
Apple
$179

Bose
$229
Bose QuietComfort 45 narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.9/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort 45 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Bose QuietComfort 45W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ohm |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | No | Bose Music |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | No |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 22hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | false |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 238g |
| Colors | White, Black | Black, White Smoke, Triple Black |
| Price | 179$✓ | 229$ |
Buy Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if…
The Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Bose QuietComfort 45 narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.9/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort 45 is the clear pick.
No, Bose QuietComfort 45 scores higher (5.3 vs 4.0).
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is cheaper at $179 vs $229 for the Bose QuietComfort 45.
The Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a larger battery (2,000mAh vs 280mAh for the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Bose QuietComfort 45 lasts longer with 22 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 238g.