Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: which are better?

The true wireless earbud market was already fiercely competitive, but with both Bose and Apple's new models entering the arena, your buying decision has got that little bit trickier. But don’t panic, we’re here to help. Below, we have compared the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC to see what they are offering.

Both sets of earbuds offer premium features at a more affordable price than their flagship siblings. The AirPods scored four out of five in our review, while the Bose earned full marks. Decision made then, right? Sadly it's not as simple as that, as which is right for you will depend on a number of factors.

Join us for a full run down of both pairs' strengths and weaknesses, and how they compare.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: price

Both Bose and Apple have positioned their latest earbuds at an identical price point, pitching them directly against each other. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are both priced the same in the UK and US (£179 / $179), while the Bose are slightly cheaper in Australia (AU$289 to the AirPods' AU$299).

But that's not the full story. Both pairs have been discounted recently, but Bose's 'buds have seen the bigger price drop – they've been down to £129 / $129 / AU$245, while the AirPods only fell by around £10 / $10.

** Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) **

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: design and build

While the prices are similar, the design of these two models couldn't be more different. Bose has opted for a more rounded design with silicone eartips, moving away from the stem style of its pricier QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The new QuietComfort Earbuds come in three colours – black, white, and a rather fetching 'chilled lilac'.

Apple, on the other hand, has stuck with its iconic stem-and-buds open-ear design for the AirPods 4 with ANC. This means they don't have eartips and don't offer a full seal in your ear canal, which some users may find more comfortable for extended wear. The AirPods 4 with ANC are available in Apple's signature white.

Both earbuds come with charging cases that support wireless charging, but Bose's case is slightly bulkier. The Bose earbuds also come with three sizes of ear tips and stability bands, which we found provides a secure fit without feeling intrusive. Apple's design remains as divisive as ever – some members of our team get on fine with the AirPods, while others find they won't stay put.

In terms of durability, both models offer some protection against sweat and water. Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds feature an IPX4 rating, while Apple has upped the ante with an IP54 rating for the AirPods 4 with ANC, offering additional protection against dust.

** Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) **

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: features, battery life and ANC 

Both sets of earbuds come packed with features, but there are some key differences. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer an impressive 8.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 20.5 hours. Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC's battery life claims are a bit meagre in comparison, promising up to four hours of listening time with ANC enabled, extending to 20 hours with the charging case.

Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation, but which is better? The first thing to note is that they both take very different approaches.

The Bose QC Earbuds are a more traditional type of noise-cancelling buds – with their stability bands and different sizes of eartips, they block your earn canal while applying sound-neutralising frequencies. And it works very well, particularly on mid- and low-frequency noises. They lack more sophisticated features like CustomTune (which adjusts the ANC to your ear profile) and the same calibre of signal processing tech found in Bose's pricier models. But they do have an Aware (transparency) mode. And for the money, they put in a very impressive ANC performance.

But the AirPods 4 are no slouch. Apple has got around the lack of eartips by focussing its noise-cancellation tech on the lower end of the frequency scale – and it works. Admittedly some sounds are still audible, especially those of a higher pitch than things like engine rumbles and other low drones. So they don't cut you off from the outside world as much as the Bose. But their Adaptive Audio adjusts the level of ANC required depending on your surroundings. There is also a Transparency mode, though this is a little redundant in an open design.

It really depends on which style of ANC you prefer. Apple's approach is a little airier and more comfortable, whereas Bose's ensconces you in a bubble, isolated from your environmental sounds, but with the option of letting them in via the Aware mode. Hence we find Bose's tech a little more sophisticated.

Bose’s earbuds also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. The AirPods 4 with ANC have their own version of this feature when connected to iOS devices – though because they work the same with Android and iOS, Bose's 'buds are more versatile.

Bose has also included a novel 'Remote Selfie' feature, turning the earbuds into a remote shutter for your phone's camera. The degree to which this will be a selling point will wildly vary based on your individual preferences; we’re certainly not ones to complain about more features, especially if they don’t detract from any other experiences. But we can't say we'll be using it much.

Apple counters Bose’s tricks with Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts noise control based on your environment. The AirPods 4 with ANC also have the power of Apple's H2 chip at their disposal, which offers advanced computational audio and unlocks some rather snazzy features that are also found in the flagship AirPods Pro 2. One of these is Voice Isolation for clearer call quality (available with iOS 18), which works by reducing background noise so that other people can hear you more clearly.

Another feature shared with the AirPods Pro 2 is Conversation Awareness – a handy feature that automatically lowers your media volume while enhancing the sound of voices near you, which is triggered when it detects that you're talking. This could be an invaluable feature for people who would rather not take their earbuds out every time they want to interact with someone.

Both models offer touch controls and voice assistant support, with Bose also introducing a new 'Hey Headphones' wake word for its onboard assistant.

Overall, Bose’s longer battery life and multipoint connectivity (not to mention its camera shutter feature) might make it a clear winner in your eyes. Or you might prefer the practicality of Apple's Conversation Awareness feature which, combined with the clever Adaptive Audio, might make the AirPods Pro 4 with ANC the better choice. Android users will find the Bose offer more features, but those on iOS might find themselves torn...

** Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) **

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: sound

Sonically speaking, both pairs are very good indeed, as we would expect from brands like Apple and Bose.

The QuietComfort Earbuds deliver drive and musicality in spades. They're powerful and punchy, with solid low frequencies, an expressive midrange and controlled highs. Bass notes go deep, and always have plenty of detail and insight

The AirPods 4 with ANC have a similar sonic profile to the higher-end AirPods Pro 2. That means an abundance of clarity and detail, agility and balance, and a focus on voices that makes them immediately appealing to listen to. They sound more powerful and detailed than the AirPods 3, with more weight and texture. They could do with a touch more intensity though, especially in the low end, which is where the lack of eartips is felt.

We've giving this round to Bose, but it really depends on what style of music presentation you prefer.

** Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) **

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) win every round in this contest, and while it's true they are the better all-rounders, and hence the better pair for most people, they might not be right for you.

Their eartip design does isolate you more from your surroundings, but some people will prefer the open design of the AirPods 4 with ANC. Bose's ANC is more effective, but then some will prefer the airier nature of Apple's implementation. Bose offers plenty of features, but then iOS users will get Apple's seamless usability with the AirPods.

In other words, this contest was closer than the headline results might suggest. We would opt for the Bose over the AirPods, but if you're unsure, read our full reviews to get more of an idea.

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review

And our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review

Our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy right now

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Ultra Open Earbuds: which Bose 'buds are right for you?