AirPods Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2: Which Premium Earbud Reigns Supreme in 2025?

AirPods Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 – The Ultimate 2025 Earbud Showdown

• Sound and Audio:Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 deliver a bass-heavy, V-shaped sound signature (strong sub-bass and crisp treble) that many casual listeners enjoy. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, by contrast, emphasize midrange clarity and use Adaptive EQ to auto-tune audio to your ear fit. Apple’s Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos with dynamic head tracking) is often cited as more convincing than Bose’s new Immersive Audio spatial mode, though Bose’s 9.3 mm drivers still produce vibrant, punchy sound. Neither is audiophile flat out-of-box – Bose leans fun and bassy, Apple leans balanced – and both are pleasing to most ears.
• Noise Cancellation & Transparency: Both earbuds offer elite Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Bose has long been viewed as the ANC champion – one reviewer calls the QC Ultras “by far the best noise canceling earbuds you can buy, with by far the best ANC”. SoundGuys’ lab tests found the Bose Ultra (Gen 2) cut external noise by ~85%, slightly edging out the AirPods Pro 2’s ~83% reduction. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are also in this top tier (even scoring ~87% noise reduction in one test). Transparency mode is where Apple reigns – AirPods Pro 2 have the most natural, “best in class” transparency that makes it feel like you’re not wearing earbuds. Bose’s Aware mode improved in the Ultra series (voices sound more lifelike now with some AI tuning), but even Bose fans admit Apple still leads in transparency realism.
• Comfort & Design:AirPods Pro 2 are lightweight (5.3 g per bud ^[1]) and very compact. They lack wingtips, but come with four ear tip sizes (XS–L) for a customizable fit. Many users find AirPods Pro 2 extremely comfortable for long use, especially those with smaller ears ^[2]. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds are larger and use silicone ear tips plus optional stability bands (fins) to anchor in your ear. This design can feel more secure for vigorous movement and for larger ears, but folks with small ears might find the Bose buds a tight fit ^[3]. The Bose buds have no “stems” and use touch surfaces for controls, whereas AirPods have short stems with pressure pinch controls. Many find Apple’s pinch controls more precise (less risk of dislodging the bud) compared to Bose’s touch taps. Both designs are premium and well-built: AirPods’ white glossy finish vs. Bose’s chunkier form available in colors like Triple Black or Soapstone (white). Both are sweat/water resistant (AirPods Pro 2 are rated IP54 and Bose Ultra IPX4), so they can handle workouts and rain.
• Ecosystem Integration: For Apple users, AirPods Pro 2 offer unrivaled synergy. Thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, they pair instantly and auto-switch seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.. You get hands-free “Hey Siri,” audio sharing, and Find My tracking for the case. They even function as basic hearing aids or sound amplifiers via accessibility features. However, on Android, AirPods Pro 2 revert to a plain Bluetooth earbud – you can still connect via AAC codec, but you lose most smart features. Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are platform-agnostic: their Bose Music companion app works on iOS and Android, giving you control over EQ (limited 3-band EQ), ANC modes, and firmware updates on both. Bose now supports Bluetooth multipoint (since a 2024 update) to connect two devices at once – useful for toggling between, say, a laptop and phone. (AirPods don’t do true Bluetooth multipoint, instead relying on Apple-only auto-switch). Bose also integrates Google Fast Pair for quick Android setup. In terms of audio codecs, Bose supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive/aptX Lossless on Snapdragon Sound devices, which can deliver higher fidelity (even “lossless” 44.1 kHz streaming) on compatible Android phones. AirPods stick to AAC for Bluetooth audio (they don’t support aptX or LDAC), but Apple introduced a proprietary 20-bit 48 kHz lossless mode when AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are paired with the upcoming Vision Pro headset. Both buds offer spatial audio features: Apple’s is tied to Dolby Atmos content (e.g. Apple Music) with excellent head tracking, while Bose’s Immersive Audio can spatialize any stereo content with optional head tracking. Reviewers found Bose’s spatial mode fun but not as refined as Apple’s implementation – and it notably cuts Bose’s battery life by about one-third when enabled.
• Battery Life & Charging: Both earbuds offer all-day listening with their cases, but Sony and Sennheiser lead on single-charge endurance. AirPods Pro 2 deliver up to 6 hours on a charge with ANC on (per Apple’s specs), and ~5.5–5.7 hrs in real-world tests. With the case, you get about 24–30 hours total listening before needing to plug in. Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds also last around 6 hours with ANC (tests show ~6.1 hrs), extending to ~ 24 hours with the case (which holds ~3 extra charges). Sony’s WF-1000XM5, by comparison, manage a class-leading ~8–9 hours per charge with ANC. Notably, Bose’s Immersive Audio spatial mode drops the Ultra’s bud battery to ~4 hours. Both Apple and Bose support fast charging (around 5–10 minutes for ~1 hour playback). Charging methods: AirPods Pro 2 (regardless of Lightning or newer USB-C case) support Qi wireless charging, Apple Watch charger, and MagSafe, in addition to wired USB charging. Bose’s first-gen Ultra case lacked wireless charging (a sore point in 2023), but the 2025 QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 added Qi wireless charging support. Both cases charge via USB-C port. Apple’s case has bonus features: a built-in speaker and U1 chip to beep and help locate it via Find My network, plus a lanyard loop. Bose’s case is larger and more basic – no speaker or locator – but still pocketable (roughly palm-sized, albeit a bit thicker than AirPods’ case).
• Price & Value:AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249 in 2022 and remain $249 at Apple, but they frequently dip to ~$199 or even ~$169 in sales. Being a couple years old, they’ve seen deep discounts – SoundGuys notes they’ve been spotted as low as $150 on sale. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are newer (released mid-2025) with an MSRP of $299. Bose pricing tends to hold, so they’re often $50+ more expensive than AirPods Pro 2 in practice. Simply put, Apple’s buds are cheaper – and that price gap widens when AirPods are on sale. From a value standpoint: iPhone users get enormous mileage out of the AirPods’ exclusive features, so at ~$200 or less the AirPods Pro 2 are a steal. Bose’s premium cost may be justified if you prioritize top-tier ANC or an Android-friendly feature set, but competition at $299 is fierce (Sony, Sennheiser, etc. are in that range too).
• Reviews & Ratings: Critics have lauded both earbuds, often with five-star or “best in class” accolades. Tech editors at What Hi-Fi? gave AirPods Pro 2 a perfect 5⭐ rating, praising their clear sound and “excellent noise-cancelling,” while noting “the AirPods Pro 2 don’t sound quite as good as the Bose, and their noise cancellation isn’t quite as effective” in absolute terms. However, the same review immediately adds that AirPods “have a more extensive feature set, longer battery life, and they’re cheaper” – as long as you use them with Apple devices. Bose’s QuietComfort line is almost universally applauded for noise cancellation. Tom’s Guide calls the QC Ultra “the best noise cancelling earbuds you can buy, with by far the best ANC”. Many reviewers also praise Bose’s improved sound quality and comfort (the Ultras come with Bose’s CustomTune calibration for your ears each time you insert them). Users often report that Bose’s ANC is a lifesaver for travel – one tester said on a loud subway or airplane, “compared to my AirPods Pro 2, the QC Ultras performed spectacularly – I could barely hear any external noise at all”. On the flip side, AirPods Pro 2 earn love for convenience: they “work so seamlessly with the iPhone” that for Apple users, the integration itself is a major selling point. And while Bose, Sony, and others have caught up on features, Apple’s transparency mode and ease of use still get rave mentions in 2024. In summary, you really can’t go wrong with either – both are top-tier in 2025 – but their strengths differ slightly.
• 2024–2025 Updates: Apple and Bose have both issued meaningful updates since launch. In Fall 2023, Apple’s iOS 17 brought new firmware features to AirPods Pro 2: Adaptive Audio (blends ANC and transparency on the fly), Conversation Awareness (automatically lowers volume and highlights voices when you start speaking), and Personalized Volume (learning your preferences over time). These upgrades further improve the everyday usability of AirPods Pro 2 at no extra cost (Apple delivered them via free firmware updates). Also in late 2023, Apple quietly refreshed AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C case, which, aside from the port change, added dust resistance (IP54) and enabled that unique lossless Vision Pro audio mode. Bose, meanwhile, released firmware updates to the first-gen QuietComfort Earbuds II / Ultra: notably adding Bluetooth multipoint in mid-2024 (a feature missing at launch that is now standard on the Ultras), and tweaking transparency mode and stability. Come July 2025, Bose launched the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – essentially a minor refresh to address customer feedback. The Gen 2 model added Qi wireless charging capability (finally), introduced a new high-gloss “Smoke White” color, and incorporated an earwax guard in the tips. Small internal improvements were made: call quality is better thanks to an AI noise reduction algorithm that helps your voice come through clearer in calls, and Bose claims ANC and Aware mode got subtle algorithm refinements (users noted slightly more natural ambient sound). However, battery life remained 6 hours (no improvement), and the overall design and audio signature didn’t significantly change. In other words, Bose’s 2025 Gen 2 Ultra Earbuds “iron out most of the first-gen’s pain points” (to quote Tom’s Guide) – namely by adding wireless charging and polishing the experience – but they look and sound nearly identical to the 2023 version.

