AirPods Pro 1 vs QC Earbuds II
Apple versus Bose: the AirPods Pro 1 and the QC Earbuds II go after the same premium wireless earbuds buyer. The QC Earbuds II has the edge in 1 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the battery & charging category. The launch prices sit $50 apart, with the AirPods Pro 1 on the more affordable side.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging QC Earbuds II wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods Pro 1 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.7
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.4
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
-
The QC Earbuds II has 1.5 h more listening per charge
The QC Earbuds II’s 6 h leaves the AirPods Pro 1’s 4.5 h well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
-
The AirPods Pro 1 has wireless charging
Some features are nice extras; for some people, wireless charging is a deal-breaker. Only the AirPods Pro 1 has it. If you already own a wireless pad, the AirPods Pro 1 fits right into your routine.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.61 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
The differences on sound & noise cancelling are small enough to ignore in daily use. Neither pair gives you a reason to choose it on sound & noise cancelling.
Battery & Charging
QC Earbuds II leads
The AirPods Pro 1 is outclassed on battery & charging; the QC Earbuds II leads by a clear margin. The QC Earbuds II makes its case with 1.5 h more listening per charge. The QC Earbuds II runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. Choose the AirPods Pro 1 and you get wireless charging. If battery & charging is your priority, the QC Earbuds II is the pair to pick.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods Pro 1: 4.5 h QC Earbuds II: 6 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Wireless charging
AirPods Pro 1: yes QC Earbuds II: no Wireless charging is slower than a cable, but it’s about convenience rather than speed.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on features & connectivity; the numbers are close throughout. So features & connectivity is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (added by firmware) | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 4.5 h Shortest listening per charge | 6 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes (winner) | No |
| Charging port | Lightning | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Force sensor on stem | Touch (tap and swipe) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.61 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | QC Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 (winner) | $299 |
“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
That’s $50 between the two launch prices, a spread of 20% that makes the AirPods Pro 1 the value-minded choice. What does the QC Earbuds II’s extra $50 actually get you? Mainly 1.5 h more listening per charge.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of September 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods Pro 1 if…
- you want wireless charging
- you’re working to a firm budget and $50 matters
- you already use other Apple products
Choose the QC Earbuds II if…
- you want longer listening per charge (6 h vs 4.5 h)
- you already know your way around Bose’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the AirPods Pro 1 or the QC Earbuds II?
For most people, the QC Earbuds II is the stronger choice, unless having wireless charging matters more to you than the rest.
Which has better battery life, the AirPods Pro 1 or the QC Earbuds II?
Going by the official figures, the QC Earbuds II leads: 6 h versus 4.5 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the AirPods Pro 1 cheaper than the QC Earbuds II?
The AirPods Pro 1 is the cheaper option, launching at $50 less than the QC Earbuds II (launch prices as of September 2022).
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the AirPods Pro 1 and the QC Earbuds II on their merits. The biggest reason I lean toward the QC Earbuds II is simple: it has 1.5 h more listening per charge. The AirPods Pro 1 does have a strong card to play: wireless charging.
In my head, the AirPods Pro 1 is the wireless charging pick and the QC Earbuds II is the battery & charging pick.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the QC Earbuds II, unless you value wireless charging above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.