nimble, delivering songs with easy fluidity.
- Excellent handling of dynamic shifts and maintaining a natural sound signature.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The Bose QC Earbuds II, their predecessors, are known for subtler and more composed sound quality.
- Offer better balance across various ANC modes.
- Expected to deliver exceptional sound quality and improvements in audio performance compared to the previous model.
Final Verdict
While specific details about the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are not available in this comparison, the Bose QC Earbuds II have received praise for their balanced and refined sound profile. The AirPods Pro 2, with their improved sound quality, offer an engaging and dynamic listening experience. Users may consider their personal preferences for sound signature and features when choosing between these two earbuds once the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are tested and reviewed.
The competition between Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra is fierce. Both offer advanced features, improved noise cancellation, and better sound quality. Your choice may come down to personal preferences, compatibility with your devices, and whether you prioritize seamless Apple integration or a more versatile experience with Bose. Test them out or research thoroughly to decide which suits you best.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs AirPods Pro 2 Pros and Cons
| No. | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Cons | Apple AirPods Pro 2 Pros | Apple AirPods Pro 2 Cons |
| 1. | Immersive Audio: Bose’s Immersive Audio technology provides a wide and spacious soundstage, offering an immersive listening experience. | Higher Price: Priced at $299, making them relatively more expensive. | Seamless Integration: Offers seamless integration with Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads. | iOS-Exclusive Features: Some features are limited to iOS users, potentially limiting functionality for Android users. |
| 2. | CustomTune Calibration: Allows for personalized audio settings, tailoring the sound to your preferences. | Improved ANC: Features advanced noise-cancelling technology for reduced background noise. | Limited Customization: Offers less personalized audio settings compared to Bose’s CustomTune calibration. | |
| 3. | Strong Noise Cancellation: Known for effective noise cancellation, making them suitable for noisy environments and travel. | Adaptive Transparency: Adjusts environmental noise levels for a balanced listening experience. | Less Versatile Compatibility: Primarily designed for Apple devices, which may not be ideal for users with mixed ecosystems. | |
| 4. | Aware Mode with ActiveSense: Adjusts ANC levels based on your surroundings, providing situational awareness. | Adaptive Audio: Reacts to surrounding noise, dynamically adjusting ANC for various environments. | ||
| 5. | IPX4 Rating: Offers dust and water resistance, suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. | Conversation Awareness: Detects when the user is speaking, allowing external sound for conversations. | ||
| 6. | Voice Pickup: Features improved voice call quality. | Competitive Price: Priced at $249, offering a competitive price point. | ||
| 7. | Compatibility: Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, providing versatility. | Ecosystem Benefits: Part of the Apple ecosystem, providing access to features like Siri voice assistant. |
These pros and cons provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Your choice should consider your specific needs, preferences, and device compatibility.