Below we dive deeper into each category and see how AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) stacks up against Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2), as well as how both compare to other top earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

Sound Quality and Audio Features

Both Apple and Bose have stepped up their audio game in these models. The AirPods Pro 2 feature a new low-distortion driver and amplifier, giving them surprisingly rich and balanced sound for Apple earbuds ^[4]. They favor a neutral tuning with a bit of extra presence in the midrange, which helps vocals and instruments come through clearly. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 default to a more “consumer-friendly” EQ – powerful sub-bass, crisp highs, and slightly recessed mids. This yields a lively, immersive sound that can make music feel exciting (hip-hop and EDM fans will love the punchy bass), though audiophiles might find Bose’s out-of-box tuning a touch “overcooked” in the bass and treble.

It’s worth noting Bose does employ CustomTune calibration: each time you insert the earbuds, they play a quick tone to measure your ear canal response and automatically adjust the EQ and ANC to optimize sound for your ears. This helps ensure you’re getting the intended sound profile and maximum noise cancelation regardless of your ear shape. Apple takes a different route with Adaptive EQ, continuously tuning the music based on fit using inward-facing mics. There’s no manual EQ in Apple’s case (no app means you can’t tweak frequencies yourself), whereas Bose’s app offers a basic 3-band EQ adjustment. If you like to manually fine-tune your sound, Bose at least gives you some control (bass/mid/treble sliders), albeit not a full parametric EQ.

In terms of codec support and fidelity: AirPods Pro 2 stick with AAC over Bluetooth, which is optimized for Apple devices (and also works on Android). AAC at 256 kbps is fine for most listeners, but technically it’s a lossy codec. Bose supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive on compatible devices, which can scale up to higher bitrates – even an aptX “Lossless” mode (approx 16-bit/44.1 kHz) when used with a Snapdragon Sound phone. This means if you have a recent Android flagship (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3) and a high-quality music source, the Bose Ultra can deliver bit-perfect audio with minimal compression. Apple doesn’t allow aptX, but they did something unique for their own ecosystem: the USB-C version of AirPods Pro 2 has hardware capable of a 20-bit, 48 kHz wireless mode when paired with Apple Vision Pro (using a new protocol). This is very niche – essentially Apple’s way of getting lossless audio for AR/VR – and not applicable to phone use. So outside of that scenario, neither AirPods nor Bose will natively play full lossless audio from Apple Music or similar (AirPods will downscale to AAC, Bose to aptX adaptive, by Bluetooth standards).

Spatial Audio and Immersive Modes: Apple introduced Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on the AirPods Pro line and integrates it deeply with Apple Music and Apple TV+ (thousands of songs and many movies are mixed in Dolby Atmos). Many reviewers found Apple’s spatial audio convincing – if you move your head, the sound field stays anchored, creating a theater-like effect. Bose’s Immersive Audio is their answer to spatial sound. Notably, it doesn’t require special Atmos content; instead, Bose uses DSP to virtualize a wide soundstage for any audio. You can choose “Still” mode (fixes the stage in your head) or “Motion” mode (full head-tracking so audio seems to come from a point in space). It’s a cool party trick – for example, watching Netflix on a laptop with Bose Immersive Audio can feel more like sound is coming from the laptop screen in front of you rather than inside your head. However, reviews like The Shortcut and Tom’s Guide noted Bose’s spatial effect wasn’t as polished as Apple’s or Dolby Atmos systems. The sound can feel a bit processed, and there’s a huge battery cost – instead of 6 hours, you’ll get around 4 hours with Immersive Audio constantly on. Apple’s Spatial Audio also shortens battery life somewhat, but not to that extreme. If spatial surround sound for music is a priority, Apple’s ecosystem has more content available (e.g. Apple’s entire Dolby Atmos music library vs. Bose having to synthesize stereo). If you don’t care for spatial audio, you can simply turn these features off on both.

Call Quality: Both earbuds have multiple microphones and advanced signal processing to handle voice calls well. AirPods Pro 2 use a combination of beamforming mics and software (plus even leveraging the iPhone’s AI noise reduction when available) to make your voice clear. Bose’s mics are also excellent; they added an “adaptive microphone system” and in the Gen 2 Ultra, an AI-powered noise suppression that specifically targets background noise on calls. In practice, both perform among the best for true wireless earbuds. In quiet conditions, either will serve you great. In noisy conditions (wind, traffic, etc.), tests show slightly different strengths: SoundGuys noted the Sony XM5 mics handle wind better than Bose, but Bose had less voice distortion in some cases. AirPods Pro 2, when used with an iPhone, also do a good job isolating speech – Apple even added a new “Voice Isolation” toggle for phone calls in iOS. Anecdotally, many users prefer AirPods for important calls due to their reliability and the sidetone (AirPods let you hear your own voice naturally while talking). Bose Ultra also has adjustable self-voice in the app to monitor your speaking volume. Either way, for Zoom, phone calls, etc., both are top-tier performers, though no tiny earbud will match a boom mic or good over-ear headset in absolute call quality.

