Looking for an honest Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side vs Bose QuietComfort comparison in 2026? We scored both earbuds on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Bose QuietComfort comes out ahead 49/100 to 59/100 — a 10-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Bose QuietComfort pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side undercuts the Bose QuietComfort by 150% ($43.95 vs $109.95), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Bose QuietComfort edges out the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 59 vs 49. If you want the better overall earbuds, Bose QuietComfort is the recommended choice.
Picking Bose QuietComfort over Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side means trading these off.
Apple
$44
Scores are relative within the earbudscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side | Bose QuietComfortW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear (TWS) |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 11mm | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11mm | 11mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) | Active Noise Cancelling |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (Dolby Atmos) | true |
| EQ App | AirPods app | Bose Music app |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google |
| Battery Life | 5hrs | 6hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs✓ | 18hrs |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP55 |
| Fit | In-ear | In-ear |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 8g |
| Colors | White | Twilight Blue, Black, White |
| Price | 43.95$✓ | 109.95$ |
Buy Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side if…
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Bose QuietComfort if…
Buy the Bose QuietComfort if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Bose QuietComfort edges out the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 59 vs 49. If you want the better overall earbuds, Bose QuietComfort is the recommended choice.
No, Bose QuietComfort scores higher (84 vs 74).
Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side is cheaper at $43.95 vs $109.95 for the Bose QuietComfort.
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Right Side if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Bose QuietComfort lasts longer with 6 hours vs 5 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.