Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

True Wireless

Apple AirPods Pro 3

86Outstanding

$180

Full review data

True Wireless

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Not yet scored

$180

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Noise cancelling

9.3

Battery

7.3

Calls

7.4

Value

8.3

Price (USD)

$180

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods Pro 3 adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
QuietComfort Earbuds2022

What differsAirPods Pro 3QuietComfort Earbuds

Water resistance: IP57; IPX4

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3QuietComfort Earbuds

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $180; $180
HearWiki score: 86; Not scored
Released: 2025; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 10.7 mm dynamic; 10 mm driver
Driver type: dynamic; -
Driver size: 10.7 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; -
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC; -
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: 8 h; 8.5 h
Battery life (ANC on): 8 h; -
Battery incl. case: -; 31.5 h
Full charge time: -; 90 min
Quick charge: -; 20 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: Yes; Yes
ANC type: adaptive; adaptive
Transparency mode: Yes; Yes
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Siri; Yes
Weight: 5.5 g; 8.5 g
Case weight: 44 g; 69 g
Water resistance: IP57; IPX4
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Model code: -; QCEARB24-HEADPHONEIN
Microphones: 3; 1
Microphone type: beamforming; -

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$180	$180
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	Not scored
Released	2025	2022
Audio
Driver	10.7 mm dynamic	10 mm driver
Driver type	dynamic	-
Driver size	10.7 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC	-
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	8 h	8.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)	8 h	-
Battery incl. case	-	31.5 h
Full charge time	-	90 min
Quick charge	-	20 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
ANC type	adaptive	adaptive
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Yes
Design
Weight	5.5 g	8.5 g
Case weight	44 g	69 g
Water resistance	IP57	IPX4
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Model code	-	QCEARB24-HEADPHONEIN
Calls
Microphones	3	1
Microphone type	beamforming	-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on

Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
Con:Premium price point
Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver a well-rounded true wireless experience, blending strong adaptive noise cancellation with a balanced, signature sound. They offer a comfortable, durable design with IPX4 water resistance, reliable multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and a long 31.5-hour total battery life. Touch controls and a customizable EQ via the companion app add convenience, making them a solid choice for everyday use.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Long battery life with wireless charging case
Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching

Con:Single microphone may limit call quality
Con:Bulky case compared to some rivals
Con:No aptX or LDAC support for high-res codecs

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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