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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are a budget choice with a wired connection, offering strong performance for music, calls, and podcasts with notable comfort and microphone quality, but they may not be ideal for exercise and aren't suitable for noisy environments due to a lack of noise isolation. Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are pricier and offer a closed design with active noise cancelling, making them better suited for air travel and exercise, with an app that allows customization. However, the Bose earbuds may not provide the best experience for calls and have a lower mic quality compared to the Earpods. If you often find yourself in noisy places and need solitude, the Bose may serve you well, but if you’re on a budget and prioritize call quality, the Earpods could be more than sufficient. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
5.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
6.2
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
7.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$199
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II costs $199.
Build Quality
7.6
9.2
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.4
The Apple Earpods and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are both good for music.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 8.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 7.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
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
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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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