Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
AirPods (2nd gen) — True-wireless · 2019
Apple

AirPods (2nd gen)

True-wireless · 2019

76
/ 100
From $159
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds wins by 16
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods (2nd gen) lands at 76 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 16 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods (2nd gen) if…

  • ✓Compact carry
  • ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Quick pair

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if…

  • ✓Best ANC for earbuds
  • ✓Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • ✓Immersive Audio
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 73).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the comfort sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 74).

Sound

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the sound sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 75).

Value for money

AirPods (2nd gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods (2nd gen) more score per dollar ($159 vs $299).

AirPods (2nd gen) 76
vs
92 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Score breakdown

AirPods (2nd gen)
76
anc 73
sound 75
comfort 74
battery 78
features 72
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
92
anc 98
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 78
features 90

Specs side-by-side

AirPods (2nd gen) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods (2nd gen) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Type
True-wireless
—
Release year
2019
—
Battery
—
6 h (ANC) / 24 h case
Codecs
—
aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC
Water rating
—
IPX4

AirPods (2nd gen)

Pros
  • +Compact carry
  • +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
  • +Quick pair
Cons
  • −Battery life limited
  • −Fit varies by ear
  • −Case bulkier than pod

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Pros
  • +Best ANC for earbuds
  • +Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • +Immersive Audio
Cons
  • −Only 6 h battery
  • −Case is chunky
  • −No wireless charging standard

FAQ: AirPods (2nd gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Which is better, AirPods (2nd gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 16. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods (2nd gen) worth the price? +

At $159, AirPods (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 76 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? +

At $299, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.

Does AirPods (2nd gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods (2nd gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 73). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.

Which is better for comfort, AirPods (2nd gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on comfort (94 vs 74). Compared on the comfort sub-score.