Winner (Sound): This one is subjective. Bose offers a more customizable and potentially higher-fi experience (with aptX Lossless on Android and a bassy wow-factor sound out of the box), whereas Apple delivers a very balanced, adaptive sound especially optimized for Apple Music’s spatial audio content. If you prefer a louder bass kick and don’t mind tinkering with settings, you might lean Bose. If you want a flatter, more accurate sound that suits all genres (and especially if you’re in Apple’s world with access to Spatial Audio), AirPods Pro 2 please a lot of people. Both companies have nailed low distortion and clear detail – these are significantly better sounding than their 2019 predecessors. And as SoundGuys’ objective testing concluded: both the Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2) and AirPods Pro 2 earned 4.8/5 overall sound quality scores, meaning “most listeners will enjoy the sound quality” of either.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

When it comes to shutting out the world, Bose and Sony have long sparred for the crown, and Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are no exception. They build on the QC Earbuds II – which already stunned reviewers with how much noise they cancel – and attempt to raise the bar further. Bose’s approach uses multiple mics and an “electronics system [that] senses and reacts instant-by-instant” to cancel noise across frequencies. In real-world use, the Bose Ultra are extremely good: they can make a busy city street or airplane cabin eerily quiet. One Shortcut review said “I don’t know what sorcery Bose uses for ANC this good on earbuds, but it works beautifully”, noting that with a proper seal, even subway and jet engine noise was largely nullified. SoundGuys measured the Bose Ultra (Gen 1) reducing overall external noise by about 83% (with a slight weakness in the midrange frequencies). Interestingly, their test of Sony’s WF-1000XM5 showed about 87% noise reduction – suggesting Sony may have a razor-thin edge on paper. However, the differences of a few percentage points are hardly noticeable day-to-day; all these flagship ANC buds are excellent. Bose did exhibit a minor quirk in tests: a narrow band around 300–900 Hz where cancellation dips a bit (perhaps due to the fit or tuning), but even there it still cut those sounds ~50%. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, meanwhile, hugely improved their ANC over the first-gen AirPods Pro – Apple claims “up to twice as much noise” canceled vs. original ^[5]. At launch in 2022, reviewers noticed the difference: droning noises like AC units or airplane engine got much quieter than before. Yet, as The Verge pointed out, by late 2022 Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II had already surpassed Apple’s ANC performance. AirPods Pro 2 are extremely good for most situations – they will muffle a lot of ambient din – but in a direct A/B against Bose in a loud environment, Bose can create a slightly deeper silence.

That said, comfort and fit impact ANC hugely. A key advantage of Bose’s design is the stability fin can help maintain an optimal seal. If AirPods Pro 2 don’t fit your ears snugly, their ANC performance will suffer. Bose’s larger bud might ensure a better seal for some ear shapes (the Bose app even guides you to test the fit for best ANC). For others, AirPods might fit perfectly and then their ANC is practically just as effective.

Moving to Transparency (Ambient) mode, Apple is the undisputed leader here. AirPods Pro’s Transparency Mode was already remarkably natural – amplifying outside sounds as if you weren’t wearing earbuds – and with the 2nd-gen model Apple introduced Adaptive Transparency, which dynamically dampens any sudden loud noises (construction jackhammers, sirens) to ear-safe levels. The result is you can keep AirPods in while walking or chatting, and your brain almost forgets you’re wearing them until some loud crash is softened gently. Even competing products acknowledge Apple’s lead: The Verge flatly stated, “AirPods Pro’s transparency mode remains best in class, even [after competitors tried for] two years”. Bose’s Aware Mode (their term for transparency) has improved a lot, especially with the Ultra series. Bose also attenuates sudden loud sounds automatically (a similar concept to Apple’s adaptive transparency). Testers of the Bose Ultra Gen 2 noted that conversations through the earbuds sounded more realistic than before and “didn’t feel quite as synthetic”. Bose uses some digital processing (and now AI) to make ambient sound clear without the hiss. The QuietComfort Ultra’s transparency is very usable – you can definitely have a full conversation without removing the buds, and you’ll hear cars or your environment well. It just isn’t as perfectly “transparent” as AirPods, which have an uncanny ability to vanish sonically. One caveat: all transparency modes will amplify wind noise to some extent. AirPods Pro 2, with their external mic placement and Apple’s algorithms, handle light wind reasonably but can show some mic buffeting in heavy wind. Bose’s transparency in wind might actually be similar or slightly worse; at least one test found Bose mics struggled more with wind noise while transparent. In any case, if you’re biking or in wind, neither will be flawless – you might toggle to ANC in those moments.

Adjustability: Bose allows you to create custom ANC levels in their app. You can have “Quiet” (max ANC), “Aware” (transparency), and perhaps a mid-level somewhere in between, and cycle through those modes on the earbuds with a long press. Apple doesn’t offer different ANC intensities (it’s either on or off), but with iOS 17’s Adaptive Audio mode, the AirPods Pro 2 can essentially fade between ANC and transparency automatically as environments change. That’s a new trick that Bose currently doesn’t replicate – Bose is working on their own intelligent noise adjustments (the Bose app has “ActiveSense” or such for loud noise reduction in aware mode), but Apple’s adaptive mode is more holistic, effectively mixing levels on the fly.

In summary, ANC Winner: Bose (by a hair). If you want the absolute most silence on a plane, Bose QuietComfort Ultra are about as good as it gets in 2025 for earbuds. Transparency Winner: Apple (noticeably more natural). If you frequently switch between blocking noise and conversing or hearing announcements, AirPods Pro 2 offer a superior transparency experience. Both products excel at both modes relative to most of the field – it’s a high bar on both counts.

Comfort, Fit, and Design

Design and comfort can be make-or-break for earbuds because everyone’s ears are different. AirPods Pro 2 stick with Apple’s iconic stem design. The short white stems house the force sensor controls (pinch to play/pause or toggle ANC, swipe on the stem for volume). This design is unobtrusive and balanced – the stems are not long (nothing like original AirPods from 2016) and actually help when inserting/removing the buds. Each AirPod is quite light at ~5.3 g ^[6]. Apple’s shape doesn’t use any fins; it’s a smooth bulb that you seat in the ear canal with a silicone tip. Apple includes four tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) – notably adding an extra-small tip for the first time on the Pro 2, which is great for those with small ear canals. Most users find the AirPods Pro 2 extremely comfortable for long listening because of the combination of low weight and pressure-relief vents (to equalize pressure so you don’t feel the “plugged ear” sensation). The lack of wing/fins means nothing is poking the outer ear. However, because they’re smooth, if you have an ear shape that doesn’t lock them in, they can occasionally slip out during vigorous movement. People with very large ear conchas sometimes report AirPods feel a tad loose – though third-party add-on wingtips/hooks are available if needed ^{[7] [8]}.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 have a chunkier, finned design. Each Bose earbud is somewhat larger in volume and heavier (the prior gen was ~6.8 g; Bose hasn’t published an exact weight for Gen 2, but it’s similar). They come with three sizes of ear tips and three sizes of “stability bands” (little silicone fins) in the box. You can mix and match tip and fin sizes to get a secure fit. The Bose bud sits in your ear with the fin tucked into your anti-helix (upper ear ridge) to anchor it. This design provides excellent stability – for example, a Bose user noted they ran, ate, and chewed gum with the buds and “they never fell out”. If you often have earbuds pop out, Bose’s approach is effective. On the flip side, the body of the Bose earbud is larger; those with small ears might feel it’s a bit cramped or sticks out. Bose’s nozzle is an ovoid shape (rather than round) which actually better matches the ear canal shape and can improve comfort/seal. But if your concha (outer ear bowl) is small, the overall bulk could cause some ear fatigue after long periods. Comfort is subjective: SoundGuys’ reviewer personally found AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable for his ears, citing the lighter, smaller build ^[9]. On the other hand, someone with larger ears or who values a very secure fit (gym, running, etc.) might prefer Bose. Notably, Bose’s design protrudes a bit more – they’re not huge, but they don’t sit as flush as something like the Sony XM5 or Galaxy Buds. They also come in two colors typically (Triple Black or a light gray) as opposed to Apple’s single white option (Apple famously doesn’t offer AirPods in different colors, at least so far).

