IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Bose QuietComfort 2 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
Bose QuietComfort 2, at 12.5g
weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by of 3.94g
True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the pair of earbuds .
Bose QuietComfort 2 also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the pair of earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat
Bose QuietComfort 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience. The Bose QuietComfort 2 also have stereo speakers
ANC uses more advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds.
ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero thus "diluting" the noise.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making both devices ideal for flights and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the setting that suits your travel or that suites your relaxation time. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic covering that reduces your environment noise and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this implies that they limit ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size corellates with the loudness of the earbuds. Bose QuietComfort 2 driver unit is 9.3mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.7mm
, as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they deliver better quality sound. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it. Bose QuietComfort 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Bose QuietComfort 2
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.
Bose QuietComfort 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Bose QuietComfort 2's battery life is
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time.
The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before having to recharge the case itself.
Bose QuietComfort 2's charging case has a battery life of 18 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 12 hours
It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Bose QuietComfort 2 takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.7 hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging.
To charge the device, you just place down on a supported charging pad. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and case.
Bose QuietComfort 2 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Bose QuietComfort 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.3,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Bose QuietComfort 2 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.
Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPad. If you are planning on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
While the Bose QuietComfort 2 microphones are 8,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the desired sound. The Bose QuietComfort 2 too have a noise-canceling microphone.
This is useful in noisy areas. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused. Bose QuietComfort 2 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.
If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. The Bose QuietComfort 2 also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your earbuds to locate them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device. The Bose QuietComfort 2 support fast charging.
It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just thirty minutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them.
Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The Bose QuietComfort 2 have a multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 also have this function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice. With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 too have a control panel on them. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. Bose QuietComfort 2 also support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special pouch.
Carrying earphones openly, or placing them in your bag without a cover may easily damage them. Bose QuietComfort 2 also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
