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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are more affordable and offer a well-rounded audio experience that supports AAC codec, making them good for Apple device users, with features like ear detection. However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provide superior comfort, active noise cancelling, and an adjustable EQ through an app, which better suits those in noisy environments or who are particular about their sound preferences. The Bose also has a higher build quality and better controls. Keep in mind the Airpods are more portable and have longer battery life with the case, but the Bose might be better for longer listening sessions due to comfort and noise isolation. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
6.2
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$199
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II costs $199.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.4
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Gaming
5.4
5.5
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Build Quality
9.0
9.2
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 20 | |
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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 7.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | September 2023
"Bose’s flagship wireless earbuds were never going to be cheap, but the question was whether they’d be competitive in an area of the market where rivals have never been more capable. The fact that the company has not only managed to implement a successful redesign, but also push the envelope for noise-cancelling and sound quality in such a highly competitive category simultaneously is truly impressive."
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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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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