Both cases are well-built: Apple’s case is the smaller of the two, definitely pocket-friendly (it’s the classic floss-box shape, now with a lanyard loop if you want to attach a strap). Bose’s case is larger and a bit thicker, more jacket-pocket than jeans coin pocket. It’s not absurdly large (still smaller than many over-ear headphone cases!), but side by side, Apple’s is more compact. Bose’s case feels solid; one downside is it does not stand upright on a table (it’s rounded), whereas Apple’s can stand vertically. But that’s minor.

Build and durability: AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are rated IP54 (dust and water resistant) as of the USB-C revision. The Lightning-case version initially was IPX4 (no dust rating), but Apple improved dust protection in the newer release. Bose Ultra buds are IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant). Both will survive rain and workouts, but you shouldn’t submerge them. Bose explicitly notes the inside of their case is water-resistant (so putting slightly wet buds back in is okay), but the case exterior isn’t waterproof. Apple’s case is also IPX4 (for the USB-C model), meaning it can handle splashes. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro actually have a higher IPX7 rating (fully waterproof to 1m), which neither Apple nor Bose match – so heavy sweaters or those prone to accidents might consider that, but IPX4 is generally sufficient for normal use.

In terms of controls and usability: Apple’s force sensor pinch controls are unique – you squeeze the stem with a gentle click. It’s very reliable and avoids accidental presses. Apple even added a swipe gesture on the stem for volume, which works great. Bose uses touch controls on the outer surface: tap to play/pause, swipe up/down on the earbud for volume, etc.. Bose’s touch controls are responsive and can be customized in the app. However, some people find that when adjusting the Bose earbuds or pushing them in, they accidentally trigger taps (pausing music inadvertently). Bose does allow disabling certain touch gestures if they annoy you. With AirPods, accidental activation is rare since you have to deliberately squeeze the stem.

A design aspect to highlight: AirPods Pro 2’s case has a speaker and U1 chip for Precision Finding. If you misplace the case, you can use the Find My app to make it play a loud chirp and locate it more precisely (if you have a newer iPhone with U1, it can point you towards it). Bose’s case lacks any such feature – if you lose the case, you’re relying on memory or third-party trackers. The Bose buds themselves can be tracked via the Bose app (it records the last known location when connected), but it’s not as robust as Apple’s Find My network.

Overall Comfort Verdict: For long listening comfort, AirPods Pro 2 likely have the edge for most people – they’re lighter and virtually disappear in the ear for hours. For active use and absolute security, Bose’s fin design is hard to beat – once fitted properly, they stay put through anything. If you have particularly small ears, you might lean toward AirPods (or even consider Samsung Buds2 Pro which are very tiny). If you’ve had AirPods fall out in the past, Bose (or Sony XM5 with foam tips) might give a more secure fit. Aesthetic-wise, it’s stem vs. no-stem: some prefer the low-profile look of Bose (just a subtle bud in the ear), while others don’t mind the AirPods stems which have basically become socially accepted fashion.

Ecosystem Integration and Smart Features

One of the biggest differentiators between these two is how they integrate with the rest of your devices and what “smart” features they offer.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are deeply tied into the Apple ecosystem. If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the experience is seamless: Flip open the case near your iPhone and an instant pairing popup appears. Once you pair to one Apple device, the AirPods auto-sync to your iCloud account – meaning your Mac, iPad, Apple Watch all know about them without extra pairing. The H2 chip enables automatic switching: if you’re watching a movie on your iPad and a call comes to your iPhone, the AirPods will smartly switch to the iPhone when you answer, then back to the iPad when done. It’s generally smooth (much improved in recent firmware), though occasional hiccups happen. With iOS 17, switching became “significantly faster and more reliable” per Apple. AirPods Pro 2 also support Spatial Audio with Personalized head tracking – you can use the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to scan your ears for a personalized spatial audio profile. For Apple Music or TV content in Dolby Atmos, it’s a very cool effect. Siri integration is another plus: just say “Hey Siri” (or as of iOS 17, just “Siri”) and you can control volume, ask for songs, get messages read to you, etc. completely hands-free. AirPods Pro 2 can also announce notifications and messages if you enable that.

Another neat feature: if you have multiple AirPods or Beats, Audio Sharing lets two people listen to the same audio from one iPhone (each with their own AirPods). This is an Apple-only perk that’s great for watching a movie on a plane with a partner, for example.

In contrast, on Android, AirPods Pro 2 become a fairly basic set of earbuds. They will pair like any Bluetooth device (press and hold the button on the case to enter pairing mode, then connect in Bluetooth settings). You still get ANC and Transparency (you can squeeze stems to toggle, that works), and you get the core audio quality (AAC codec). But you lose the ability to customize settings (no official app for EQ or control customization), no auto-pause (actually auto-pause when removed still works since it’s on-board sensors), but no ear-tip fit test or customization of what a long-press does (on iPhone you can set long-press to Siri or mode toggle). Also, obviously, no auto-switching or Siri. Essentially, Android users can use AirPods Pro 2 for their great sound and ANC, but they’re missing many ecosystem features that justify the price. If you’re primarily an Android user, AirPods Pro 2 wouldn’t be our top recommendation unless you just really like how they fit or look; there are options like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser that integrate better with Android.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2, on the other hand, are platform-agnostic and more feature-equal across iOS/Android. The Bose Music app (available on both app stores) is your control center. Through it, you can do things like:

• Customize the shortcuts (e.g. set long-press on left earbud to skip tracks or trigger voice assistant).
• Adjust ANC levels or create custom modes besides just max or transparency.
• Toggle “Immersive Audio” on/off and choose Still vs Motion mode.
• Update firmware (important – Bose issued significant updates historically).
• See battery levels for each bud and case.
• Set voice assistant preference (Bose supports calling up your phone’s assistant – Siri or Google Assistant – via a long-press if you configure it).

Importantly, Bose now supports multipoint pairing, which is huge for non-Apple users. As of a software update in July 2024, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds can connect to two devices simultaneously. For example, an Android phone and a Windows laptop – you can be listening to music on the laptop, and if a call comes to your phone, the Bose will automatically switch to the phone audio. This feature had been oddly missing in the original QC Earbuds II and Ultra (Gen 1) at launch, despite Bose over-ear headphones having it. The update fixed that, and now it’s a strength where AirPods (outside Apple’s walled garden) can’t compete.

Bose also leverages Google Fast Pair (instant pairing pop-up on Android, similar to AirPods on iPhone), and Microsoft Swift Pair for Windows 10+, making pairing easier on those platforms.

For voice assistants, Bose doesn’t have its own, but it can trigger Siri or Google Assistant via a gesture when connected to the respective device (and Amazon Alexa is also supported through the Bose app on Android). Apple’s Siri always-listening function is unique to AirPods with Apple devices; Bose can’t do hands-free Alexa or Assistant unless the device itself is listening (which Android phones typically don’t by default with screen off unless you have a Pixel with Assistant enabled).

