Home / Comparisons / Wireless Earbuds
Head-to-head · Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Wireless Earbuds ranking.
We're reader-supported. Buying through our links may earn us a small commission at no cost to you. How we rank · Disclosure
Apple AirPods Pro 3 wins for most people: it ranks #2 in our Top 10 Wireless Earbuds (Best for iPhone), while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ranks #3 (Best comfort + ANC). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 usually costs less. Pick the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if its strengths below match how you'll use it.
#3 · Best comfort + ANC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
~$249–$299 at time of writing
See today's price on AmazonSide-by-side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #2 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Best for | Best for iPhone | Best comfort + ANC |
| Brand | Apple | Bose |
| Typical price* | $249 list | ~$249–$299 |
| Top strength | Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys) | Excellent noise cancelling |
| Main drawback | Most features lost on Android | Shorter battery (~5.5–6 hr) |
*Approximate, at time of writing; check the retailer for today's price. Ratings shown only where we found a sourced rating.
Choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if…
- You want the pick we rate best for iphone.
- Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys)
- Hearing Aid mode, Live Translation, heart rate
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- You want the pick we rate best comfort + anc.
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Comfortable fit options
Honest pros and cons
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Pros
- Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys)
- Hearing Aid mode, Live Translation, heart rate
Cons
- Most features lost on Android
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Comfortable fit options
Cons
- Shorter battery (~5.5–6 hr)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) FAQs
Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
For most people, yes. In our researched ranking of the 10 best wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is #2 (Best for iPhone) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is #3 (Best comfort + ANC). The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) can still be the better buy if you value: excellent noise cancelling; comfortable fit options.
Which is cheaper, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
At time of writing the Apple AirPods Pro 3 runs $249 list and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) runs ~$249–$299. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Both come from Rank the Rest's Top 10 Wireless Earbuds ranking, built from published expert testing, sourced review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test them, and brands can't pay for placement.
Free · The Underrated List
Get the free Underrated List
12 lesser-known products owners rate highly. Enter your email and we send the list straight to your inbox, no extra steps. Free, unsubscribe anytime.