AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Two brands, one target. The AirPods Pro 3 from Apple and the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) from Bose compete head to head for premium wireless earbuds shoppers. By our tally, the AirPods Pro 3 leads 2 of 3 areas. The battery & charging section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). That $50 launch price gap between the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the AirPods Pro 3 will shape the verdict as much as any spec.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Features & Connectivity AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Price AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.0
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 AirPods Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge
Few buyers will miss this one. The AirPods Pro 3 brings 8 h to the table; the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) brings 6 h. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
-
The AirPods Pro 3 has a tougher IP57 rating
When it comes to water resistance, the AirPods Pro 3 wins comfortably with IP57 against IPX4. The AirPods Pro 3 is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
-
The AirPods Pro 3 has built-in heart-rate sensing
Some features are nice extras; for some people, built-in heart-rate sensing is a deal-breaker. Only the AirPods Pro 3 has it. Built-in heart-rate sensing lets you track workouts without wearing a watch or chest strap.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP57 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.20 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.55 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. Bottom line for sound & noise cancelling: it’s a wash.
Battery & Charging
AirPods Pro 3 leads
If battery & charging is high on your list, the AirPods Pro 3 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The AirPods Pro 3 scores with 2 h more listening per charge. The AirPods Pro 3 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. If battery & charging is your priority, the AirPods Pro 3 is the pair to pick.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods Pro 3: 8 h QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 6 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Features & Connectivity
AirPods Pro 3 leads
On features & connectivity, the difference is modest, and it favors the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods Pro 3 pulls ahead with built-in heart-rate sensing. If you already wear a fitness tracker, this feature is a nice extra rather than a must-have. On features & connectivity alone, the AirPods Pro 3 gets the nod.
Heart-rate sensing
AirPods Pro 3: yes QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): no The AirPods Pro 3 can measure your heart rate during exercise; the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) leaves that to other devices.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h (winner) | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | Yes (winner) | 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 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IP57 (winner) | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.20 oz | N/A (not specified) |
| Case weight | 1.55 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| 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
In launch price, the AirPods Pro 3 is the clear budget pick, coming in $50 (20%) below the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)’s extra $50 is hard to justify when the AirPods Pro 3 leads in more areas.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2025. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8 h vs 6 h per charge)
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP57 vs IPX4)
- you want built-in heart-rate sensing
- you don’t need the extras that cost $50 more
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- you already use other Bose products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the AirPods Pro 3 or the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
On the specs compared here, the AirPods Pro 3 makes more sense for most buyers; the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Does the AirPods Pro 3 last longer on a charge than the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
On paper, the AirPods Pro 3 has the edge: 8 h of battery (single charge) against 6 h for the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Which costs less, the AirPods Pro 3 or the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) launched at $50 more than the AirPods Pro 3, based on prices as of September 2025.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the AirPods Pro 3 and the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The AirPods Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the AirPods Pro 3 doesn’t stop there; it also offers a tougher IP57 rating.
A quick self-test: do you care more about battery & charging or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the AirPods Pro 3, the second means the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
My pick: the AirPods Pro 3.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.