Other noteworthy features:

• Both buds have ear detection: Remove a bud and your music pauses automatically (Bose added this in firmware to QC Earbuds II and it’s standard on Ultra).
• Both allow single-bud use (you can use just the right or left independently while the other is in the case).
• AirPods Pro 2 have a unique feature where you can use them as remote microphones: with the Live Listen feature (in iOS Control Center), your iPhone can act as a mic and beam audio to the AirPods – helpful for hearing someone in a noisy environment (though this is more of an accessibility feature). Bose doesn’t have an equivalent.
• Apple also introduced a conversation boost (for people with mild hearing difficulty) which focuses the AirPods’ mics on whoever’s in front of you. Bose’s app doesn’t have a speech-focused mode, though transparency in theory helps you hear people.
• Apple’s new Hearing Health features (announced late 2023) extend to AirPods Pro 2 – for example, they work with the iPhone to alert you if you’re in loud environments too long, and they can automatically lower volume to protect your hearing. Bose’s app will show listening volume levels but doesn’t integrate with system health metrics.

Integration with other devices: If you own an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 2 are nice because the watch can directly control the buds (volume, noise cancelation modes via the Now Playing app or a complication). With Bose, you’d control via the phone or the button on the buds (no direct watch app). For gaming or VR, Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro will work best with AirPods Pro 2 (as they’re the only buds that support that low-latency lossless audio mode Vision Pro offers). Bose QuietComfort Ultra, meanwhile, has a low-latency gaming mode as part of aptX Adaptive, but it’s mainly for Android devices that support it – and it’s still not as low as Apple’s proprietary solution for their own hardware.

Ecosystem Winner: It depends on your personal tech ecosystem. For anyone using Apple devices heavily, AirPods Pro 2 offer an unmatched level of integration and convenience. They essentially become an extension of your iPhone/iPad, with seamless device hopping, spatial audio in Apple’s apps, and features like Find My that add peace of mind. On the other hand, if you’re on Android or like to mix-and-match devices, Bose gives you a richer experience – you get a fully featured app on Android (versus no AirPods app) and standard perks like multipoint, Fast Pair, and higher codec support. So:

• For iPhone/iPad/Mac users: AirPods Pro 2 are tailor-made and likely the better choice.
• For Android/Windows users: Bose QuietComfort Ultra would integrate more smoothly and you lose almost nothing feature-wise compared to using them with an iPhone.

Battery Life and Charging

We touched on battery earlier in Key Facts, but let’s compare in more detail and also consider the competitors.

On paper, Apple and Bose list very similar battery specs for these models:

• AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on (and up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio on) per charge, according to Apple. With the charging case, up to 30 hours total with ANC on. Real-world testing generally finds ~5.5 hours at 50–60% volume with ANC, which aligns with Apple’s claim (they likely tested at moderate volume too).
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Bose claims up to 6 hours on the buds (ANC on, Immersive Audio off), and the case provides 3 additional full charges, for about 24 hours total. Tests like SoundGuys got ~6.1 hours from the Bose (Gen 1) which is on target. If you enable Bose’s Immersive Audio spatial mode, battery on the buds can drop to ~4 hours. The case does not have any special extras like Apple’s, but now in Gen 2 it supports wireless charging on any Qi pad. Gen 1 Bose Ultra lacked that, which was widely criticized, and Bose corrected it by 2025.

In everyday use, both will comfortably handle commuting, workouts, and daily phone calls without dying. But for very long stretches (say an overseas flight of 10+ hours), neither’s buds alone last the whole time – you’d need to pop them back in the case at some point (e.g. during a movie or meal break) to recharge. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 lasting ~8-9 hours per charge is a stand-out in class; if you value max single-charge endurance, Sony might be better. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 also gets about 7.5 hours per charge (ANC on) and ~30 hours with case – slightly more than Bose/Apple. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro are rated 5 hours ANC on (8 hours off) and ~18-29 hours with case depending on ANC. So Apple’s 6/30 and Bose’s 6/24 are respectable, if not class-leading.

Standby drain: Both AirPods and Bose cases will slowly drain if the buds are inside (they top off the buds periodically). Apple has a slight edge in optimizing this: the AirPods case can enter an ultra-low-power mode when stationary for a long time with buds inside, and iOS will delay fully charging the buds to 100% until needed (to preserve battery health). Bose’s case doesn’t have those smart optimizations; in fact, some users note the Bose case can discharge over several days if not charged (from 100% to 0 in maybe a week or two). If you’re used to AirPods holding charge for a long time in the case, Bose might seem a little less optimized – but with Gen 2 including wireless charging, at least it’s easier to top up frequently.

Charging speeds: Apple’s Lightning or USB-C cable can charge the case from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours. Bose via USB-C is similar, roughly 2 hours for full charge. Both support quick-charge: Apple says 5 minutes in the case gives ~1 hour listening. Bose provides about 2 hours from a 20-minute charge in case.

Wireless charging: AirPods Pro 2 are MagSafe compatible (the magnets help align on MagSafe chargers). Bose Gen 2 will charge on any Qi pad, but no magnets of course. If you have a modern phone that reverse wireless charges, you could charge Bose on the back of a phone (for phones that support power sharing), as you could with AirPods as well.

One more factor – battery longevity: True wireless earbuds all have non-replaceable batteries that will degrade after a few years. Apple’s iOS has a feature to slow down wear: it will learn your charging schedule and avoid keeping the AirPods at 100% for too long (only topping to 100% right before you typically use them). This optimized battery charging can extend the cell’s lifespan. Bose’s app doesn’t have an explicit similar feature; we don’t have data on their long-term degradation yet, but typically after ~2-3 years any TWS earbuds might see reduced playtime. Just something to consider – Apple’s track record with AirPods batteries is that by year 3, they may only hold ~3-4 hours vs 6 new, depending on use. Bose’s might be similar unless they’ve improved chemistry.

In summary, battery life is nearly identical between AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QC Ultra in ANC mode. AirPods eke out maybe a few extra minutes in tests (5h43m vs 5h34m in one head-to-head), which is negligible. AirPods’ case gives a couple more hours total (24 vs ~22 hours), and is more flexible in charging options (Lightning/USB-C + MagSafe/Watch). Bose’s new case now covers wireless charging too, eliminating one of its former disadvantages. For most, both have sufficient endurance; only if you need >6 hours continuous would Sony or others have an advantage.

Price and Value for Money

When assessing value, you have to consider both sticker price and what you’re getting for that money – and if there are deals available.

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) launched at $249 in the US, £249 in the UK, €299 in Europe, etc. Apple hasn’t cut the official price, but as mentioned, street prices often dip. It’s common to find them around $199 at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, especially during sales. In late 2023 and 2024, we’ve seen them even hit the $170–$180 range during Black Friday or Prime Day. At ~$250, they were already competitive with other flagship buds; at <$200, they’re arguably one of the best value buys for iPhone users because of all the exclusive benefits that come with them.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) are priced at $299 (and typically £279–£300 in the UK, around €349 in EU). This is on the high end for earbuds. Notably, it’s the same price Bose charged for the previous gen – they held the line at $299 even after adding features. Bose products do go on sale occasionally, but since the Gen 2 are new (as of 2025), discounts might be scarce initially. Over time, you might see $20–$50 off here and there. But Bose historically doesn’t drop as fast or as far as mass-market electronics. For context, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 also launched at $299. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are $299. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro were $229 at launch (often ~$150 now). So Bose is aligned with the priciest tier.

