Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: I tried both, and this pair wins

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I put the most recent Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in opposition to Bose’s flagship earbuds, the QuietComfort Ultra 2, and the rivalry was nearer than anticipated. 

Each fashions are light-weight, snug to put on, provide comparable energetic noise cancellation efficiency, and last as long as (roughly) 5.5 hours on a cost. I am glad Bose improved its slot in 2025, and Samsung is now interesting to extra individuals by deviating from its one-off LED-equipped design from final yr.

Additionally: I found true AirPods Pro rivals in these Samsung earbuds – and they’re better in several ways

Each the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional and QuietComfort Extremely 2 earbuds have a well-rounded characteristic set. However rather a lot depends upon the system you are pairing them with and the sound profile you favor. When you’re confused about which sub-$300 earbuds to get, let me enable you select.

Specs

You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional if…

1. You personal a Samsung telephone

The Galaxy Buds 4 Professional carry out finest throughout the Samsung ecosystem, like AirPods with Apple units. Like Apple, Samsung does not help Bluetooth multipoint, and as a substitute affords seamless auto-switch between Samsung units. Equally, help for options corresponding to Gaming mode, 24-bit/96kHz ultra-high-quality (UHQ) audio, and Head Gestures is restricted to Galaxy units operating a appropriate model of One UI.

These are high-end options that improve the person expertise in day-to-day life, so pairing with a Samsung telephone or pill offers you one of the best expertise. Nevertheless, you will nonetheless get nice sound, top-notch ANC, customizable EQ, and different settings on different Android units with the Samsung Wearable app.

2. You favor tonal steadiness in sound

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional use Bluetooth 6.1 and help SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec for sound, whereas the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 join by way of Bluetooth 5.3 and help SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless codecs. Each earbuds provide good sound high quality, however every has its personal traits.

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The Galaxy Buds 4 Professional are extra balanced as compared. They sound balanced throughout bass, midrange, and treble, which does not sound too sharp at excessive volumes. I appreciated listening to vocal-heavy tracks on the Samsung earbuds greater than the QC Extremely Earbuds 2.

3. You desire a extra compact and sturdy pair of earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Extremely 2 are extra compact than their predecessor, however they’re nonetheless fairly massive in comparison with the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional. Their circumstances and earbuds are each formed in another way. The Samsung earbuds are smaller and lighter than Bose’s pair and sit absolutely contained in the ear, giving them a much less cumbersome look total. Against this, Bose is extra sporty with its stability bands, which lock the earbuds in place.

Samsung’s new product is IP57-rated for stronger mud and sweat resistance, in comparison with the QC Extremely 2’s IPX4 ranking. And for those who carry your earbuds in your denims pockets, the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional are simpler to hold, due to a smaller case.

You can purchase the Bose QuietComfort Extremely 2 if…

1. You need extra pronounced bass and higher ANC

The Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2 sound extra aggressive than their Samsung counterpart. You get a thumping bass response and a V-shaped sound with brighter highs. When you take pleasure in an emphasis on each low- and high-end frequencies, the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 will go well with you higher.

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Individually, a good seal is crucial for energetic noise cancellation, and I discovered that the Bose earbuds match my ears higher. In consequence, their ANC expertise was barely higher than Samsung’s. It may not be true for all ear shapes, however the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 are one of the best ANC earbuds for me. I fee them above the Apple AirPods Professional 3.

2. You want true multipoint Bluetooth connectivity

If in case you have units from a number of manufacturers as a substitute of, say, simply utilizing Samsung for each telephone and laptop computer, the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2 offers you a greater expertise. They help multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, so you’ll be able to pair each units concurrently and swap between them with out reconnecting every time. 

When utilizing two telephones, you simply want to put in the Bose app on each units to arrange the system. Bose’s broader platform compatibility with out limiting sure options to a selected model would possibly attraction to extra individuals. Plus, you get wi-fi charging, so you’ll be able to put it in your desk charger and neglect about it.

Author’s alternative

I like the match and luxury of each these earbuds, however I favor the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 extra as a result of Bose’s software program options are ecosystem-agnostic, and I can entry the earbuds’ full suite of options on any of my units. 

Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is crucial in my day-to-day; I swap telephones often, and I do not wish to lose out on sure options on the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional simply because I am not utilizing a Samsung telephone. Additionally, Bose’s noise cancellation dampens airplane engine noise higher and delivers comparable battery life.