Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
H2 · Open-fit · ANC · USB-C
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) lands at 88 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) if…
- ✓First open-fit AirPods with ANC
- ✓H2 chip for spatial audio + adaptive ANC
- ✓USB-C charging case
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 testComfort
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Compared on the comfort sub-score
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) leads on comfort (96 vs 94).
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 84).
Features
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Compared on the features sub-score
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) leads on features (92 vs 90).
Value for money
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) more score per dollar ($179 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Custom dynamic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | — |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless (Vision Pro) | aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC |
| Battery | 5 hr (30 hr with case) | ▲ 6 h (ANC) / 24 h case |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 4.3 g per bud | — |
| Form factor | Open-fit (no tips) | — |
| Water rating | — | IPX4 |
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
- +First open-fit AirPods with ANC
- +H2 chip for spatial audio + adaptive ANC
- +USB-C charging case
- −Open-fit ANC depth less than sealed Pro tier
- −No interchangeable tips
- −iPhone-leaning ecosystem
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: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Which is better, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) worth the price? +
At $179, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — 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 Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) 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, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on comfort (96 vs 94). Compared on the comfort sub-score.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 84). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.