AirPods Pro 2 vs QC Ultra Earbuds
In the premium wireless earbuds class, the AirPods Pro 2 and the QC Ultra Earbuds are natural rivals. Look at the scorecard and the AirPods Pro 2 stands out, ahead in 1 of 3 areas. The battery & charging numbers explain a lot of that. Then there’s the $50 question: that’s how much more the QC Ultra Earbuds launched at compared with the AirPods Pro 2.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging AirPods Pro 2 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.7
- 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 AirPods Pro 2 has 6 h more total battery with the case
Not a close call. The AirPods Pro 2 lists 30 h and the QC Ultra Earbuds lists 24 h. That’s a substantial gap. The AirPods Pro 2’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
-
The AirPods Pro 2 has a tougher IP54 rating
The QC Ultra Earbuds isn’t far behind at IPX4, but the AirPods Pro 2’s IP54 still comes out ahead. Water resistance ratings describe lab conditions and don’t make the pair safe for swimming unless stated.
-
The AirPods Pro 2 has wireless charging
This is a feature gap rather than a spec gap: the QC Ultra Earbuds simply lacks it. Wireless charging is slower than a cable, but it’s about convenience rather than speed.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP54 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.79 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
On paper, the sound & noise cancelling comparison ends all square. Either pair will serve you equally well on sound & noise cancelling.
Battery & Charging
AirPods Pro 2 leads
The battery & charging numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 2 stands out with 6 h more total battery with the case. A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience. So if battery & charging tops your list, lean toward the AirPods Pro 2.
Battery (with case)
AirPods Pro 2: 30 h QC Ultra Earbuds: 24 h Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
Wireless charging
AirPods Pro 2: yes QC Ultra Earbuds: no Wireless charging lets you drop the case on a charging pad instead of hunting for a cable.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Call the features & connectivity round a draw. Treat features & connectivity as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 30 h (winner) | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes (winner) | No |
| Charging port | USB-C (Lightning on the original 2022 version) | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Hearing health features | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | N/A (not specified) |
| Controls | Force sensor, swipe for volume | Touch (tap and swipe) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP54 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.79 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| 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
You pay $50 extra for the QC Ultra Earbuds at launch prices, a difference of 20%. Here the lower price and the stronger spec sheet both belong to the AirPods Pro 2, which saves $50.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of October 2023. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if…
- you want more total battery with the case (30 h vs 24 h)
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP54 vs IPX4)
- you already own a wireless charging pad
- you’d rather keep $50 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the AirPods Pro 2 or the QC Ultra Earbuds?
On the specs compared here, the AirPods Pro 2 makes more sense for most buyers; the QC Ultra Earbuds doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Does the AirPods Pro 2 last longer on a charge than the QC Ultra Earbuds?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the AirPods Pro 2 and the QC Ultra Earbuds are too close to call.
Which costs less, the AirPods Pro 2 or the QC Ultra Earbuds?
The QC Ultra Earbuds launched at $50 more than the AirPods Pro 2, based on prices as of October 2023.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 versus Bose’s QC Ultra Earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 wins me over with 6 h more total battery with the case. Add a tougher IP54 rating to the list, and the AirPods Pro 2 looks even better.
The AirPods Pro 2 is built for people who weigh battery & charging heavily, and the QC Ultra Earbuds for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the AirPods Pro 2.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.