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AirPods 5 — H3 · Basic ANC · USB-C
Apple

AirPods 5

H3 · Basic ANC · USB-C

87
/ 100
From $199
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds wins by 5
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 5 lands at 87 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods 5 if…

  • ✓Adds basic ANC to non-Pro AirPods
  • ✓H3 chip efficiency
  • ✓More natural call audio

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if…

  • ✓Best ANC for earbuds
  • ✓Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • ✓Immersive Audio
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Winner by scenario

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

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the comfort sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 80).

Sound

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the sound sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Value for money

AirPods 5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods 5 more score per dollar ($199 vs $299).

AirPods 5 87
vs
92 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Score breakdown

AirPods 5
87
anc 80
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 84
features 88
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
92
anc 98
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 78
features 90

Specs side-by-side

AirPods 5 versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods 5 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Chip
H3
—
Connectivity
BT 5.4
—
Release year
2025
—
Battery
—
6 h (ANC) / 24 h case
Codecs
—
aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC
Water rating
—
IPX4

AirPods 5

Pros
  • +Adds basic ANC to non-Pro AirPods
  • +H3 chip efficiency
  • +More natural call audio
Cons
  • −ANC weaker than Pro 4
  • −Open-fit still
  • −No ear-tip seal

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 5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Which is better, AirPods 5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods 5 worth the price? +

At $199, AirPods 5 delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in comfort.

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 5 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 comfort, AirPods 5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on comfort (94 vs 88). Compared on the comfort sub-score.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods 5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 80). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.