Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Beats Powerbeats Pro is the cheaper of the two at $249 versus $449, a difference of about $200. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Beats Powerbeats Pro stands out for ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is praised for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro if…
- →Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- →H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- →9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Pros & Cons
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- 9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
- IPX4 handles sweat and rain during outdoor training
- Physical buttons are reliable — no accidental touch inputs
Cons
- Charging case is enormous compared to competitors
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- No ANC at $249 is a tough sell against AirPods Pro
- Ear hooks make them impossible to use while lying on your side
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Powerbeats Pro | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 20.3 g (pair) | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 9 hrs (24 hrs total with case) | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | Custom 12mm driver | — |
| Features | Apple H1 chip with Hey Siri, Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, Volume and track controls on each earbud, Automatic play/pause with ear detection, 9-hour battery per charge | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | — |
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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 Beats products or all Bose products. View full details for the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).