QC Ultra Earbuds vs JBL Tour Pro 3
Two brands, one target. The QC Ultra Earbuds from Bose and the JBL Tour Pro 3 from JBL compete head to head for premium wireless earbuds shoppers. The numbers lean one way: the JBL Tour Pro 3 comes out ahead in 1 of the 3 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the battery & charging category.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging JBL Tour Pro 3 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price QC Ultra Earbuds wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.6
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging6.5
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 JBL Tour Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the JBL Tour Pro 3 makes its strongest case: 8 h against 6 h. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
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The JBL Tour Pro 3 has 8 h more total battery with the case
The JBL Tour Pro 3 clearly leads on battery (with case), and 32 h versus 24 h is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
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The JBL Tour Pro 3 has a tougher IP55 rating
The difference is minor (IP55 against IPX4), but if you’re splitting hairs, the JBL Tour Pro 3 wins it. The JBL Tour Pro 3 is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP55 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 2.53 oz Heaviest case in class |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to sound & noise cancelling. If sound & noise cancelling was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Battery & Charging
JBL Tour Pro 3 leads
On battery & charging, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the JBL Tour Pro 3. The JBL Tour Pro 3 adds 2 h more listening per charge. The JBL Tour Pro 3 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. So if battery & charging tops your list, lean toward the JBL Tour Pro 3.
Battery (single charge)
QC Ultra Earbuds: 6 h JBL Tour Pro 3: 8 h Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
Battery (with case)
QC Ultra Earbuds: 24 h JBL Tour Pro 3: 32 h The JBL Tour Pro 3’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
On features & connectivity, the QC Ultra Earbuds and the JBL Tour Pro 3 are effectively level. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.39 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 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 8 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 32 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | No | N/A (not specified) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio) |
| Multipoint | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | Touch on earbuds + touchscreen on case |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP55 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 2.53 oz Heaviest case in class |
Price
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 | $300 |
“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 QC Ultra Earbuds has a small price advantage of $1 at launch. The JBL Tour Pro 3 costs $1 more, and for that you get 2 h more listening per charge and 8 h more total battery with the case.
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 QC Ultra Earbuds if…
- you’d rather keep $1 in your pocket
- you already know your way around Bose’s products
Choose the JBL Tour Pro 3 if…
- you want longer listening per charge (8 h vs 6 h)
- you travel a lot and rarely want to charge the case (32 h vs 24 h)
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP55 vs IPX4)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QC Ultra Earbuds or the JBL Tour Pro 3?
We’d point most buyers to the JBL Tour Pro 3. The main exception is if your budget can’t stretch another $1.
Does the QC Ultra Earbuds last longer on a charge than the JBL Tour Pro 3?
On paper, the JBL Tour Pro 3 has the edge: 8 h of battery (single charge) against 6 h for the QC Ultra Earbuds. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Which costs less, the QC Ultra Earbuds or the JBL Tour Pro 3?
The JBL Tour Pro 3 launched at $1 more than the QC Ultra Earbuds, based on prices as of September 2024.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the QC Ultra Earbuds and the JBL Tour Pro 3. What tips it for me is that the JBL Tour Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge. Nor should you ignore that the JBL Tour Pro 3 has a tougher IP55 rating.
Think about your week. Heavy on price? The QC Ultra Earbuds. More about battery & charging? The JBL Tour Pro 3.
My pick: the JBL Tour Pro 3, though the QC Ultra Earbuds makes sense if the extra $1 would stretch your budget.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.