Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
AirPods 3rd Gen deliver compact convenience with spatial audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, making them ideal for iPhone users prioritizing portability. Bose QuietComfort 35 II offer superior noise cancellation with three ANC levels, 20-hour wireless battery life, and over-ear comfort for extended listening sessions. AirPods excel in sound refinement through adaptive EQ and quick charging, achieving 1 hour playback from just 5 minutes. Bose dominates in ANC performance and durability, supporting both wireless and wired connectivity with Google Assistant integration. For Apple loyalists seeking true wireless earbuds with spatial audio, AirPods 3 are compelling at $169. However, frequent travelers or commuters needing robust noise cancellation should invest in QuietComfort 35 II despite higher cost and bulk. AirPods 3 win on value and modern features, but Bose provides better all-day noise isolation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Bose products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.