Prakhar Khanna\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n1. You have a Samsung phone<\/h3>\n The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, like the AirPods with Apple devices, perform best within the Samsung ecosystem. Like Apple, Samsung does not support Bluetooth multipoint, and instead Samsung offers seamless auto-switch between devices. Similarly, support for features like gaming mode, 24-bit\/96kHz ultra-high-quality (UHQ) audio, and head gestures is limited to Galaxy devices running a compatible version of One UI.<\/p>\n
These are high-end features that enhance the user experience in everyday life, so pairing it with a Samsung phone or tablet will give you the best experience. However, you’ll still get great sound, top-notch ANC, customizable EQ, and other settings on other Android devices with the Samsung Wearable app.<\/p>\n
2. You prefer tonal balance in sound<\/h3>\n The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro use Bluetooth 6.1 and support SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless codecs for sound, while the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC, AAC, and aptX lossless codecs. Both the earbuds offer good sound quality, but each has its own characteristics.<\/p>\n
Also: Sony WF-1000XM6 vs. Apple AirPods Pro 3: I tested both earbuds, and this pair wins<\/strong><\/p>\nIn comparison, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are more balanced. They sound balanced in bass, midrange and treble, without sounding too loud at high volumes. I enjoyed listening to vocal-heavy tracks more on the Samsung earbuds than on the QC Ultra Earbuds 2.<\/p>\n
3. You want a more compact and durable pair of earbuds<\/h3>\n The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 are more compact than their predecessor, but they’re still noticeably larger than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Both their cases and earbuds have different sizes. The Samsung earbuds are smaller and lighter than the Bose pair and sit completely inside the ears, giving them a less bulky look overall. In contrast, Bose is sportier with its stability band, which locks the earbuds in place.<\/p>\n
Samsung’s new product is IP57-rated for stronger dust and sweat resistance, compared to the QC Ultra 2’s IPX4 rating. And if you keep your earbuds in your jeans pocket, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are easy to carry because of the small case.<\/p>\n
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You should buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n
Prakhar Khanna\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n1. You want more clear bass and better ANC<\/h3>\n The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 sound more aggressive than their Samsung counterpart. You get a V-shaped sound with a thumping bass response and bright highs. If you like to emphasize both low- and high-end frequencies, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 will be better for you.<\/p>\n
Also: JBL’s latest headphones offer Auracast loophole that Apple won’t be happy with<\/strong><\/p>\nSeparately, a tight seal is necessary for active noise cancellation, and I found the Bose earbuds fit my ears better. As a result, their ANC experience was slightly better than Samsung’s. This may not be true for all sizes of ears, but the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 are the best ANC earbuds for me. I rank them above the Apple AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n
2. You need true multipoint Bluetooth connectivity<\/h3>\n If you have devices from multiple brands, for example, instead of only using Samsung for both phones and laptops, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 will give you a better experience. They support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair both devices together and switch between them without having to reconnect every time. <\/p>\n
When using two phones, you just need to install the Bose app on both devices to set up the system. Bose’s broader platform compatibility may attract more people without limiting certain features to a particular brand. Plus, you get wireless charging, so you can put it on your desk charger and forget about it.<\/p>\n
author’s choice<\/h2>\n I like the fit and comfort of both of these earbuds, but I prefer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2<\/span><\/a><\/span> More so because Bose’s software features are ecosystem-agnostic, and I can access the full features of the earbuds on any of my devices. <\/p>\nBluetooth multipoint connectivity is essential in my daily life; I change phones frequently, and I don’t want to lose some features of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro just because I’m not using a Samsung phone. Additionally, Bose’s noise cancellation better reduces airplane engine noise and provides similar battery life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n