Apple AirPods 4 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II serve different use cases entirely. AirPods 4 are compact in-ear buds weighing just 4.3g each with 5-hour battery life, offering Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration through the H2 chip. However, they lack active noise cancellation. Bose QuietComfort 35 II are over-ear headphones with industry-leading three-level ANC, delivering 20 hours of wireless battery life and the option for wired playback at 40 hours. Their larger 40mm drivers provide deeper audio, though they weigh 235g and rely on older Bluetooth 4.2. For travelers and Apple users seeking portability, AirPods 4 excel. For professionals or frequent flyers prioritizing noise isolation and extended listening sessions, QuietComfort 35 II remain superior. Budget matters too: AirPods 4 cost $129 versus $299 for Bose. Choose AirPods 4 for value and convenience, Bose for ANC and comfort on long flights.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 if…
- →Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- →Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- →USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
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 4
Pros
- Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration across all devices
- IP54 dust and water resistance for workouts
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — pay $50 more for ANC model
- Open design leaks sound and lets ambient noise in
- AAC only — no aptX or LDAC for Android users
- 5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.3 g (each) | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min charge for 1 hr playback | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Apple H2 chip, custom driver | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ auto-tunes music to ear shape, USB-C charging case, H2 chip with Voice Isolation for calls, Automatic device switching across Apple devices, Find My integration with precision finding | 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 | 5.3 | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 | 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 4 or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.