Torn between two of the most popular wireless noise-canceling headphones today? The over-ear Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds have significantly different designs and price points, with the Bose being 150 USD more expensive at the time of writing. With these obvious differences aside, how do they stack up against each other when it comes to sound quality and other features? Keep reading to find out.
Listen to music and make phone calls anywhere without being disturbed with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Features powerful noise cancellation, gorgeous sound, and impressive voice pickup.
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Bose 700 vs AirPods Pro Comparison Chart
| Model | Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 | |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Walmart | Check Price at Amazon |
| Dimensions | 2โณ x 6.5โณ x 8โณ | 0.94″ x 0.86″ x 1.22″ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| ANC Levels | 11 | 3 |
| Runtime | Up to 20 hours | Listening: Up to 5 Hours ANC: Up to 4.5 Hours Talktime: Up to 3.5 Hours |
| Quick Charging | 15 minutes for up to 3.5 hours | 5 minutes for up to 1 hour |
| Charging Case | N/A | Up to 19 hours, Wireless |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Microphones | 8 | 4 |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Sweat and Water Resistant (IPX4) | No | Yes |
| Color Options | Black, Luxe Silver, Soapstone | White |
Design
The AirPods Pro are more portable, but the over-ear Bose Headphones 700 provide better external sound isolation
While the Bose are over-ear headphones and the AirPods Pro are earbuds, both are thoughtfully-built using high-quality materials and beautifully-designed. Since the Bose are over-ear headphones, the physical isolation that their earcups provide is hard to beat by the AirPods Pro’s tiny earbuds.
However, it’s incredible how Apple packed Active Noise Canceling (ANC) capabilities in those tiny earbuds, a feature that used to be generally available with over-ear headphones. When it comes to comfort and ease of use, the Bose 700’s ear cups are soft and comfortable. However, the headphones can accumulate sweat, leave marks on your face, or mess up your hair unlike with earbuds. If you are traveling for long hours, it’s easier to sleep with the AirPods Pro’s wireless earbuds than with headphones.
If you intend on using your wireless noise-canceling headphones while working out, the AirPods Pro will stay more securely in your ears than the Bose 700 on your head. The Bose Headphones 700 are not sweat and water-resistant so it’s not a good idea to use them if you do rigorous workouts.
The Apple AirPods Pro boast impressive noise-canceling, seamless connectivity, responsive touch controls, and long-lasting battery life. If you need to hear your surroundings, holding the sensor in the AirPods Pros will activate Transparency Mode.
Noise Cancellation
The Bose 700 have superior active noise-cancellation
Its eleven ANC levels and the physical isolation that the earcups provide make the Bose Headphones 700 superior to the AirPods Pro. You can adjust the different levels depending on your desire and need to hear your surroundings. The highest levels work perfectly when you’re on the plane and want to block off the hum of the engines. When you still need to hear your surroundings, you can easily adjust the ANC levels to the necessary setting.
While the AirPods Pro only has three ANC levels (ANC, Transparency, Off), that is not to say that they do not get the job done. These light, tiny earbuds still deliver superb noise-cancellation, thanks to the outward-facing and inward-facing microphones found in each earpiece. Apple’s Adaptive EQ technology adjusts the active noise cancellation for a more immersive listening experience. If you turn the ANC on while listening to music, you won’t hear the external noise unless you focus on listening to your surroundings.
Whichever noise-canceling headphones you pick though, err on the side of caution and turn off the ANC function when crossing the streets or walking in congested areas.
The Apple AirPods Pro boast impressive noise-canceling, seamless connectivity, responsive touch controls, and long-lasting battery life. If you need to hear your surroundings, holding the sensor in the AirPods Pros will activate Transparency Mode.
Sound Quality
Both have excellent sound quality, but Bose will be Bose
The Bose Headphones 700 boasts premium sound quality through its active EQ and top-notch bass response, but you might notice that they let mid frequencies through. Another win for Bose is its adaptive mic system. Even in a crowded, noisy place, the microphone noise-canceling capabilities of these headphones will let the person on the other line clearly hear you. If you are a frequent flyer who makes tons of calls while on the go, the Bose 700s’ won’t disappoint.
Although the Bose provides extraordinary sound quality that’s hard to beat, the AirPods Pro still fare well in this category. They still get the job done and work well better than most wireless headphones when it comes to calls.
Set up and Controls
The AirPods Pro are easier to pair and control
Pairing your AirPods Pro to your Apple device is a breeze. Simply open the charging case close to your device and that’s it. If you’re an Android user, connecting through Bluetooth is also quick and effortless.
Both the Bose 700 and AirPods Pro have Bluetooth 5.0 and pair pretty quickly. However, the Apple wireless earbuds are more user-friendly and intuitive than the Bose. Using voice control with your Bose can be a hit and miss when accessing your smart assistant. The same thing can happen when using the button found on the earcup for accessing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Listen to music and make phone calls anywhere without being disturbed with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Features powerful noise cancellation, gorgeous sound, and impressive voice pickup.
The right earcup of the Bose 700 has touch controls for making calls, playing tracks, or adjusting volume. On the left earcup is a button you can press to adjust ANC levels or turn the Conversation Mode on. In contrast, the AirPods Pro do not have any physical controls. Instead, all controls can be done through tapping or holding the force sensors located on their stems.
Another thing to note when setting up your AirPods Pro is the Ear Tip Fit Test. You can use it on your phone to identify which among the three included ear tips fit your ears perfectly.
Additional Features
The AirPods Pro are sweat and water-resistant and have a wireless charging case while the Bose boasts longer runtime
While the AirPods Pro can only be used for up to five hours, the Bose 700 can be used for up to 20 hours on a full charge. If you travel for long hours, this long battery life will come in handy. Both are equipped with fast charging though so charging them for a couple of minutes allows up to an hour of listening time. An upside to the AirPods Pro is you can conveniently use its charging case for an extra 19 hours of battery life.
Another major difference between the two is the AirPods Pro are IPX4-rated. As they are sweat and water-resistant, you can use these wireless earbuds for non-water exercises and sports.
Verdict
The Bose 700 have better noise-cancellation capabilities, but the AirPods Pro offer more value for your money
You will simply get your money’s worth with the Apple AirPods Pro. These tiny, portable, noise-canceling earbuds pack impressive ANC capabilities and great sound quality when making calls. At a much lower price point, Apple’s water-resistant earbuds offer more versatility and seamless connectivity. You can also use the Pros comfortably while working out. With the Bose, you might need another pair of headphones for doing sports because they are not sweat-resistant.
Perhaps for some, the slight difference in sound quality and noise-cancellation make the price difference worth it. Undeniably, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 deliver excellent noise-canceling wireless headphones with sound quality that is hard to beat. You’re more likely to maximize this quality if you are a frequent flyer who needs to make calls all the time while traveling (and don’t mind using over-ear headphones).
FAQ
The noise-canceling and stunning audio quality of the Bose NC 700 are hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective pair of earbuds that you can use for workouts a well, the AirPods Pro remains a solid choice.
No, the Bose NC 700 are not water and sweat-resistant.
No, the AirPods Pro are sweat and water-resistant, but they’re not recommended for use for swimming or any activities that will submerge them in water.
In terms of portability, the AirPods Pro win as they are more compact. However, the Bose 700 and their comfortable earcups and ANC levels make them great for long haul flights as well.