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Apple AirPods 4 vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods 4BoseUltra Open Earbuds
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024February 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–
ChipH2–
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom 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; Voice Isolation; lossless audio with Apple Vision ProBose 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 5 hoursUp to 7 hours
With the caseUp to 30 hoursUp to 26.5 hours
Wireless chargingNoNo
Battery life detail–Bose 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 caseCharging Case (USB-C), charged by USB-C cable onlyUSB-C; earbuds charge in up to 1 hour, the case in up to 3 hours; a wireless charging case cover is sold separately
Fast charging5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening10 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)4.3 g6.4 g
Water and sweat resistanceIP54IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.3
Two devices at once–Yes
ControlsForce sensor on the stems (press once to play, pause or answer a call; twice to end a call or skip forward; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri); “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions by nodding or shaking your headA 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 microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer–
Fit and ear tipsOpen-ear design with no ear 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 weight32.3 g0.097 lb (about 44 g)
Water resistance detailIP54 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods and charging caseIPX4 for the earbuds
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other 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 4 and Charging Case (USB-C), documentation; USB-C cable sold separatelyTwo earbuds, charging case, USB-C (A to C) cable (30 cm), safety sheet

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