Wireless Earbuds · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 58% of 113 Apple AirPods 4 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 130 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Apple AirPods 4

58%of 113 owners recommend
58% recommend · 15% neutral · 27% don't
Owners praise
  • Very comfortable for long wear, no silicone tips in the ear canal
  • ANC is impressive for an open, non-sealed earbud
  • Noticeably better sound than older AirPods
Owners complain about
  • Fall out or work loose with movement since there are no ear tips
  • Short battery life, especially with ANC on
  • ANC is weaker and more limited than the sealed Pro 2
Full owner report →

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

55%of 130 owners recommend
55% recommend · 13% neutral · 32% don't
Owners praise
  • Class-leading noise cancellation, widely called the best in earbuds
  • Rich, immersive sound quality
  • Comfortable, secure fit for gym, cycling, and running
Owners complain about
  • Static, crackling, and buzzing noises in the earbuds
  • Bluetooth disconnects and connectivity issues
  • Bass-heavy stock tuning can sound harsh
Full owner report →

What Apple AirPods 4 owners say

SON GENIALES ! El sonido es muy bueno
@ing.alanaranda1317 on YouTube
son muchísimo mas cómodos que otras versiones, pese a no tener cancelación de ruido son muy pero muy buenos
@emmanuelcastro749 on YouTube
la verdad son un desperdicio los 4ta y no traen cable
@silvestre_7439 on YouTube

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds owners say

They’re my instant new favorite. I’ve never had ear buds that fit more securely without discomfort, the ANC really is amazing, and the sound quality is top-shelf.
@Thegonagle on YouTube
These Gen 2s hit a home run. They are phenomenal for ANC. Music quality is superb.
@TormentedTantalus on YouTube
I wish Bose would fix the microphone during calls most people tell me they hear excessive noise when I am on a call if I am in a noisy environment
@ait0317 on YouTube