Which Should You Buy? – Review Geek

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 have raised the bar for wi-fi earbuds due to next-gen noise canceling, handy options, and wonderful audio efficiency. However which pair are the best earbuds for you? We’ll break all of it down that can assist you discover the proper pair.

Value and Worth

• Apple AirPods Professional (Gen 2): $249
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: $299

This class cuts some fairly clear traces straight away. Whereas each pairs have comparatively comparable specs, Apple’s beginning worth stays at $249, the identical as the unique AirPods Professional, whereas Bose’s newest pair raises the price to a whopping $300.

As we’ll dig into additional under, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s greater worth is all of the extra notable for the reason that earbuds omit extras you’ll discover within the AirPods Professional, together with 3D Spatial Audio, a wi-fi charging case, and some different comfort options.

Bose’s buds do have one plain edge over Apple’s pair: due to an app for each iOS and Android, they’re equally outfitted for both aspect of the cell aisle. And relying on promotional pricing, there’s usually much less discrepancy between the 2 fashions. That stated, for these already hunkered down within the Apple ecosystem (and this received’t be the primary time I make this level), Apple’s AirPods Pro (Gen 2) provide an apparent benefit in worth.

Design and Match

Apple AirPods Professional (gen 2) Design Specs:

• Dimensions (every): 30.9 x 21.8 x 24mm (1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94in)
• Weight (every): 5.3g (0.19oz)
• Case Dimensions: 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7mm (1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85in)
• Case Weight: 50.8g (1.79oz)
• IP Ranking: IPX4

Some of the attention-grabbing issues in regards to the AirPods Professional’s second technology is that there’s nearly no discernable design change over the 2019 pair. There are a number of new vents, and the case now provides a lanyard cutout and a speaker so it could possibly make a chime when misplaced, however in any other case, that is an unabashed double-down on the unique AirPods Professional design.

That’s not essentially a foul factor. The truth is, given how a lot these earbuds have improved beneath the hood in relation to efficiency, it’s downright spectacular. The earbuds retain their feather-light weight of simply over 5 grams, which makes them appear to virtually disappear in your ears, whereas a smaller-sized ear tip offers a brand new match possibility.

In any other case, whether or not you liked or loathed the AirPods Professional’s authentic match, you’ll be getting the identical expertise within the newest pair. And given how effectively they’ve offered, it stands to motive most potential buyers are on board with that.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Design Specs:

• Dimensions (every): 30.48 x 17.27 x 22.35mm (1.2 x 0.68 x 0.88in)
• Weight (every): 6.24g (0.22oz)
• Case Dimensions: 66.29 x 59.4 x 26.67mm (2.61 x 2.34 x 1.05in)
• Case Weight: 59.8g (2.11oz)
• IP Ranking: IPX4

Conversely, Bose’s newest QuietComfort earbuds got a full revamp, and contemplating the unique pair’s bulk and heft, that was all however inevitable. The QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are round 30% slimmer than their predecessors, whereas the charging case is a lot extra pocketable. The revamp is spectacular provided that, like Apple, Bose has improved efficiency throughout the board.

The QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s new stem-shaped (i.e. AirPods-shaped) design additionally weighs almost two grams lower than the unique, making them extra snug and simpler to take alongside. Their system of three sizes of ear suggestions alongside three stability bands could also be a bit extra difficult, however it’s additionally extra versatile for a wide range of ear shapes. And in contrast to Apple’s buds, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 can be found in both black or white coloration schemes.

Personally, I discover the AirPods Professional with the medium ear tricks to be comfier and steady sufficient for many actions, however Bose deserves credit score for slimming down, lightening up, and creating a flexible match system for a number of ear varieties.

Controls and Options

Each pairs of earbuds are fairly well-matched for controls. Every pair provides a wide range of faucets, holds, and slides that allow you to simply management play/pause, track skip, and voice assistant hailing, mirrored on both bud.

The AirPods Professional (gen 2) added much-needed quantity controls, achieved by sliding a finger up and down the stem’s inside, whereas the Bose pair carry over comparable controls from the unique QuietComfort Earbuds. Apple additionally provides “Hey, Siri” on command, which provides the AirPods Professional 2 a slight leg up should you’re a giant Siri consumer.

With regards to options, although, the AirPods Professional merely provide extra. Nonetheless, that assertion comes with a notable caveat: you’ve acquired to personal an iPhone (and ideally different Apple gear) to get essentially the most out of your expertise. That begins as quickly as you open the bundle, because the AirPods Pro automatically appear on your iPhone’s screen for connection if you flip up the highest.

The AirPods present different main wins over the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 for iPhone customers, too, together with Auto-device switching between Apple gadgets, Audio Sharing, and the Find My function should you lose your buds (together with a particular possibility for the case). Talking of the AirPods case, it helps each wi-fi charging and Magsafe, whereas Bose’s provides neither. And, in fact, there’s additionally 3D Spatial Audio, one thing Bose’s buds are notably lacking on the efficiency aspect.

For his or her half, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 provide some options Apple neglects, together with a three-band EQ, adjustable presets for noise canceling and transparency modes, and even the power to regulate your voice in calls (AKA sidetone). All of those options could be discovered throughout the Bose Music app which, once more, is accessible for each Android and iPhone house owners.

In any other case, with a number of notable exceptions, you merely get extra with the AirPods Professional—so long as you’re utilizing an iPhone.

Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Ambient Audio Specs:

• Modes: Noise canceling, Conscious, Customized (as much as 4 presets)
• Extras: ActiveSense

Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 aren’t with out their benefits, in fact, and in relation to active noise canceling, they’ve acquired the AirPods Professional (gen 2) beat. In testing, they eradicate not solely the very lowest frequencies but in addition the upper frequencies higher than any pair of earbuds—or headphones, for that matter— that I’ve had the pleasure to check.

