Apple AirPods 2nd Gen vs Bose 700
The Verdict
AirPods 2nd Gen excels as a lightweight, seamless option for Apple ecosystem users with solid audio quality and unbeatable convenience through H1 chip integration and automatic device switching. Bose 700 delivers superior sound engineering, industry-leading active noise cancellation with 11 adjustable levels, and exceptional battery life reaching 20 hours with ANC enabled. For casual listening and Apple devotees, AirPods 2 offers excellent value at $129; however, Bose 700 justifies its $379 premium for professionals, frequent travelers, and those prioritizing call quality via its 8-microphone array and multipoint connectivity. Choose AirPods 2 for convenience and portability; select Bose 700 for comprehensive noise cancellation and all-day endurance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen if…
- →Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- →H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- →Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
Buy the Bose 700 if…
- →Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- →Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- →Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Pros
- Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Quick and reliable pairing with all Apple devices
- Affordable entry point into the AirPods lineup
Cons
- No water or sweat resistance rating — risky for workouts
- 5-hour battery life is below average by modern standards
- No noise cancellation or transparency mode
- One-size-fits-all design doesn't suit every ear shape
- Lightning charging only — no USB-C
Bose 700
Pros
- Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
- Multipoint Bluetooth and broad voice assistant support
- Elegant, minimal design that looks great
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC codecs
- 20-hour battery life is shorter than Sony and JBL rivals
- Headband can cause hotspot pressure on the top of the head
- Expensive compared to competition offering similar ANC
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 2nd Gen | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4 g (each) | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds), 24 hrs total with case | 20 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | Lightning (wireless charging case optional) | USB-C, 15-min quick charge for 3.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver | — |
| Features | H1 chip with Hey Siri support, Automatic ear detection, Seamless Apple device switching, Quick pairing via proximity | 11 levels of adjustable ANC, 4 levels of Transparency (Ambient) mode, 8-microphone system for best-in-class call quality, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bose AR built-in, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Stainless steel headband with fold-flat design |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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