AirPods 4 ANC vs QC Earbuds (2024)
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The AirPods 4 ANC and the QC Earbuds (2024) show how Apple and Bose each approach the everyday wireless earbuds class. Of the 3 areas we compared, the QC Earbuds (2024) wins 1. If one area explains the result, it’s battery & charging.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging QC Earbuds (2024) wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Tie
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging2.7
- 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 4.5 h more listening per charge
Few buyers will miss this one. The QC Earbuds (2024) brings 8.5 h to the table; the AirPods 4 ANC brings 4 h. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
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The QC Earbuds (2024) has 12 h more total battery with the case
When it comes to battery (with case), the QC Earbuds (2024) wins comfortably with 32 h against 20 h. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
-
The AirPods 4 ANC has a tougher IP54 rating
The difference is minor (IP54 against IPX4), but if you’re splitting hairs, the AirPods 4 ANC wins it. The AirPods 4 ANC is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods 4 ANC | 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 | 1.22 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On sound & noise cancelling, both deliver about the same. So sound & noise cancelling is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Battery & Charging
QC Earbuds (2024) leads
For battery & charging, the verdict is easy: the QC Earbuds (2024) leads, and not by a little. The QC Earbuds (2024) pulls ahead with 4.5 h more listening per charge. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips. In short, the QC Earbuds (2024) is the better-equipped pair for battery & charging.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods 4 ANC: 4 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.
Battery (with case)
AirPods 4 ANC: 20 h QC Earbuds (2024): 32 h The QC Earbuds (2024)’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the features & connectivity section. Either pair will serve you equally well on features & connectivity.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods 4 ANC | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| 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 ANC | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 4 h Shortest listening per charge | 8.5 h (winner) Longest listening per charge |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 20 h | 32 h (winner) Most total battery |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods 4 ANC | 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 ANC | 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 | 1.22 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods 4 ANC | QC Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $179 | $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
The launch prices are identical, so value comes down to which strengths you prefer.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of September 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods 4 ANC if…
- you work out hard or get caught in the rain (IP54 vs IPX4)
- you prefer staying with Apple
Choose the QC Earbuds (2024) if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8.5 h vs 4 h per charge)
- you travel a lot and rarely want to charge the case (32 h vs 20 h)
- you already use other Bose products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the AirPods 4 ANC or the QC Earbuds (2024)?
The QC Earbuds (2024) wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is a tougher IP54 rating.
Does the AirPods 4 ANC last longer on a charge than the QC Earbuds (2024)?
The QC Earbuds (2024) does better here. It lists 8.5 h for battery (single charge), while the AirPods 4 ANC lists 4 h.
Executive Summary
Apple or Bose? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the AirPods 4 ANC versus the QC Earbuds (2024). Honestly, 4.5 h more listening per charge on the QC Earbuds (2024) does a lot of the persuading for me. On the other side, the AirPods 4 ANC brings a tougher IP54 rating, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Choose by what you’d use most: durability leads to the AirPods 4 ANC, battery & charging leads to the QC Earbuds (2024).
My pick: the QC Earbuds (2024), with one exception: if you specifically want a tougher IP54 rating, where the AirPods 4 ANC has the edge, go for the AirPods 4 ANC.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.