AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
iPhone-centric AirPods Pro 3 versus Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen on battery, IP rating, fit kit and dated list prices. Research comparison, not a listening test.
Research guide based on published sources, not hands-on testing. Our methodology · How links work
The short answer
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you use a recent iPhone and want Apple’s hearing-health and heart-rate features with a $249 Apple list price. Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if fit kits and cross-platform ANC matter more than Apple-only extras - Bose lists $299. On Android, AirPods lose most of their advantage.
This is a research comparison from Apple and Bose product pages. We have not done listening or ANC lab tests.
Spec snapshot
| AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker list price | $249 (Apple) | $299 (Bose) |
| Battery (maker) | Up to 8 h with ANC; up to 24 h with case | Up to 6 h (4 h with Immersive Audio); case ≈ three full charges |
| Water / dust (maker) | IP57 earbuds and case | IPX4 |
| Fit | Apple ear tips (sizes vary by kit) | 3 tip sizes + 3 stability band sizes |
| Stand-out extras | Heart rate during workouts; Hearing Test / Aid / Protection (Apple ecosystem) | Immersive Audio mode; cross-platform Bose app focus |
| Best phone partner | Recent iPhone | iPhone or Android |
Sources: Apple AirPods Pro specs, Apple buy AirPods Pro 3, Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen.
When AirPods Pro 3 wins
You already live in Apple’s ecosystem. The hearing-health features and tighter iPhone integration are the reason to pay Apple’s $249 list instead of hunting generic ANC buds. Battery ratings on paper also favour Apple for long ANC sessions.
When Bose wins
Fit and platform freedom. Stability bands help during workouts if Apple tips never sealed for you, and Android users keep the features they actually paid for. Expect to pay more at Bose’s $299 list unless a retailer discount closes the gap.
What would change the answer
- If Bose is within about $20 of AirPods at checkout and you are not invested in Apple hearing features, Bose is the safer “any phone” buy.
- If you only need calling and podcasts on an iPhone SE-class device, also compare last-gen AirPods Pro 2 pricing before you stretch to Pro 3.
- Broader context: best wireless earbuds.
Tools for this decision: Upgrade or keep calculator, Buy now or wait for a sale?.
FAQ
Which has the longer per-charge battery?
Apple rates AirPods Pro 3 at up to 8 hours with noise cancellation (up to 24 hours with the case). Bose rates the QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen at up to 6 hours (4 with Immersive Audio on), with the case holding up to three full charges. These are maker claims, not our measurements.
Which is better for Android?
Bose. AirPods Pro 3 work as basic Bluetooth earbuds on Android, but hearing-test, hearing-aid and many Apple extras need a recent iPhone. Bose’s fit kit and app features are built for mixed-phone homes.
What do the IP ratings mean here?
Apple lists IP57 for AirPods Pro 3 earbuds and case. Bose lists IPX4 for the 2nd Gen earbuds (sweat/splash oriented; no solid-particle digit in that rating). Neither rating means you should swim with them - check each maker’s care guidance.
Product details
Specifications below are manufacturer claims. Availability, regional versions and prices can change; check the exact model before buying.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple's current noise-cancelling earbuds, with heart rate sensing and hearing health features.
- Battery
- Up to 8 hours with noise cancellation, up to 24 hours with the case
- Water and dust
- IP57, earbuds and case
- Extras
- Heart rate sensing during workouts, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features
- Apple price
- $249
Many features need a recent iPhone. On Android they work as basic Bluetooth earbuds.
Manufacturer detailsBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose's current flagship earbuds with a wireless charging case and a fit kit.
- Battery
- Up to 6 hours (4 with Immersive Audio); the case holds up to three full charges
- Water
- IPX4
- Fit kit
- 3 ear tip sizes and 3 stability band sizes
- Bose price
- $299
The 2nd Gen has the same rated runtime as the first generation; compare prices if you see both.
Manufacturer details
