Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Critics score the Apple AirPods Pro 3 86 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 87 out of 100, from 26 and 12 professional reviews. 9 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher, 4 scored the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) higher and 2 gave both the same score.
Image: AppleApple AirPods Pro 3
Praised for: noise cancelling (25 of 26), comfort (18 of 26), sound quality (10 of 26)
Criticised for: controls and app (12 of 26), battery life (7 of 26), fit and comfort (7 of 26)
The catch: Shorter total battery with the case.
All 26 reviews of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 →
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Image: BoseBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Praised for: noise cancelling (11 of 12), sound quality (8 of 12), comfort (8 of 12)
Criticised for: battery life (10 of 12), price (5 of 12), fit and comfort (3 of 12)
The catch: Average battery life, and bulky in the ear.
All 12 reviews of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Central | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| TechRadar | 90 | 95 | -5 |
| Engadget | 85 | 89est. | -4 |
| Business Insider | 83est. | 85est. | -2 |
| CNN Underscored | 77est. | 77est. | same |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | same |
| SoundGuys | 78 | 77 | +1 |
| Trusted Reviews | 89est. | 83est. | +6 |
| TechGearLab | 85 | 78 | +7 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 minus the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- Pickr picks the Apple AirPods Pro 3.
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Apple AirPods Pro 3.
- CNET says it depends: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if You need buds that stay put, thanks to the stabilizing fins.; the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if You use Apple devices and want its many extra features, especially on sale.
Compare either one with another wireless earbud → · All wireless earbuds ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Critics rate the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) higher: 87 against 86. 9 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher, 4 scored the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) higher and 2 gave both the same score.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 95. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): broad agreement, scores from 77 to 95.