IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values 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 (water).
Having a value of 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 the second value 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 take in account a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
are lighter than the Bose SoundSport Free by -9.64g
True wireless devices have no cables 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 distinction since wireless earbuds have wires linking the two earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables connecting the 2 earbuds together. Bose SoundSport Free have wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to the separate silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.
Bose SoundSport Free have sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Bose SoundSport Free have stereo speakers, what this means is that Bose SoundSport Free's 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 stay tightly in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down background sounds while preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. Bose SoundSport Free have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, 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 yeah, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.
Bose SoundSport Free's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device 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 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 device generates high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
SPL, is the pressure level 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 for a single charge. 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 earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the manufacturer, and Bose SoundSport Free's case has a charge of 10 hours.
A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many 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 takes 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
The Bose SoundSport Free have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging state of your device and charging case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.
The Bose SoundSport Free have Bluetooth version of 4.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, 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
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 enable the device to filter out noise. When 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) also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your device to help you locate them. The Bose SoundSport Free support fast charging.
Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just 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 feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support this function.
It means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice. The Bose SoundSport Free, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds. The 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, say if there is a problem with the connection. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device.
Bose SoundSport Free come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