One observation: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 being a couple years old means they’re often significantly cheaper than Bose Ultra. For example, in the UK in late 2023, AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C) relaunched at £249 but were on promo for ~£229, whereas Bose Ultra were £300 and new with no discount. If AirPods price “drops even further” during sales (and indeed it can), Bose could be nearly double the cost of AirPods for an iPhone owner in a best-case sale scenario. At equal MSRP, you could justify either, but at $150 vs $300 (on a sale vs no sale), AirPods Pro 2 becomes a no-brainer value pick.

Value for platform: If you’re entrenched in Apple’s world, the “value” of AirPods Pro 2 is amplified – you’re leveraging features no other earbuds (not even Bose) can give you on iOS, like that instant device handoff, spatial audio in FaceTime, etc. Conversely, if you’re on Android/PC, spending $299 on AirPods wouldn’t make sense as you’d be paying for features you can’t use. In that scenario, Bose at $299 gives you everything it’s capable of on your devices (and you might find that worth it for the ANC quality and sound).

Resale and longevity: AirPods are ubiquitous and have decent resale demand (though battery wear can hurt long-term value). Bose might have less mass-market demand used, but still interest from audio enthusiasts. Apple’s support (like AppleCare) is something to consider – you can get AppleCare+ for AirPods for $29, which covers battery swaps if capacity falls under 80% in 2 years, and cheap replacements for lost buds. Bose has a standard warranty (1 year usually) and out-of-warranty replacements will cost more (and no easy way to just replace one lost earbud cheaply).

At full retail, neither is “cheap” obviously. If you’re budget-conscious, there are $150 or lower options that deliver a lot (Anker Soundcore, Jabra, etc.). But among the premium tier, AirPods Pro 2 deliver a lot of bang for buck especially when discounted – they’re a couple years old but still one of the best all-around true wireless sets you can buy in 2025 according to many critics. Bose Ultra 2 are expensive but you are getting arguably the best ANC and very good sound, plus Bose’s brand reliability. They cater to those who don’t mind paying a premium for top-notch noise canceling (for a frequent traveler, that extra quiet might be priceless).

Value Winner: For iPhone owners, it’s hard to ignore that AirPods Pro 2, being cheaper and so feature-rich within iOS, are the better value. For others, if priced equally, it comes down to whether you value Bose’s strengths enough. Bose charging $50 more than Apple (at MSRP) for similar or slightly better ANC but fewer ecosystem perks is a bit tough to swallow unless you really need that last bit of noise canceled. Keep an eye on sales – the equation changes if you find a deal on one or the other.

User and Critic Reviews (Expert Opinions)

It’s always illuminating to see what real users and audio experts say after using these devices:

• Noise Cancellation: Overwhelmingly, Bose’s ANC gets top marks. As mentioned, Tom’s Guide’s audio editor didn’t mince words: “I love the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. They’re by far the best noise canceling earbuds you can buy, with by far the best ANC.” Such sentiment is common – Bose has a reputation from their longtime QuietComfort headphones, and they’ve managed to translate that effectively into earbuds. Many frequent fliers swear by Bose QC buds for finding peace on airplanes. That said, AirPods Pro 2’s ANC also impressed a lot of reviewers at launch (“noticeably improved” was a common refrain), and in casual use, some people find little difference. A Reddit user comparing the two said “comfort and ANC performance are pretty much [on par]”, with Bose maybe a step better in pure cancellation but Apple being very close.
• Sound Quality: This one sees mixed opinions. What Hi-Fi? gave the Bose Ultra 2 a five-star review for its sound, and noted that AirPods Pro 2 “don’t sound quite as good as the Bose” in direct comparison. They highlighted Bose’s punchy, musical delivery and weighty bass as positives ^[10]. On the flipside, reviewers like SoundGuys and Rtings often point out Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 follow a closer frequency response to the ideal target curve (meaning more accurate mids and less exaggerated bass than Bose) ^[11]. One expert quote from SoundGuys: “Each product has overblown bass and overemphasized treble that will appeal to travelers… [but] the AirPods Pro 2 follow our target curve closer than the Bose”, suggesting Apple may be more neutral. Casual listeners – many actually prefer a bit of extra bass and sparkle, so Bose’s tuning has its fans. There’s also a lot of discussion on forums: some users find Bose’s bass too much or “boomy” for their taste, whereas others find AirPods “flat” or less exciting. It’s very subjective.
• Comfort and Fit: User feedback here is split by individual ear anatomy. Those who can wear AirPods for hours without discomfort absolutely love them for that barely-there feel. Others with unlucky ear shapes can’t get AirPods Pro 2 to stay in – for them, Bose (or using memory foam tips on AirPods) can be a savior. Professional reviews often try to generalize: Rtings.com found Bose a bit more comfortable for most, likely due to the stability of the wing tips and slightly less pressure in the ear canal. But they’re both rated well. It’s advised to try each if possible.
• Integration and Features: For tech reviewers, AirPods Pro 2’s integration is often a highlight in any review targeted at Apple users. CNN or mainstream outlets often recommend AirPods Pro 2 as the “best earbuds for iPhone owners” because of how dead-simple and reliable the experience is. Conversely, Bose QC Ultra frequently gets recommended as “best noise-canceling earbuds for Android” or in general, acknowledging that outside the Apple bubble, Bose offers a fuller feature set than AirPods do on non-Apple devices. The multipoint addition to Bose was heavily praised in late 2024 – early reviews of QC Ultra Gen 1 in 2023 dinged Bose for not having it ^{[12] [13]}, so when the update came, user sentiment improved. Now Bose can truly be your one pair of buds for everything without manual re-pairing each time.
• Reliability: AirPods have an advantage that they seamlessly update firmware in the background (you rarely have to think about it). Bose requires using the app to update; some users had frustrations with early firmware on QC Earbuds II (there were reports in late 2022 of an update reducing ANC performance, which Bose later fixed). By 2025 these kinks seem resolved – Bose’s firmware is stable, and the Ultra Gen 2 launched with mature software. AirPods Pro 2 had some initial quirks too, like the occasional audio drift in Spatial Audio or the adaptive transparency acting odd, but Apple’s updates ironed many out. For instance, Apple added Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness in 2023 which got positive buzz (with some caveats – e.g. conversation mode triggers only when you speak, which some thought could be smarter). Overall, both companies have been actively improving the product post-launch, which is good news for consumers.

In the end, critics often conclude that if you’re in one ecosystem, stick with that brand’s product (Apple->AirPods, otherwise Bose/Sony). SoundGuys summarized it well: “If you have an iPhone, you are better off buying the AirPods Pro 2… noise canceling is comparable, plus comfort and sound I prefer on AirPods Pro 2, and they’re cheaper – no reason to switch [to Bose]”. “On the other hand, the Bose QC Ultra are a good option for Android users… a complete package with exceptional noise canceling”. That effectively mirrors what we’ve detailed.

