IP ratings is the level of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Bose SoundSport Free's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids 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 take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
are lighter than the Bose SoundSport Free by -9.64g
True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Bose SoundSport Free are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the 2 earbuds together.
Bose SoundSport Free have wingtips, these are commonly used for workout earbuds 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 fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Bose SoundSport Free 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 Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have stereo speakers
Bose SoundSport Free stay well in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down your environment sounds well as preventing the device music from leaking out at the same.
Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), and Bose SoundSport Free have passive noise reduction this means that both limit ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. Bose SoundSport Free driver unit is 10mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the sound made by the device.
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
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound. The Bose SoundSport Free's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Bose SoundSport Free
The Bose SoundSport Free's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component produces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices can produce equal treble
SPL, 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 usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, 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
. Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time.
The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Bose SoundSport Free's case has a full charge of 10 hours. A charging case with more battery hours 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 charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. 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 status of your device and case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, these allow you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery. The Bose SoundSport Free have Bluetooth version of 4.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows 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 to connect via Bluetooth. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters,
longer than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 0.9meters
Bose SoundSport Free have 2 microphones.
While the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 4
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out background sounds. When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Bose SoundSport Free support the find earbuds feature. The 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 find them. Bose SoundSport Free support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge a device.
Also the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Bose SoundSport Free have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support this function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.
With the Bose SoundSport Free, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them. The Bose SoundSport Free have voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support voice prompts meaning the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device. Bose SoundSport Free come with a special pouch.
Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
