AirPods Pro 4
H3 · Adaptive ANC · Real-time translation
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
CustomTune · ANC · 6hr
AirPods Pro 4 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro 4 lands at 94 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) at 89. That puts AirPods Pro 4 ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Pro 4 if…
- ✓H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- ✓Real-time Live Translate
- ✓Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Pick Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- ✓Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
- ✓CustomTune calibrates per ear
- ✓IP54 sweat resistance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testNoise cancelling
TieCompared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Features
AirPods Pro 4Compared on the features sub-score
AirPods Pro 4 leads on features (98 vs 84).
Sound
AirPods Pro 4Compared on the sound sub-score
AirPods Pro 4 leads on sound (92 vs 88).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) more score per dollar ($229 vs $279).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Pro 4 | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H3 | — |
| Battery | 6 h (ANC) / 35 h case | 6 hr (24 hr with case) |
| Connectivity | BT 5.4 | — |
| Water rating | IP57 | — |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Driver | — | Custom dynamic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 |
| Codecs | — | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Charging | — | USB-C / Qi |
| Weight | — | 6.2 g per bud |
| IP rating | — | IP54 |
AirPods Pro 4
- +H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- +Real-time Live Translate
- +Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
- −Pricier than AirPods Pro 3
- −Android compatibility limited
- −Battery ~6h still
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- +Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
- +CustomTune calibrates per ear
- +IP54 sweat resistance
- −No multipoint at launch
- −Bose app slow
- −Bulky compared to AirPods Pro
FAQ: AirPods Pro 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Which is better, AirPods Pro 4 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)? +
AirPods Pro 4 scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro 4 worth the price? +
At $279, AirPods Pro 4 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in features.
Is Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth the price? +
At $229, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.
Does AirPods Pro 4 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) 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 features, AirPods Pro 4 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)? +
AirPods Pro 4 — leads on features (98 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.
Which is better for sound, AirPods Pro 4 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)? +
AirPods Pro 4 — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Compared on the sound sub-score.