QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
This is a classic rivalry: the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) against the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, Bose against Samsung, both in premium wireless earbuds territory. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 1 of 2 areas go to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and the gap is widest in battery & charging.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Galaxy Buds 4 Pro wins
- Price Galaxy Buds 4 Pro wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.6
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 Galaxy Buds 4 Pro has a tougher IP57 rating
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro clearly leads on water resistance, and IP57 versus IPX4 is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
-
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro has 2 h more total battery with the case
Only a little separates them: 26 h on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, 24 h on the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.18 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.56 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on sound & noise cancelling; the numbers are close throughout. The sound & noise cancelling verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Battery & Charging
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leads
In the battery & charging category, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro makes its case with 2 h more total battery with the case. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in. So if battery & charging tops your list, lean toward the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Battery (with case)
QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 24 h Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: 26 h A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
Features & Connectivity
The features & connectivity comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)’s and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s entries.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.43 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SSC HiFi, SSC UHQ, AAC, SBC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 26 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 6.1 |
| Multipoint | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | N/A (not specified) |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | N/A (not specified) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.18 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.56 oz |
Price
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 | $250 (winner) |
“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
At launch, the difference was a modest $49, with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro slightly more affordable. If value matters, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro makes a strong case: it saves $49 and wins more of the comparison.
Launch prices in the US as of February 2026; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- you’re loyal to Bose and happy with it
Choose the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if…
- you work out hard or get caught in the rain (IP57 vs IPX4)
- you want more total battery with the case (26 h vs 24 h)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $49 more
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?
On the specs compared here, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro makes more sense for most buyers; the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro land in almost the same place.
Is the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) cheaper than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is the cheaper option, launching at $49 less than the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (launch prices as of February 2026).
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Bose’s QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) against Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. My main argument for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? It comes with a tougher IP57 rating. A second reason: the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro comes with 2 h more total battery with the case.
Put simply, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro suits people who put battery & charging first.
My pick: the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.