AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Apple’s feature-packed default against Bose’s noise-cancelling specialist.
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Quick answer
iPhone owners should get AirPods Pro 3. They cost $50 less, last longer per charge (up to 8 hours with ANC), carry an IP57 rating and add heart-rate sensing, hearing-health features and Live Translation. Get the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 if you use Android or want the strongest noise cancelling reviewers have found, plus aptX Adaptive and multipoint.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Apple AirPods Pro 3 price (opens in a new tab)Check Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $249 | $299 |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 8 hr; 24 hr with case | Up to 6 hr; 24 hr with case |
| Water resistance | IP57 (buds and case) | IPX4 |
| Codecs | AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Wireless charging | MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch charger | Yes |
AirPods Pro 3 and Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the two premium earbuds most people shortlist.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): side-by-side
| AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $249 | $299 |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 8 hr; 24 hr with case | Up to 6 hr; 24 hr with case |
| Water resistance | IP57 (buds and case) | IPX4 |
| Codecs | AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Wireless charging | MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch charger | Yes |
| Extras | Heart-rate sensor, Hearing Aid, Live Translation | Immersive Audio, multipoint |
How much do they cost?
Apple AirPods Pro 3 plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apple list | $249 | MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) |
| Amazon | Varies | Often discounted |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| List | $299 | Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum |
| Amazon | Varies | Check current listing |
What are the pros and cons?
Apple AirPods Pro 3: pros
- $50 cheaper
- Up to 8 hours per charge
- IP57 rating
- Heart-rate sensing and hearing-health features
Apple AirPods Pro 3: cons
- Best features need an iPhone
- No high-res Bluetooth codec
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): pros
- Reviewers rank its ANC among the best
- aptX Adaptive for compatible Android phones
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Wireless charging case
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): cons
- $299
- 6-hour rating, about 4 with Immersive Audio
- Only IPX4
- The Verge called the design chunky
Which should you choose: Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
For most iPhone owners, AirPods Pro 3 are the better buy on price, battery and features. The Bose earbuds are the pick for Android users and anyone who puts noise cancelling first.
Choose Apple AirPods Pro 3 if…
- You use an iPhone
- You want IP57 for workouts
- You want heart-rate and hearing features
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- You use Android
- Maximum noise cancelling matters most
- You want aptX Adaptive and multipoint
Noise cancelling
What Hi-Fi?[3] called the Bose ANC outstanding, and The Verge[4] described it as incredible. Apple’s noise cancelling is also strong, but if blocking out a commute or a plane is the top priority, Bose has the edge in reviews. For more options, see best noise-cancelling earbuds.
Battery and charging
Apple rates AirPods Pro 3 for up to 8 hours with ANC and 24 with the case. Bose rates its earbuds for 6 hours (about 4 with Immersive Audio) and 24 total; SoundGuys[5] measured roughly 5.5 hours with ANC. Both cases charge wirelessly.
Phone compatibility
AirPods Pro 3 work with Android as basic Bluetooth earbuds, but features such as automatic switching, Hearing Aid and Live Translation need Apple devices. Bose supports aptX Adaptive on compatible Android phones. iPhone owners can compare more options in best earbuds for iPhone, or see AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better noise cancelling?
Which lasts longer?
Are AirPods Pro 3 good with Android?
Which is better for workouts?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Apple: AirPods Pro 3 technical specifications (apple.com)
- Bose: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (bose.com)
- What Hi-Fi?: Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review (whathifi.com)
- The Verge: Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen review (theverge.com)
- SoundGuys: Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) battery life (soundguys.com)
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