This article is part of our series?Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.
The AirPods Pro 2 are an all-around improvement from the original AirPods Pro and the series’ best entry to date. Features like Find My integration with the MagSafe charging case and Personalized Spatial Audio have been hailed as innovations, while recent additions like Adaptive Audio (via the iOS 17 update) progressively move this model towards audiophile status.
Meanwhile, Bose finally introduced its own spatial audio alternative and latest flagship: the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Piggybacking off the QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s class-leading noise cancellation, intuitive sound technologies and stylishly revamped design, this version introduces a handful of upgrades well worth the investment. These include aptX Adaptive lossless audio, Bluetooth multipoint and Bose’s Immersive Audio format with headtracking.
It’s tough to choose between two of the best true wireless earbuds money can buy. After a long week of testing, we’ve narrowed down our favorite noise-canceller of these rivals. See who comes out on top.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs. AirPods Pro 2 at a glance
If you're willing to splurge for the best active noise cancellation on the market — or want something that works equally well on iOS and Android — the QuietComfort Ultra are worth the premium.
The AirPods Pro 2 are the better overall value and the easy pick for Apple users, offering superior spatial audio and general ease of use.
Quick comparison
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancellation | Yes |
Yes |
| Ambient noise | Yes (transparency mode) |
Yes (transparency mode) |
| Battery life (rated) | 4 hours (Immersive Audio on) |
6 hours (ANC on) |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
Yes |
| Sweat and water resistance | IPX4 (earbuds) |
IPX4 (earbuds and case) |
| Ear tip sizes | S, M, L |
XS, S, M, L |
| Software support | iOS, Android |
iOS |
| Special features | Adaptive ANC, aptX Adaptive, Bluetooth multipoint, customizable sound, Google Fast Pair, quick charging, spatial audio with headtracking, touch and voice controls |
Adaptive ANC, Adaptive Audio, automatic switching, audio sharing, Personalized Spatial Audio, lanyard loop case with Find My, Safe Volume, volume touch controls |
| Colors | Black, White Smoke |
White |
| Weight | 0.2 ounces |
0.19 ounces |
Bose’s spatial audio is profound, but Apple’s remains king
Audio on the QC Ultra Buds is fantastic. Bose’s ActiveSense and CustomTune technologies automatically tweak ambient listening to your surroundings and analyze your ears adeptly for optimal noise neutralization, respectively. This results in well-rounded sound across all listening modes. The punchy, dynamic soundstage can be tweaked using the customizable EQ in Bose’s Music app. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec is also clutch for delivering more details on songs and minimal latency.
But what you really came for is Immersive Audio. The 3D sound technology works well, especially when set to Still, which demonstrates the best headtracking detection next to the Jabra Elite 10. Sound was engrossing and positioned properly to match every head movement. The feature’s biggest selling point, however, is compatibility. Immersive Audio works with all stereo content, just like our favorite over-ear spatial audio headphones, the Yamaha YH-L700A.
Commendable efforts aside, Apple’s Personalized Spatial Audio is more polished and isn’t affected by buggy performance like we experienced in our QC Ultra Earbuds review. It uses the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to analyze your ears in 3D, then uses this mapping to create a personal sound profile. Apple Music and TV content sound immersive. Headtracking registers motion precisely for intimate listens. Clarity and depth are increased on Apple Music tracks, as well as Spotify and hi-res platforms like Tidal. Access to the iOS equalizer lets you customize sound through numerous EQ settings. Headphone Audio Customization is another tool for automatic sound profiling. Apple’s new low-distortion driver and custom amplifier also pump out rich bass and crisp mids when listening to music with ANC and spatial audio disabled.
TL;DR: 3D sound goes to Apple, though Bose is right on their tail.
