# What is the difference between AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

> Comparing Apple and Bose premium noise-canceling earbuds

*Published: 2026-03-24 | Updated: 2026-03-24 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/airpods-pro-3-vs-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-comparison*

---

## Product: AirPods Pro 3
**Brand:** Apple

Choosing between [AirPods Pro 3](https://www.shopsavvy.com/products/kN6SsYyhYtu4qA) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds comes down to what matters most to you. Both are excellent premium earbuds that excel in different areas.

## Price

- **AirPods Pro 3:** $249
- **Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen:** $299

## Noise Cancellation

Both offer excellent ANC. AirPods Pro 3 are genuinely impressive for daily use. However, if you need the absolute quietest experience possible, Bose maintains a slight edge.

## Battery Life

AirPods Pro 3 win decisively:
- **AirPods Pro 3:** 8+ hours with ANC, 24+ hours total with case
- **Bose QC Ultra:** ~5.5 hours with ANC, ~18 hours total

That's a significant difference for long flights or all-day wear.

## Sound Quality

- **AirPods Pro 3:** Balanced, neutral tuning; better Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos content; AAC codec only
- **Bose QC Ultra:** Warmer, bass-forward signature; aptX Adaptive for hi-res streaming; in-app EQ customization

## Unique Features

**AirPods Pro 3 exclusive:**
- Heart rate tracking during workouts
- FDA-authorized hearing aid mode
- Live Translation for real-time language translation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Find My with Precision Finding

**Bose advantages:**
- Full Android app with equal functionality
- Adjustable EQ settings
- Potentially better fit for some ear shapes

## Water Resistance

- **AirPods Pro 3:** IP57 (water and dust resistant)
- **Bose QC Ultra:** IPX4 (splash/sweat resistant only)

## The Bottom Line

**Choose AirPods Pro 3** if you're invested in Apple's ecosystem, want health and fitness features, need better battery life, or prefer balanced sound.

**Choose Bose** if maximum noise cancellation is paramount, you use Android, want EQ customization, or prefer bass-heavy sound.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Amazon | $219.99  | Check |

---

*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*