Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) / Apple AirPods 4

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): QCUH2-HEADPHONEARN · second-generation over-ear Ultra

Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

SpecificationBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)Apple AirPods 4
Release year20252024
LaunchAnnounced 10 September 2025; available from 2 October 2025 Bose—
Noise controlActive noise cancellation; Quiet and ambient-sound Aware modes BoseVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

Apple
WirelessBluetooth 5.4; multipoint connection to two devices

Bose quotes a 30 ft (about 9 m) range. On Snapdragon Sound sources, Gaming Mode uses aptX Adaptive.

Bose		—
Digital audioUSB-C; 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio support

The product page’s current FAQ says 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz for USB audio; manufacturer sources disagree on bit depth.

Bose		—
Analog audio2.5 mm headphone input; included 3.5 mm–2.5 mm cable; headphones must be powered on Bose—
BatteryUp to 30 hours with ANC on and immersive audio off; 23 hours with immersive audio; 45 hours with both off

Manufacturer test figures; volume, settings and use affect runtime.

Bose		Up to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

Apple
ChargingUSB-C; up to 3 hours for a full charge; 15 minutes for up to 3 hours with ANC on BoseCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

Apple
ControlsPower/Bluetooth and multifunction buttons; touch volume strip; wear detection BosePress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

Apple
Weight and sizeHeadphones about 264 g; 4.5 × 16.0 × 20.5 cm

Manufacturer figures are 0.583 lb and 1.772 × 6.299 × 8.071 in; metric values are converted.

Bose		—
In the boxCarry case; 3.5–2.5 mm audio cable; 1 m USB-C to USB-C cable

No charging adapter in the box.

Bose		—
ModesQuiet, Aware, Immersion, Cinema; EQ and shortcuts in the Bose app Bose—
Water resistanceNo IP rating; avoid situations where the headphones may get wet Bose—
PC calls8.2.20 and later: two-way PC audio over USB-C; app compatibility varies Bose—
Software 10.12.128 September 2026: LE Audio beta on compatible Android/Windows devices and improved USB calls Bose—
Type—Open-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Apple
Audio technology—Custom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

Apple
Chip—H2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Apple
Microphones and sensors—Dual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

Apple
Durability—IP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

Apple
Connectivity—Bluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Apple
Size and weight—Earbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g Apple
Accessibility—Live Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations Apple