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Top Pros
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Reddit Reviews
When you get a working pair, theyre pretty good! Love the bass, really deep, rich and hits you hard. But the treble was also enjoyable for me! I had issues, but their cs was amazing with warranty and eventually returns. Got the bose qc ultra headphone now!
i think they are great for music and the anc is also one of the best. they also fit pretty much perfect in my ears. if ur preference is music its a nobrainer. BUT like the 1st gen they still have white noise and its annoying in a quiet environment. at some point u also will have crackling noises because of the mics when dust gets into them and the permanent anc. imo they dont sound great for stuff like tv shows, youtube vids, podcasts, etc. they are always kinda too loud kinda too bassy too unreal...voices just dont sound authentic plus THE WHITE NOISE FROM HELL if u lay in bed and just wanna watch some stuff right before sleeping. i also have sennheisers momentum tw 4 and they sound WAY more authentic in podcasts etc. and have another dynamic for music but they have other downsides which the bose doesnt have. just my 2 cents
Would agree that the AirPods Pro 2 are your best bet. I like the sound from the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds but every 1-2 months one bud loses sound and I have to pair them again. So I don't recommend them. I have Sony WF1000XM4 and like them a lot. But if you are going to get those wait for the release of the XM6 this Fall and then get the XM5 cheap. The other I really like are the True Momentum Buds by Sennheiser. But for iPhones the AirPod really works.
I just got some AirPods Pro 3 last night in a raffle at work last night. I had just bought the Bose Quietcomfort Ultra at Costco that morning for $200. Between those two, the noise cancellation is close, but the transparency is much better on the AirPods. I have a headphone problem. I also have AirPods Pro 2, Pixelbuds Pro, Pixelbuds Pro 2, WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Max. I use a Pixel 10, but I also have a MacBook and an iPad, so I have a variety. I would say if you have an iPhone, the AirPods are the best by a wide margin. If you don't, take a look at the Bose.
Bose Quietcomfort Ultra. The noise cancellation is great.
Daily-driver buds are all about convenience: something you can throw in a pocket, pop in for calls, gym sessions, or a grocery run, and forget they’re there until you need them. Below are a few models suggestion from my end that tend to rise to the top of tech-forum polls: **1.** **Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)** • Seamless iOS integration, reliable ANC/transparency, and the tiny case make them a no-brainer for iPhone users. • Mic performance is consistently strong for FaceTime or work calls. **2.** **Sony WF-1000XM5** • Class-leading active noise cancellation, customizable EQ, and multipoint Bluetooth. • If you commute on loud trains or value audiophile-grade tuning, these are tough to beat. **3.** **Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro** • Automatic device switching within the Samsung ecosystem, 24-bit audio with supported Galaxy phones, and comfy oval design. • Very pocket-friendly case compared with other premium ANC buds. **4.** **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds** • The best passive fit + ANC combo on the market; they turn coffee shops into libraries. • Bose’s “Immersive Audio” spatial mode can add a bit of fun for Netflix on the couch. **5.** **Jabra Elite 8 Active** • Rugged IP68 rating and strong ear-lock fit make them ideal gym or outdoor companions. • Jabra’s multi-point lets you jump from laptop to phone without menu diving. **6.** **Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3** • Spacious, hi-fi soundstage and aptX Adaptive codec for Android users. • Case is a little thicker, but battery life compensates. **7.** **Cleer ARC II (open-ear)** • For anyone who dislikes having tips jammed in their ear canal all day, Cleer’s ARC series uses an open-ear “air-conduction” design. You hear your surroundings naturally while still getting surprisingly full mids and highs for music or podcasts. Perfect if you bounce between office chats, street traffic, and quick playlists without wanting total isolation. **Quick decision filter** • iPhone heavy user → AirPods Pro (ease of use) • Loud commute / flights → Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra • Android hi-res listener → Sennheiser MTW3 • Rugged workouts → Jabra Elite 8 Active • Need situational awareness → Cleer ARC II
My momentum 4s came in the mail is quiet comfort ultras they were pretty good I'm yet to see how the momentums sound
Thanks for sharing your perspective on both. I bought and tried both as well but found I couldn't get a good fit or seal with any of the Airpods Pro 3 eartips at all, so as a result the sound to me wasn't good. The call quality though was fantastic. For me, the Bose have the better fit and seal, and the ANC and sound are fantastic. Call quality on the Bose is OK but not great. In the end, I returned the AirPods and kept the Bose and am very satisfied with the purchase.
I have QC Ultras and was also losing connection but I read somewhere that you go into your Settings and then to Apps click the Bose app and turn off the app’s permission to access Bluetooth. I did that and I haven’t lost connection since and it has been days now. I hope it works just as well for you as it has for me.
Rankings by Use Case
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Best for Air travel

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Best for High-intensity workouts

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Best for Industrial hearing protection

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Sony - WF-1000XM5
Best for Meetings & video calls

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Best for Situational awareness (when running, cycling, parenting etc)

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Shokz - OpenFit Series





