Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
H2 · Open-fit · ANC · USB-C
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case
True-wireless · 2023
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) lands at 88 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case at 92. That puts Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case 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 QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
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 90).
Features
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Compared on the features sub-score
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) leads on features (92 vs 88).
Sound
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard caseCompared on the sound sub-score
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case leads on sound (91 vs 88).
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 QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Custom dynamic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | — |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless (Vision Pro) | — |
| Battery | 5 hr (30 hr with case) | — |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 4.3 g per bud | — |
| Form factor | Open-fit (no tips) | — |
| Type | — | True-wireless |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
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 QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
FAQ: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case
Which is better, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case 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 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 Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) 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 comfort, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on comfort (96 vs 90). Compared on the comfort sub-score.
Which is better for features, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds · standard case? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on features (92 vs 88). Compared on the features sub-score.