That is next-gen noise canceling, and it raises the stakes for all noise-canceling earbuds to come back. Automobiles disappear on the street, vacuums are lowered to a whisper, and even TV dialogue almost disappears into the ether from throughout the room.

To not be outdone, Apple’s newest AirPods Professional’s noise canceling completely smashes their predecessors and in addition outdoes each pair of earbuds I’ve examined not known as the QuietComfort Earbuds 2. That features the spectacular authentic QuietComfort Earbuds. In different phrases, in relation to nice noise-canceling earbuds, that is at the moment a two-horse race.

Not solely do Apple’s AirPods Professional (gen 2) maintain their very own at silencing the world round you, however they’re additionally the higher pair in relation to letting within the ambient world. They’ve essentially the most natural-sounding Transparency mode within the enterprise, permitting you to put on them almost anyplace you go with out lacking a beat or being uncomfortable. Even your personal voice sounds extra pure than it does with opponents.

As well as, Apple’s Adaptive Transparency mode, designed to restrict the loudness of ambient noise, is strikingly responsive and pure sounding, a lot in order that Apple’s representatives even really helpful we attempt them when listening to loud music. Whereas Apple doesn’t declare they’ll shield your listening to in such settings, they do audibly decrease the loudness in real-time, due to the H2 chip.

Bose’s QC Earbuds 2 provide their very own type of adaptive transparency, ActiveSense, however in my testing it didn’t fairly appear to reply in real-time. I discovered myself often triggering the characteristic with my very own voice, which might kick off a distracting compression impact on ambient noises. Whereas it’s going to seemingly assist if a siren comes by your road, it’s merely not as easy or responsive as Apple’s model.

Audio Efficiency and Calling

That is arguably essentially the most subjective of all of the elements we take a look at, and which you like will seemingly fluctuate from individual to individual. The underside line is that each pairs of earbuds sound worthy of their flagship standing.

Apple’s AirPods Professional Gen 2 are an enormous enchancment over the earlier pair, providing extra natural-sounding instrumentation, higher stereo separation, improved high-end element, and extra sturdy bass response. In contrast to the earlier AirPods Professional or the Beats Match Professional, I discovered myself actively leaning into my favourite tracks when listening to the AirPods Professional 2.

I nonetheless wouldn’t place them in the identical class as Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM4 or Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3, however there’s improved stereo spacing, higher instrumental timbres, and general greater constancy than any pair of Apple earbuds I’ve examined beforehand. And for individuals who love to look at motion pictures or hearken to Dolby Atmos Music mixes, the 3D Spatial Audio is now customized for even higher instrumental placement. It’s not likely my factor, however it’s a pleasant addition.

For his or her half, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 provide equally clear and detailed audio, and as soon as once more, I loved their sound higher than their predecessors. Bose’s CustomTune expertise—which additionally helps the earbuds optimize noise canceling—is designed to supply a tailor-made sound signature, and it’s a powerful step up for the model.

Bose earbuds and headphones have the tendency to sound a bit sharp and sibilant within the higher midrange, and whereas that’s nonetheless the case, it was toned down in my current audition. The buds do sound a bit stylized, however I discovered myself having fun with instrumental timbres throughout genres, from the gold buzz of acoustic guitars to the clear and zippy runs of synths and keyboards.

If you happen to favored what you’ve heard earlier than from both Bose or Apple, that is an enchancment for each pairs, and they need to fulfill most listeners even when contemplating their excessive value. For my cash, Apple’s sound signature is general extra accessible, however Bose’s earbuds are a enjoyable pay attention as effectively.

With regards to calling, I’ll give Apple the slight edge. They’re the most effective pair I’ve discovered in relation to neutralizing wind and different noises with out disturbing the caller on the opposite finish. That stated, each earbuds do job with telephone calls, and even once I stepped open air or took them beneath loud followers, I had no complaints from callers.

Battery Life

Apple AirPods Professional (gen 2) Battery Specs:

• Playback time: 6 hours with ANC
• Fast Cost: 5 minutes for 1 hour
• Playback time (with case): 30 hours

That is one other class wherein the AirPods Professional (gen 2) and QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are (maybe unsurprisingly) well-matched. Each earbuds provide six hours per cost with noise canceling engaged, and a number of recharges within the case. It’s removed from the most effective battery life out there, however it’s sufficient to get the job achieved in most situations, particularly when you possibly can quick-charge the buds.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Battery Specs:

• Playback time: 6 hours with ANC
• Fast Cost: 20 minutes for two hours
• Playback time (with case): 24 hours

Apple’s pair claims as much as 30 hours of complete cost time with the case, whereas Bose’s QC Earbuds 2 have simply 24 hours. Nonetheless, it’s a reasonably shut contest, and never one I’d anticipate will sway customers by hook or by crook.

Which True Wi-fi Earbuds Ought to You Purchase?

As with most such selections, the reply as to that are the best earbuds for you will depend on a number of figuring out components. However on this case, it’s a reasonably easy equation.

When you have an iPhone, Apple’s AirPods Professional 2 are greater than seemingly the most effective buds for you. They provide nice sound, unbelievable noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency mode that sounds uncommonly pure, and so they’re chock filled with iOS/iPadOS/macOS-friendly options that make them intuitive to make use of.

If you happen to’re an Android consumer and/otherwise you need the best possible noise canceling out there, Bose’s Quiet Consolation Earbuds 2 are the higher possibility. Whereas they skip a number of flagship options, they provide wonderful efficiency, a slim and safe match, and world-crushing noise canceling. They’re dearer, however for essentially the most half, they dwell as much as their premium price ticket.

In both case, you’ll be getting an excellent pair of earbuds. Now you simply have to determine the place your priorities lie and pull the set off.