IP ratings is the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).
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 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
Bose SoundSport Free have a weight of 18.2g . We consider a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
weigh less than the Bose SoundSport Free by -9.64g
For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Bose SoundSport Free are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a key difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables connecting the two earbuds .
The Bose SoundSport Free come with wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a more secure fit. Bose SoundSport Free are resistant to sweat
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Bose SoundSport Free have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent 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
The Bose SoundSport Free sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic covering that reduces background noise and also prevents the device sound from leaking out .
Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), and Bose SoundSport Free have passive noise reduction which means that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Bose SoundSport Free have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the earbuds, 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 usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. Bose SoundSport Free's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component generates low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can 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 tells how well a particular audio device makes 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 implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
The sound pressure level, is the level of pressure of sound, 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.
The 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 have to charge the device less often. 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 playing time.
The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, 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 having to recharge 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 highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended 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
The Bose SoundSport Free have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery.
Its lights indicate the charging state of your earbuds and case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery. The Bose SoundSport Free have Bluetooth version of 4.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement 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. 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.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 4
. More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise. When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Bose SoundSport Free have a find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have the find earbuds feature.
Use the earbuds app on your phone to play a sound from your earbuds to find them. Bose SoundSport Free support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
The Bose SoundSport Free have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
The Bose SoundSport Free, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them. The Bose SoundSport Free support voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device. The Bose SoundSport Free come with a special pouch.
Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your pockets without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
