AirPods 4 vs QC Earbuds (2024)
Two makers, one class, one decision: the AirPods 4 from Apple or the QC Earbuds (2024) from Bose. If you only read one line, make it this: the QC Earbuds (2024) takes 2 of 3 compared areas, and the sound & noise cancelling gap is the one to look at first. Price is part of the story too: the AirPods 4 launched at $50 less than the QC Earbuds (2024).
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling QC Earbuds (2024) wins
- Battery & Charging QC Earbuds (2024) wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods 4 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling0.0
- Battery & Charging4.1
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The QC Earbuds (2024) has 3.5 h more listening per charge
On this line of the spec sheet, the QC Earbuds (2024) is in a different league: 8.5 h, next to 5 h for the AirPods 4. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
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The QC Earbuds (2024) has active noise cancelling
Having active noise cancelling gives the QC Earbuds (2024) one more thing the AirPods 4 can’t match. Active noise cancelling reduces constant background noise like engines, trains and office hum.
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The AirPods 4 has a tougher IP54 rating
The QC Earbuds (2024) isn’t far behind at IPX4, but the AirPods 4’s IP54 still comes out ahead. Water resistance ratings describe lab conditions and don’t make the pair safe for swimming unless stated.
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The QC Earbuds (2024) has a transparency mode
Not every buyer will care, but the QC Earbuds (2024) gives you a transparency mode and the AirPods 4 doesn’t. The QC Earbuds (2024) offers transparency mode, which also makes walking near traffic safer.
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The QC Earbuds (2024) has wireless charging
The AirPods 4 doesn’t offer this at all, so if you need wireless charging, the choice is made for you. Wireless charging lets you drop the case on a charging pad instead of hunting for a cable.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Open-fit earbuds with stem (no ear tips) | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP54 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.15 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.14 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
QC Earbuds (2024) leads
The sound & noise cancelling numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the QC Earbuds (2024). The QC Earbuds (2024) answers with active noise cancelling. On a flight or a busy commute, the QC Earbuds (2024)’s noise cancelling lets you listen at lower volumes. Anyone shopping mainly on sound & noise cancelling should start with the QC Earbuds (2024).
Active noise cancelling
AirPods 4: no QC Earbuds (2024): yes Without ANC, the AirPods 4 relies on its fit alone to block out sound.
Transparency mode
AirPods 4: no QC Earbuds (2024): yes A transparency mode lets outside sound in, so you can hear announcements or chat briefly without taking them off.
Battery & Charging
QC Earbuds (2024) leads
The QC Earbuds (2024) is the clear pick if battery & charging is what you care about most. The QC Earbuds (2024) has the edge with 3.5 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. For battery & charging, the QC Earbuds (2024) is the one to beat.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods 4: 5 h QC Earbuds (2024): 8.5 h The QC Earbuds (2024) runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Wireless charging
AirPods 4: no QC Earbuds (2024): yes If you already own a wireless pad, the QC Earbuds (2024) fits right into your routine.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The differences on features & connectivity are small enough to ignore in daily use. So features & connectivity is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes (winner) |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes (winner) |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 5 h | 8.5 h (winner) Longest listening per charge |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 30 h | 32 h Most total battery |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes (winner) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Force sensor on stem | N/A (not specified) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Open-fit earbuds with stem (no ear tips) | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP54 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.15 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.14 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods 4 | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $129 (winner) Lowest price in class | $179 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price alone could settle this for some buyers, with the AirPods 4 launching $50 lower, a gap of 39%. That $50 gap does buy something tangible: 3.5 h more listening per charge and active noise cancelling.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2024. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods 4 if…
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP54 vs IPX4)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $50 more
- you already use other Apple products
Choose the QC Earbuds (2024) if…
- you want longer listening per charge (8.5 h vs 5 h)
- you commute, fly or work in noisy places
- you want a transparency mode
- you want wireless charging
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the AirPods 4 or the QC Earbuds (2024)?
We’d point most buyers to the QC Earbuds (2024). The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for a tougher IP54 rating.
Which has better battery life, the AirPods 4 or the QC Earbuds (2024)?
On paper, the QC Earbuds (2024) has the edge: 8.5 h of battery (single charge) against 5 h for the AirPods 4. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Is the AirPods 4 cheaper than the QC Earbuds (2024)?
The QC Earbuds (2024) launched at $50 more than the AirPods 4, based on prices as of September 2024.
Executive Summary
The AirPods 4 versus the QC Earbuds (2024) is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Apple and Bose made different bets. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the QC Earbuds (2024) has 3.5 h more listening per charge. Then there’s active noise cancelling, another point for the QC Earbuds (2024). To be fair, the AirPods 4 has a tougher IP54 rating, and that’s not nothing.
The AirPods 4 is built for people who weigh durability heavily, and the QC Earbuds (2024) for people who weigh sound & noise cancelling.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the QC Earbuds (2024), unless you need a tougher IP54 rating, which only the AirPods 4 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.