AirPods Pro (1st gen)
True-wireless · 2019
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro (1st gen) lands at 86 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Pro (1st 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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testNoise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 83).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the comfort sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 84).
Sound
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the sound sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 85).
Value for money
AirPods Pro (1st gen)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
AirPods Pro (1st gen) more score per dollar ($249 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Pro (1st 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 Pro (1st gen)
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- +Best ANC for earbuds
- +Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
- +Immersive Audio
- −Only 6 h battery
- −Case is chunky
- −No wireless charging standard
FAQ: AirPods Pro (1st gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Which is better, AirPods Pro (1st gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro (1st gen) worth the price? +
At $249, AirPods Pro (1st gen) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
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 Pro (1st 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 Pro (1st gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 83). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Pro (1st gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on comfort (94 vs 84). Compared on the comfort sub-score.