Software and Firmware Updates (2024–2025 Developments)

Both these earbuds have benefitted from updates since their release, and being current flagships, they continue to get support:

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (released late 2022) saw a major software boost with iOS 17 in September 2023. Apple introduced three big features:

• Adaptive Audio: a new mode that combines ANC and Transparency and dynamically adjusts the level of noise cancellation depending on your surroundings. For example, if you’re walking from a quiet park into a noisy cafe, Adaptive Audio will seamlessly ramp up ANC, but if you then strike up a conversation with the barista, it will lower ANC so you can hear them. This mode is great for people who don’t want to constantly toggle modes – the AirPods try to “do the right thing” moment by moment.
• Conversation Awareness: when this is enabled, if you start speaking, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically drop the volume of your music and focus the mics on voices in front of you. Essentially, it recognizes you’re talking to someone and makes it easy to have a quick convo without manually pausing or removing an earbud. Once you stop talking, after a moment the music returns to normal volume.
• Personalized Volume: a feature that uses machine learning to learn your volume preferences in different environments and attempt to automatically adjust the volume for comfort. Over time it might, say, know you like things a bit louder on the subway but quieter at the office, and do that for you.

These features were delivered via a firmware update (v6A300 and later). They require an iPhone on iOS 17 as well. Users generally found Adaptive Audio to work well for casual use (some even leave it on all day), though some prefer manual control for predictability. It’s optional, you can still use classic ANC or Transparency.

Additionally, Apple has added smaller improvements:

• Mute/Unmute by Press: Now, when on a phone or FaceTime call, you can press the AirPod stem to mute or unmute yourself. A very handy feature for meetings.
• Find My enhancements: Precision finding for the case was there from the start with U1, but Apple keeps refining the UI.
• Hearing Health: As of late 2023, AirPods Pro 2 can detect and notify if they detect loud environmental noise (via the phone’s Noise app) and also if you’ve been listening too loud for too long (to prevent hearing damage). Apple even introduced a feature (with iOS 17) called Adaptive Limiter that can automatically reduce headphone volume above safe levels after exposure over time.

On the hardware front, Apple’s September 2023 refresh with the USB-C case not only changed the port but subtly updated internal components to enable that Vision Pro lossless mode and dust resistance. They also made the earbuds themselves USB-C edition audio slightly different in firmware (for instance, they support IP54 and have that lossless mode). Apple did not call it AirPods Pro 3 – it’s still considered 2nd generation, just updated.

Looking ahead, AirPods Pro 3 rumors are floating (expected possibly in 2025 or 2026). But nothing official yet. Some want things like health sensors or even better ANC, but until then, the Pro 2 are the flagship.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds timeline:

• QC Earbuds II launched Sept 2022, then renamed/iterated as QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 1) in late 2023 (basically the same hardware plus a firmware adding Immersive Audio).
• Bose issued a key firmware update in May/June 2023 to add Multipoint to QC Earbuds II, which carried into Ultra. This was a response to criticism. So by the time Ultra (Gen 1) launched, they enabled multipoint out of the box.
• Another firmware in late 2023 fixed some bugs and added a few tweaks like the ability to adjust self-voice during calls.
• QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 announced July 2025 (available presumably Aug 2025). This was a minor hardware refresh:
  • Wireless charging coil added in the case (no more need for a $49 accessory sleeve).
  • Improved mics and call AI – Bose said calls are clearer thanks to new noise suppression AI that filters background noise better.
  • Transparency/Aware mode fine-tuned – they integrated some new algorithm (possibly related to what Bose did in their over-ear Ultra headphones) to make Ambient sound more natural.
  • Ear tips with earwax guards – small quality of life change.
  • New color (Smoke White) and slightly updated accents, but design basically identical.
  • Notably no battery life change (some hoped for 8h, but it stayed 6h), no new drivers (sound signature same), no improvement in ANC spec (just “slight improvement” claims).
  • Price stayed $299. Bose’s own marketing called it an “iterative update” – even Bose fans might consider it if they don’t already own the first gen. Tom’s Guide actually advised: if you haven’t bought yet, get Gen 2; if you have Gen 1, no real need to rush upgrade.
• Bose will likely continue firmware updates for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ultras as needed (they run on presumably similar hardware). In 2024, Bose also introduced things like Aurocast (Bluetooth LE Audio) support in their new Sennheiser products; it’s possible Bose could also enable LE Audio in a future product or update if hardware allows, but nothing yet on Ultra earbuds.

Market reception:

• By 2025, AirPods Pro 2 have been a huge success for Apple – they are often cited in “best earbuds” lists, especially for Apple users. Some tech reviewers in 2024 noted that AirPods Pro 2, despite being older, still hold up extremely well against newer challengers because of the updates and overall balance of features. For example, an article might say “Even in 2024, AirPods Pro 2 remain among the top true wireless earbuds you can buy, especially if you own an iPhone” – that kind of sentiment is common.
• Bose Ultra Earbuds have also been well-received. The QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022) won awards for their noise canceling. The Ultra rebrand in 2023 added some novelty with spatial audio and aligned naming with the new Bose Ultra Headphones. Bose’s momentum in ANC means whenever someone asks “what are the absolute best ANC earbuds?”, reviewers often answer: Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM5. The only areas Bose got slight criticism were: lack of wireless charging (now fixed), app could be more robust (3-band EQ is limited), and price.
• There’s also a trend of competition: 2024 saw Sennheiser MTW4 with aptX Lossless, Sony doubling down on sound quality, and even newcomers like Google Pixel Buds Pro (2nd gen rumored in 2024) or others. But AirPods and Bose still stand at the top in brand reputation and popularity.

So, both companies aren’t standing still. Apple’s adding more software smarts (Adaptive Audio shows their focus on making the experience seamless), while Bose is listening to user feedback (multipoint, wireless charging) and incrementally improving an already excellent product.

Comparison to Other Top Earbuds (Sony, Samsung, Sennheiser, etc.)

The wireless earbud market is crowded, but a few models consistently rank alongside or above Apple and Bose in various aspects. Let’s briefly see how AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QC Ultra 2 compare to these main rivals:

• Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony’s flagship (released mid-2023) is often considered the best all-around alternative. They feature class-leading sound quality with a warm yet detailed tuning (Sony’s default is a bit bass-boosted too, but you have a full EQ in the Sony app to adjust to taste). They support LDAC codec for high-res audio (up to 990 kbps) which is great for Android users wanting better than AAC. In ANC, as noted, the XM5 are neck-and-neck with Bose – some measurements even give Sony a slight edge in certain frequencies. In practice, Bose might cancel a hair more low-frequency rumble, while Sony cancels slightly more higher-pitch noise (Sony had no weird mid-frequency gap that Bose did). Transparency mode on the XM5 is good but not as natural as AirPods; it’s closer to Bose’s level. Comfort-wise, Sony went smaller and lighter than their older XM4 – the XM5 buds are about 5.9 g each, closer to Bose in size than AirPods. They come with foam ear tips that create a good seal but some find foam less breathable than silicone. Battery: Sony leads with ~8 hours ANC on (our earlier stat: SoundGuys got 9.5h in testing at moderate volume) and ~24 hours total with the case. The case is the smallest of the bunch, even slightly smaller than AirPods’. It also supports Qi wireless charging (which Bose Gen 1 lacked but Gen 2 has now). Sony also has multipoint (they added it via update to XM4 and it’s native on XM5). So, Sony’s basically combining a lot of the strengths: nearly Bose-level ANC, arguably better sound than either Bose or Apple for audiophiles (especially with LDAC and a great app EQ), and a very pocketable design. Downside? At $299, they’re pricey too. And for iPhone users, no special integration – AirPods still beat them in ease-of-use on Apple devices, and LDAC doesn’t work on iPhone (iOS doesn’t support LDAC or aptX, so iPhone would use AAC on Sony buds, leveling the audio playing field with AirPods in codec terms). If your priority is sound quality and battery and you’re okay not having Apple’s ecosystem features, the WF-1000XM5 are a top contender. Many reviewers named them the best overall earbuds of 2023 for their balanced excellence.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Samsung’s flagship buds (late 2022) are a bit of a different beast. They are significantly smaller and lighter (just 5.5 g per bud, but physically very compact). They nestle almost flush in the ear – great for comfort and even sleeping. They have good ANC, but not as effective as Apple/Bose/Sony. In tests, Buds2 Pro are maybe one notch below – enough for everyday noise and flights, but Bose and Sony cancel more low rumble. Their standout feature is tight integration with Samsung Galaxy devices. If you have a Samsung phone, you get features akin to Apple’s with AirPods: auto-switching between Samsung devices, a Scalable (SSC) codec that gives 24-bit hi-fi audio when paired with Samsung phones, and 360 Audio which is Samsung’s spatial audio (with Dolby Atmos support on Galaxy phones). They even support head tracking for 360 Audio, similar to Apple’s spatial, but again only within Samsung’s ecosystem. On other Androids or iPhones, they become basic AAC earbuds (and note: Samsung doesn’t provide an iOS app for Buds2 Pro, so you can’t change settings on an iPhone at all – worse integration than even AirPods on Android). Battery: ~5 hours with ANC (which users say can drop to ~4 at higher volumes), about 18 hours with case (anc on). They do support wireless charging and have IPX7 waterproofing (best of this bunch, you can actually submerge them briefly). The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are also notably cheaper: $229 MSRP and often on sale for ~$150. For Galaxy phone owners, these are almost a no-brainer if you want the most seamless experience – they’re essentially Samsung’s AirPods equivalent. But if ANC strength or cross-platform use is top priority, Bose/Sony might be better. Compared to AirPods Pro 2, Buds2 Pro have a smaller form factor and better water resistance, but AirPods outdo them in ANC and of course iPhone integration.
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Sennheiser’s 4th-gen true wireless (released early 2024) is aimed at the audiophile crowd. They emphasize sound quality above all. Sennheiser gave them new 7mm True Response drivers with a refined tuning – reviewers praise their sound as rich, expansive, and natural, likely the best-in-class for pure audio fidelity (Sennheiser historically delivered a balanced yet engaging sound, with deep bass that doesn’t overwhelm, and clear treble). Sennheiser also packed every latest codec: aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless (first to market with that, thanks to Qualcomm S5 chip), and they are ready for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcasting. In short, they’re future-proof on the wireless audio tech. They have adaptive ANC (it auto-adjusts intensity) with 6 mics, which is very good – close to Sony’s level by most accounts, though Bose might still edge it out slightly in extreme noise. Battery is solid: ~7.5 hours per charge, ~30 hours with case. They support Qi wireless charging and have an IP54 rating (same dust/water as AirPods) ^{[14] [15]}. They also added multipoint in this model (a first for Sennheiser TWS). Their case is a bit larger (has a fabric finish), but still pocketable. The MTW4 launched at $299 like the others. So essentially, Sennheiser MTW4 are a direct competitor to Bose and Sony on price, likely beating both on pure sound fidelity (especially if you can use aptX Lossless for bit-perfect audio). Where they might lag: their ANC, while excellent, might be a hair behind Bose/Sony in raw strength. And their transparency mode reportedly isn’t as natural as Apple’s (few are). Also, their app offers a nice sound personalization test and EQ, but they don’t have fancy spatial audio features (no head tracking aside from basic aptX Adaptive’s spatial, I believe). Sennheiser is a top pick for those who value audio quality and codec support over everything. If your use case is less about drowning out subway noise and more about savoring hi-fi music, MTW4 might even top Bose and Apple in satisfaction. However, if you need the absolute strongest ANC, Bose still wins narrowly.
• Others: There are of course other noteworthy earbuds – Google’s Pixel Buds Pro (great for Pixel users, decent ANC but not Bose-level), Jabra Elite 10 (2023, good multipoint and comfort, ANC a step below the top tier but cheaper), Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX (luxurious build and sound, very expensive), etc. But the user specifically asked about Sony, Samsung, Sennheiser which we’ve covered.

To summarize with a comparison table for a quick glance:

Table Notes: All models support basic voice assistants (Siri/Google) and auto ear-detection. Prices are launch MSRPs (street prices often lower as noted). Battery figures assume ANC on except where noted.

As shown, each of these top earbuds has its niche:

• AirPods Pro 2: best for Apple device owners; very balanced in all aspects (sound, ANC, comfort) with unique Apple-only features.
• Bose QC Ultra 2: best for the absolute ANC fanatic or an Android user who wants a feature-packed bud with no Apple ties; also great for travelers who value quiet and a secure fit.
• Sony XM5: a strong all-rounder with a slight tilt towards audio enthusiasts (due to LDAC and EQ) and those who need long battery.
• Samsung Buds2 Pro: excellent for someone with a Samsung phone or anyone wanting a super discreet, water-resistant earbud at a lower price.
• Sennheiser MTW4: aimed at the listener who demands superb sound quality and cutting-edge wireless tech, and is willing to pay for it.

Ultimately, AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remain two of the very best choices in 2025. Your decision may hinge on your device ecosystem and specific priorities (ANC vs. size vs. sound signature). The good news is that competition has pushed all these brands to up their game – noise-canceling earbuds today are better than ever, and both the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QC Ultra are proof of how far we’ve come since the early days of true wireless audio.

Sources:

• Apple Newsroom – “AirPods redefine the personal audio experience” (June 2023 updates on Adaptive Audio, etc.)
• The Verge – AirPods Pro 2 review & news (ANC and transparency improvements, competition context)
• Tom’s Guide – Bose QC Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 hands-on (ANC, wireless charging added, call quality)
• SoundGuys – Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs AirPods Pro 2 (detailed comparison: fit, features, battery, ANC metrics)
• SoundGuys – Bose QC Ultra vs Sony XM5 (ANC performance and battery tests)
• What Hi-Fi? – Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs AirPods Pro 2 (sound and ANC comparison, pros/cons)
• The Shortcut – Bose QC Ultra review (real-world ANC impressions, sound quality, battery observations)
• Bose Official FAQ – QuietComfort Ultra (features like multipoint, IP rating, Snapdragon Sound details)
• Sennheiser Press Release – Momentum True Wireless 4 (specs: aptX Lossless, battery, price)

References

1. www.soundguys.com, 2. www.soundguys.com, 3. www.soundguys.com, 4. www.theverge.com, 5. www.theverge.com, 6. www.soundguys.com, 7. www.soundguys.com, 8. www.soundguys.com, 9. www.soundguys.com, 10. www.whathifi.com, 11. www.soundguys.com, 12. www.whathifi.com, 13. www.whathifi.com, 14. www.soundguys.com, 15. www.soundguys.com, 16. www.soundguys.com, 17. www.soundguys.com, 18. www.soundguys.com, 19. www.theverge.com, 20. www.soundguys.com, 21. www.soundguys.com, 22. www.soundguys.com, 23. www.soundguys.com, 24. www.whathifi.com, 25. www.soundguys.com