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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize budget and have other Apple devices for seamless integration, Apple AirPods (2nd generation) might be a more economical and convenient choice. However, if you're looking for superior noise cancellation and better sound quality, particularly in noisy environments, the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds can provide a more immersive experience, though at a higher cost. Additionally, the Bose earbuds typically offer more adjustable fit options and might be preferable for longer listening sessions. Keep in mind that for activities like TV and gaming, latency should be considered, and the AirPods may be more suitable for Apple users due to their H1 chip enabling low latency. 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)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds.
Advantages of the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Good for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.4
6.0
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$199
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds costs $199.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
6.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both only fair for phone calls.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 8.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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