No one is messing with Bose’s ANC
The QCE 2’s noise cancellation (Quiet Mode) was already top-tier and outperformed the AirPods Pro 2’s version (read our comparison). Expect much of the same with the QC Ultra Earbuds. They handle high frequencies incredibly well; the crying toddler on my flight back home was completely blocked out. Common household distractions like kitchen appliances and loud TVs never drew my attention. Neither did the construction work taking place outside of my window. Adjusting ANC levels on the different audio modes in the Bose Music app makes the experience even more rewarding. Ambient listening (Aware Mode) is just as effective for increasing environmental awareness, making conversations and incidental sounds from several yards away highly transparent.
The AirPods Pro 2 are solid noise-cancellers, though Apple’s ANC technology isn’t on par with Bose’s. These buds eliminate up to 85% of unwanted sounds, while their competitor achieves up to 95%. They came in handy for muting daily disruptions such as pedestrian chatter and workout machines at the gym. Blaring noises were a different story; sirens and whistles crept onto the soundstage. Apple’s Adaptive Transparency mode is one of the category’s best ambient listening solutions. In addition, the AirPods Pro 2 offer unique features like Live Listen that transform your iPhone into a live mic to hear sounds directly on the buds.
TL;DR: Noise cancellation is excellent on both sets of buds. Still, the QC Ultra Earbuds are the better ANC performer.
Integration and special features are Apple’s bag
Apple’s greatest strength is its ecosystem. The company masterfully programmed all products to communicate with one another, while creating the easiest path for upgrades in the form of iOS updates. The AirPods Pro 2 make the most of this opportunity and present a plethora of special features to Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Adaptive Audio, ANC/Ambient Transparency, EQ, Live Listen and Personalized Sound have already been touched on. Others worth mentioning are automatic switching, audio sharing, and “Hey Siri” voice activation, which operates flawlessly. There are numerous others shared between all AirPods models, many of which you’ll find on our 25 best AirPods Max tips and tricks list.
Find My support is clutch for helping users locate their misplaced case. Speaking of which, the AirPods Pro 2’s case not only supports fast charging (5 minutes = 1 hour) and wireless charging, but it can also be juiced up using the Apple Watch charger.
It’s not like Bose isn’t trying to keep up with Apple, Sony or Jabra on the special features front. The company has just been late to the party and less generous. I already discussed the big dogs such as aptX Adaptive, ActiveSense, CustomTune, EQ and Immersive Audio. What else is there? Multipoint technology has finally been brought in to pair to two media devices at the same time, along with wireless charging, though it comes at a premium (Bose sells a compatible $49 silicone case cover). The one big feature you should not overlook is Self Voice because it boosts vocal volume on calls.
TL;DR: Sorry Bose, but you need more functionality to compete with Apple’s best.
Why the dip in call quality?
It’s perplexing how the entry-level models in both series delivered perfect call quality, while their successors have experienced declines. Voice and FaceTime calls sound loud and clear on the AirPods Pro 2, and head-tracking support makes conference calls feel more in-person. Unfortunately, these calls must be made in quiet settings due to weak ANC and wind resistance.
The QC Ultra Earbuds performed worse as a calling headset. These buds struggled with background noise and wind. Indoor calls were mostly satisfying, but outdoor conversations drew negative feedback.
TL;DR: Both are serviceable headsets that disappoint based on Apple and Bose standards.
Bottom line
Fresh updates give Apple the victory. Adaptive Audio is a game-changer that enhances the AirPods Pro 2’s listening experience. USB-C charging on the latest version should appease all electronics owners. Staples like “Hey Siri” voice activation and Personalized Spatial Audio are undeniable. Furthermore, all controls operate smoothly, music sounds sharp and the slight bump in battery life (up to 7 hours per charge) play to their advantage.
The QC Ultra Earbuds shine as both noise-canceling and spatial audio earbuds. Bose’s ANC is just too powerful to compete with, and their sonically appealing 3D audio format can be enjoyed on all media platforms. Also, the extra features (e.g., aptX Adaptive, multipoint) are much appreciated and justify the buds’ steep MSRP.
In the end, it’s all about getting the most for your dollar, and the AirPods Pro 2 provide more functionality for $50 cheaper (or even less if you settle for the Lightning version).
