
Apple
$179

Bose
$429
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in battery, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 35mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | No | Bose Music App |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 24hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 250g |
| Colors | White, Black | Black, White |
| Price | 179$✓ | 429$ |
Buy Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if…
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if…
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 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 Ultra Headphones narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in battery, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the clear pick.
No, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones scores higher (4.6 vs 4.0).
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is cheaper at $179 vs $429 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has a larger battery (2,200mAh vs 280mAh for the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones lasts longer with 24 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 250g.