Noise-Cancelling Heavyweights Face Off: Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs. Sony WF-1000XM4
If you're shooping for a pair of true wireless noise-cancelling earphones, you're likely considering the $250 Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), the $300 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and the $280 Sony WF-1000XM4. We put each pair of earphones through the same extensive range of active noise cancellation (ANC) tests to determine which works the best. We also evaluate every other factor you should consider before buying, including audio performance, battery life, and mic quality.
Dive into our detailed analysis below, and feel free to add your thoughts about any of these models in the comments section.
The Apple and Bose earphones both offer better noise cancellation than Sony, but we give slight preference to the QC Earbuds II because of their more consistent approach.
The AirPods dial up a more effective ANC profile in certain situations, but they tend to more noticeably adjust to new noises (such as when a train passes or a loud AC unit turns on). Even slight adjustments to how the AirPods sit in your ears can result in a brand new ANC profile (though admittedly, often for the better). The QC Earbuds II, on the other hand, emit a chime when you insert them into your ear, create an ideal ANC profile, and then make only subtle changes in the presence of new sounds. That said, the AirPods introduce almost no audible hiss to the signal in a quiet room with ANC active, something the Bose model can't claim.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose’s latest earphones are so good at dialing back deep low-frequency rumble (like you hear on a plane) that you might not even detect it at all. On some of tests, we could feel the rumble blasting, but the actual sound was nearly inaudible. Apple’s new AirPods are also fantastic
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