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AirPods 3 — True-wireless · 2021
Apple

AirPods 3

True-wireless · 2021

82
/ 100
From $179
VS
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case wins by 10
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case — True-wireless · 2023
Bose

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

True-wireless · 2023

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods 3 lands at 82 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case at 92. That puts Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods 3 if…

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

Pick Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case if…

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

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

Sound

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

Compared on the sound sub-score

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case leads on sound (91 vs 81).

Comfort

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

Compared on the comfort sub-score

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case leads on comfort (90 vs 80).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case leads on anc (89 vs 79).

Value for money

AirPods 3

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods 3 more score per dollar ($179 vs $299).

AirPods 3 82
vs
92 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

Score breakdown

AirPods 3
82
anc 79
sound 81
comfort 80
battery 78
features 78
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case
92
anc 89
sound 91
comfort 90
battery 78
features 88

Specs side-by-side

AirPods 3 versus Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods 3 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case
Type
True-wireless
True-wireless
Release year
2021
2023

AirPods 3

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

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

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

FAQ: AirPods 3 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case

Which is better, AirPods 3 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods 3 worth the price? +

At $179, AirPods 3 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in sound.

Is Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case worth the price? +

At $299, Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods 3 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case 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 sound, AirPods 3 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case — leads on sound (91 vs 81). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for comfort, AirPods 3 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case — leads on comfort (90 vs 80). Compared on the comfort sub-score.