IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by a casing, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Bose SoundSport Free's rating is read as, the first number 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. Compared to the Bose SoundSport Free, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 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
The Bose SoundSport Free have a weight of 18.2g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
weigh less than the Bose SoundSport Free with a difference -9.64g
True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Bose SoundSport Free are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is an important distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the 2 earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables connecting the two earbuds together.
The Bose SoundSport Free come with wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and are usually an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit. Bose SoundSport Free have sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Bose SoundSport Free have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Bose SoundSport Free have stereo speakers
Bose SoundSport Free sit well in place, creating a sound seal that reduces your environment noise while preventing the device voice audio from leaking out at the same.
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that they limit ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. The Bose SoundSport Free have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 1mm
, many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. The Bose SoundSport Free's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can make sound with a juicier bass than the Bose SoundSport Free
Bose SoundSport Free's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well an audio device generates high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices generate equal treble
The sound pressure level, is the level of pressure of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Bose SoundSport Free's measurement is 98dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
Bose SoundSport Free's battery life is 5 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 1 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time.
The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the manufacturer, and the Bose SoundSport Free's case is said to have a full charge of 10 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 30 hours,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 20 hours
It requires 2 hours to fully charge the Bose SoundSport Free's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 1.7 hours
Bose SoundSport Free have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery.
Its lights display the charging state of your earbuds and charging case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, these enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. The Bose SoundSport Free have Bluetooth version of 4.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5,
newer than that of Bose SoundSport Free
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Bose SoundSport Free have a 9.1meters distance connecting via Bluetooth. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters,
longer than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 0.9meters
The Bose SoundSport Free have 2 microphones.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 4
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds. If lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Bose SoundSport Free have a find earbuds feature. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the find earbuds feature.
You can use the earbuds app on your phone to play a sound from your device to locate them. The Bose SoundSport Free support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
The Bose SoundSport Free have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have this function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.
The Bose SoundSport Free, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them. Bose SoundSport Free have voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them. The Bose SoundSport Free come with their own special pouch.
Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
