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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are less expensive than the Bose 700. The AirPods are compact, have a reputation for ease of use, especially with Apple devices, and are suitable for casual listening and convenience. On the other hand, the Bose 700 headphones offer superior noise cancellation, better sound quality, and are ideal for frequent travelers or for use in noisy environments. They may cost more, but if active noise cancellation and sound fidelity are priorities for you, the Bose 700 could be a worthwhile investment. Keep in mind that the form factor is different as well; AirPods are in-ear while Bose 700 are over-ear, which affects comfort and portability. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bose 700
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Best in class for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.5
The Bose 700 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
8.3
The Bose 700 is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Bose 700 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
20.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Bose 700 has 20 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$299
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Bose 700 costs $299.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Bose 700 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.3
The Bose 700 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bose 700 is good.
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The Bose 700 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Bose 700 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Bose 700 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $299 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | June 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 20 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Bose 700
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Sound Guys
Adam Molina | June 2023
"Bose took active noise canceling and made it mainstream but eventually, the market caught up. Well, it seems like Bose was listening, because the Noise Canceling Headphones 700 is a complete redesign of its iconic product. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have a new design, improved sound quality, a touch-sensitive gesture pad for playback controls, and even USB-C charging."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Bose 700
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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