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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods (3rd generation)BoseUltra Open Earbuds
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2021February 2024
Sound
TypeOpen-earOpen-ear
Noise cancellingNoNo
Transparency modeNo–
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Lossless over USB-CNo–
ChipH1–
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifierBose OpenAudio, a transducer in a tightly controlled acoustic structure that aims sound at the ear canal with little leakage
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys)Bose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the sound in place as you turn your head; Motion lets it follow) using an onboard IMU; Auto Volume adjusts the volume to the noise around you; three-band EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 7 hours
With the caseUp to 30 hoursUp to 26.5 hours
Wireless chargingYesNo
Battery life detailUp to 5 hours with Personalised Spatial Audio enabledBose UK's page gives up to 7 hours per charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume on) and up to 19.5 more hours from the case (12 hours with Immersive Audio on); the launch press release and owner's guide give 7.5 hours per charge and 27 hours in total (3.5 hours per charge with both Immersive Audio and Auto Volume on); up to 48 hours connected but not playing
Charging caseMagSafe case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging or Lightning; Lightning-only case introduced in 2022 has no wireless chargingUSB-C; earbuds charge in up to 1 hour, the case in up to 3 hours; a wireless charging case cover is sold separately
Fast chargingAround 1 hour of listening after 5 minutes in the case10 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)4.28 g6.4 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4IPX4
Bluetooth5.05.3
Two devices at once–Yes
ControlsForce sensor for playback, calls and Siri; “Hey Siri”; no stem volume controlA physical button on top of each earbud's battery barrel for play, pause, skip, volume and calls; press-and-hold shortcut customisable in the Bose app (for example Switch Source)
MicrophonesDual beamforming and inward-facing microphones; skin-detecting sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers–
Fit and ear tipsOpen-ear design without silicone tipsCuff-shaped design that clips onto the side of the ear, with a silicone-coated flex arm joining the speaker to a battery barrel behind the ear; plastic (PC-ABS), metal and silicone
Case weight37.91 g0.097 lb (about 44 g)
DimensionsEach earbud 30.79 × 18.26 × 19.21 mm; case 46.40 × 54.40 × 21.38 mm (height × width × depth)–
Water resistance detailIPX4 for earbuds and case; resistance can diminish over timeIPX4 for the earbuds
Works withApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited featuresBose app (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices since a July 2024 update; Google Fast Pair; Personal Surround Sound as rear speakers with the Bose Smart Soundbar (2024)
ColoursWhiteBlack and White Smoke at launch; Bose UK has since sold several limited editions, currently Desert Gold
In the boxAirPods, Lightning or MagSafe charging case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentationTwo earbuds, charging case, USB-C (A to C) cable (30 cm), safety sheet

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