# Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (Apple) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (Bose) among wireless earbuds. Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the cheaper of the two at $249.

## Side by side

| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $249 | $299 |
| Brand | Apple | Bose |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2025-06 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | — | — |
| Battery buds hr | 8 | 6 |
| Battery case hr | 24 | 24 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| IP rating | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Weight per bud (g) | 5.55 | 7.3 |

## Key differences

- Battery buds hr: Apple AirPods Pro 3 8 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 6
- IP rating: Apple AirPods Pro 3 IP57 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) IPX4
- Codecs: Apple AirPods Pro 3 SBC, AAC vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Weight per bud (g): Apple AirPods Pro 3 5.55 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 7.3

## What reviewers say

**Apple AirPods Pro 3** — The AirPods Pro 3 set a new bar for in-ear noise cancellation. SoundGuys measured ~90% noise reduction (about 40 dB), the best they have ever tested in earbuds, beating Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Bose's QC Ultra, plus a big battery jump to 8h42m with ANC. Main gripes: no EQ, weak Android support. (2 sourced reviews.)

**Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)** — Two whitelisted outlets (SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi) both hands-on tested these and rate them a strong premium pick at an unchanged $299 / £299: class-leading noise cancelling and a comfortable, secure fit via Bose's stability bands. SoundGuys measured 85% external-noise reduction and a below-average 5h34m battery, and knocks the poor 3-band EQ. Verdicts split on sound: What Hi-Fi awards five stars for richer, punchier tuning, while SoundGuys' reviewer personally dislikes the bass/treble-heavy signature and calls the refresh minor enough to just buy the cheaper 1st-gen on sale. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Apple AirPods Pro 3: https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/ (apple.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): https://www.bose.com/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/QCUE2-HEADPHONEIN.html (bose.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wireless-earbuds/apple-airpods-pro-3-vs-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ($299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wireless-earbuds/apple-airpods-pro-3-vs-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/
License: CC BY 4.0.