The Apple AirPods 2 are massively common true wi-fi earbuds. They provide an excellent mixture of fantastic battery life, simple-to-use controls and good sound high quality. However how do they fare towards a top-performing rival such because the sporty Bose SoundSport Free?
The SoundSport Frees additionally supply glorious sound high quality, and have established a military of followers because of their spectacular match and sporty design. However is that sufficient to mitigate the simplicity and reliability of Apple’s stylish second-generation AirPods?
Who wins the battery life battle? Which pair is the most effective worth for cash? And which ‘buds will do your music assortment justice? Let the Apple AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free battle start…
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: value
Bose’s true wi-fi earbuds hit the cabinets at £180 ($199, AU$ however have since dropped considerably. You may discover right this moment’s finest today’s best Bose SoundSport Free deals listed under.
The Apple AirPods 2 launched again in 2019 at £159 ($159, AU$249). Demand has remained robust and costs have held up fairly effectively. After a reduction? It is value checking our our itemizing of right this moment’s best AirPods deals.
The AirPods 2 include a fundamental charging case as customary however there’s additionally the choice to purchase the buds with Apple’s Wi-fi Charging Case for £199 ($199, AU$319).
It is also value noting that’s Apple is because of launch its rumoured AirPods 3 later this 12 months, which may drive down the worth of the AirPods 2. Bose additionally not too long ago launched the Bose Sport Earbuds.
Simply need the most affordable choice obtainable now? Bag a cut price on the Bose buds.
**Winner: Bose SoundSport Free**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: battery life
Moveable audio merchandise usually dwell and die primarily based on their battery life. In spite of everything, there is not any level in proudly owning any wi-fi earbuds in the event that they consistently run out of juice.
The Apple AirPods have the sting on the subject of battery life. Whereas each units supply 5 hours of playback when full, each include charging instances that maintain further battery energy, permitting you to power-up your ‘buds on the go.
Apple’s charging case gives a complete of 24 hours playback, whereas the Bose charging case affords 15 hours whole. What’s extra, the AirPods 2 cost quickly. You get three hours playback from a 15-minute cost, whereas the SoundSport Free buds solely return 45 minutes from a fast cost.
**Winner: Apple AirPods 2**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: design
There isn’t any denying that the AirPods are sleeker, lighter and extra compact. That stated, Apple’s supposed “one-size-fits-all” design does not go well with everybody. Some discover they match snugly; others have hassle getting them to remain in.
The Bose SoundSport Free are barely pricier and blend a rugged design with just a few premium touches. Constructed for sporty sorts, they’re IPX4 sweat- and water resistant. The AirPods? They are not formally rated for sweat (nevermind water) so you will have to make use of them at your personal danger.
The Bose buds additionally include StayHear suggestions that characteristic little wings that relaxation towards the within of your ear for added stability. They arrive in small, medium and enormous sizes, which implies they need to match most ears.
All in all, Apple’s AirPods 2 are a much more elegant affair however the chunky SportSport Free buds have sportier attraction – and you have got a greater likelihood of a superior match if you happen to go the Bose route.
**Winner: draw**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: sound high quality
The Apple AirPods 2 are a marked enchancment over the primary technology. There isn’t any synthetic bass enhance, however they go louder and sound extra composed. Sound is impartial and low-level dynamic shifts are dealt with admirably. It is honest to say that they lack a bit of low-end authority however total, they ship an interesting efficiency.
The SportSport Frees are a step up from the AirPods, although. They produce a richer, weightier sound with larger physique and a plentiful provide of bass. Highs are crisper and vocals are extra expressive.
Neither of those buds affords energetic noise-cancelling, solely noise isolation. And because of their silicone suggestions, the Bose in-ears do a much better job of blocking out the world.
**Winner: Bose SoundSport Free**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: connectivity
Each pairs have a variety of 35ft and carried out beautifully in our assessments, with no main dropouts. Nonetheless, there are just a few professionals and cons that might have an effect on your shopping for determination.
Apple’s H1 chip within the AirPods 2 makes use of Bluetooth 5.Zero to make sure quick pairing with Apple units, preserve a stable connection and allow “Hey Siri” voice instructions. The AirPods join immediately to your final audio gadget and the bud-to-bud connection is exceptionally robust. In addition they assist Apple’s Audio Sharing characteristic, which permits two folks to hearken to the identical audio from one iPhone.
The SoundSport Free additionally run Bluetooth 5.0. Nonetheless, whereas that ensures a stable connection they do not pair fairly as swiftly because the AirPods 2. If you happen to’re an iPhone or iPad person, the seamless expertise that Apple’s H1 chip gives may seal the deal.
**Winner: Apple AirPods 2**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: controls
The AirPods are designed to work with Siri voice instructions and their easy touch-sensitive controls. Customers can assign one double-tap management to every earbud. And whereas the shortage of bodily buttons appears to be like super-sleek, it does restrict the scope of the controls – particularly for many who do not need to seem like they’re speaking to themselves.
The SoundSport Free buds characteristic a full array of bodily controls, together with the flexibility to vary the quantity, skip tracks and reply calls. In our opinion, they seem to be a bit simpler to become familiar with.
**Winner: Bose SoundSport Free**
AirPods 2 vs Bose SoundSport Free: verdict
So, the AirPods vs Bose SoundSport Free conflict is a story of two halves. The AirPods 2 are a pretty all-round package deal for Apple customers and boast class-leading battery life. However if you happen to’re the sporty kind, and need higher audio efficiency, you is likely to be higher off making a beeline for the Bose SoundSport Free. They’re a bit of on the chunky facet and have been trumped by the pricier Bose Sport Earbuds, however on the (decreased) value, the superb-sounding SoundSport Free are an excellent purchase.
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