tomtad
macrumors 68040
It's a hangover from the iPod but I agree. The EQ should be in the Sound and AirPods setting panels.
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Video: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort II
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It's a hangover from the iPod but I agree. The EQ should be in the Sound and AirPods setting panels.
Wildhope
macrumors regular
I read other reviews that’s said the Bose noise canceling sounds as good as the over the ear quiet comfort so not sure how much I believe this until other reviews confirm.
bpeeps
Suspended
For what it’s worth, I just upgraded from APP to the APP2 and the ANC is much better. Do not know if it’s twice better as Apple claims, but it is very good. The sound quality, especially the mids and bass, are also much better as well. I am satisfied with the purchase and feel no need to test out the new Bose, especially at fifty dollars more.
Ntombi
macrumors 68040
The Verge did this test on a ferry. It was illuminating, and the results weren’t what I expected.
Agree with sound and ANC comments but I also had QC2 and returned as the volume adjustment just did n't work - too sensitive and resulted in changing through the ANC settings. Also ANC had a continuous loud hiss unlike the APP 2
The Ability for the Air Pods Pro to detect which device to connect to, based on what you pick up to use.. ie. macbook, ipad or iphone is just excellent. I love this feature.
Interesting you feel that way. I don’t doubt your experience but I find much more hiss with the APP2. Volume controls work great for me once I got used to them (15 seconds) on the Bose. If you just swipe they work great. If you hold down it invokes Siri or switches ANC. I really like that I can play/pause/next track/previous track/volume control all on the QCII. The APP2 are way too finnicky to adjust volume in that you actually have to spend the time to grab the stem.
Both good earbuds but the QCII is a revelation to me. Wasn’t expecting to be so blown away, but here we are.
Can’t argue with this. It’s a major feature for many. Priorities will vary for users.
I also find that the Sony WF1000XM4 is noticeably better than the APP 2 in both noise cancelling and sound quality. Apple wins out in transparency mode and call clarity
I own both btw
The microphones may be comparable too, as Apple uses some of the cheapest, lowest quality microphones in the industry, And as usual zero objective microphone testing, or any objective sound quality testing at all in an MR article.
Yes you do have a way of "actually quantifying how much better."
For Example:
Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 packs a strong punch, but is it enough to knock out the Apple AirPods Pro as the default buds for iPhone owners?
www.soundguys.com
That is how objective testing is done.
In case it wasn't clear in the video, the fact that AirPods Pro lack EQ is not a feature. And while we're on the subject, EQ in Apple Music is not good enough for those who would like all AirPods Pro audio regulated by EQ settings. The Accessibility settings allow some modifications, but they're not granular enough to be called EQ yet suffice to demonstrate Apple could provide EQ if it wanted.
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Yep, can’t argue with that assessment. Apple does some great things with the APP2, but as ANC earbuds they’re not that great. If people are not used to some fantastic ANC though they will be happy and not know what they’re missing.
My wife’s jaw dropped when she went from the APP2 to the Bose QC II earbuds. I had our SNOOZ white noise machine on at near full volume 4 feet from her and the sound just disappeared nearly completely. Bose has worked some sorcery here.
You lost me the moment you said Bose has better sound quality. Personally, Sony and Sennheiser sound leaps better than Bose.
JGIGS
macrumors 68000
Most reviewers say they still are better than the airpods pro. At the end the day I'm sure both are more than sufficient for most users.
Most of the time I'm using them I want to hear whats going on around me and I believe airpods pro are the king of transparency mode, so probably rather have that then slightly less ANC anyway.
Why is there no mention of Spatial Audio? Bose doesn’t offer it and it’s Apple’s game changing feature in the world of audio.
You know, I’ve always loved the sound of Apple’s earphones, even the ones that shipped with the original iPhone and on up. They have a great, even, neutral sound. I would try others - even higher-end ones from Bose and Shure - but would always go back to the $30 wired set.
When I bought the first-gen AirPods, the clarity was a bit surprising, in a good way. More convenient without lacking any of the quality of the wired buds.
The AirPods and AirPods Pro are hard to beat. Apple may not always make the best of any given product (though they often do, arguably), but the integration and functionality make it hard to look elsewhere, especially when, in this case, they’re cheaper than Bose’s offering. I’m surprised they weren’t priced cheaper to better compete, but I suppose they thought about that.
Bose made a killer compact CD player back in the day, but I’ve always been disappointed in their headsets.
When I bought the first-gen AirPods, the clarity was a bit surprising, in a good way. More convenient without lacking any of the quality of the wired buds.
The AirPods and AirPods Pro are hard to beat. Apple may not always make the best of any given product (though they often do, arguably), but the integration and functionality make it hard to look elsewhere, especially when, in this case, they’re cheaper than Bose’s offering. I’m surprised they weren’t priced cheaper to better compete, but I suppose they thought about that.
Bose made a killer compact CD player back in the day, but I’ve always been disappointed in their headsets.
Same here. Bose's sound quality is horrendous.
The only thing they have going for them is ANC. That is exactly why the NFL uses Bose.
SFjohn
macrumors 68030
Foam tips are great for AirPo Pros, finally got them to stay in my ears. More comfortable as well. I use the Comply Premium Earphone Tips, but there are many other brands. They have to be replaced every so often, but it’s totally worth it to me.
have you used these new earbuds or are you just making blanket statements based on your feelings in the past? Bose doesn't hit it out of the park every time, but they aren't awful either. Plus, this review isn't just comparing every available earbuds out there as my favorite sound usually comes from Shure...this is just Apple vs Bose at the moment..