AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort Buds 2: Which wireless headphones will make you vibrate the most?

There are a multitude of wireless headphones available on the market. But finding the ones that are right for you can be akin to looking for a needle in a haystack.

Last year, Apple and Bose released the second generation of their high-end headphones, respectively the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. Both of these headphones offer state-of-the-art sound and noise cancellation technology, which obviously complicates your purchase decision.

Here are some features that distinguish these two pairs of headphones.

Characteristics of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Modes : Custom spatial audio, ANC and Transparency mode

Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.3

Resistance : IPX4

Battery : Up to 6 hours of playback (30 hours with the charging case)

Chip : H2

Price : 300 €

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Modes : ANC, Aware mode, custom EQ settings

Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.3

Resistance : IPX4

Battery : Up to 6 hours of playback (18 hours with the charging case)

Chip : Qualcomm Series 5 chip

Price : 295 €

You should buy the AirPods Pro 2 though…

Christina Darby/ZDNET

1. you value the standard audio mode

Apple’s Transparency mode and active noise reduction are undoubtedly the best on the market. Transparency mode is essential for people who are used to public transport and people who want to hear their surroundings without interrupting the music, while noise cancellation is ideal for people who want to stay in their world.

But a lot of people want something in the middle, a standard audio mode, if you will. With AirPods Pro 2, this mode is an option. On the other hand, with the QuietComfort Buds headphones from Bose, it is not possible to disable the ANC and Aware modes; you have to switch, switch, choose between the two.

2. You are invested in the Apple ecosystem

As always, Apple devices work better with other Apple devices. AirPods Pro 2 can seamlessly connect to your Apple TV, MacBook, iPad and iPhone. In addition, when connected to these devices, your AirPods offer personalized spatial sound, an exclusive feature for Apple users.

Therefore, if you own several Apple devices and are looking for a pair of headphones, the AirPods Pro 2 will probably suit you.

You should buy the QuietComfort 2 headphones from Bose if…

Christina Darby/ZDNET

1. you don’t like the traditional design of headphones.

The QuietComfort 2 headphones from Bose have a unique shape. The head is tilted like the AirPods Pro 2, but these headphones have a much shorter stem where the touch controls are located. In addition, the QuietComfort headphones from Bose are available in three colors: Triple Black, Eclipse Gray and Soapstone (light gray).

If you prefer headphones with shorter stems, a more ergonomic design and more colors, the QuietComfort headphones from Bose are the solution.

2. you are using multiple operating systems

Many people own an iPhone but use a Windows laptop or a tablet running Android. If you use several operating systems, the QuietComfort headphones from Bose may be more suitable for you.

AirPods can connect to all devices, regardless of their operating system, via Bluetooth, but they work best with Apple devices. This means that AirPods connected to a Chromebook will not offer the same features as AirPods connected to a MacBook.

The Bose Music companion app allows you to control the ANC, EQ settings and device updates without depending on the compatibility with your device’s operating system.

Source: “ZDNet.com “