Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

ANC is generally useful to strong, with several reviewers praising it, while others note it is not always class-leading or fit-proof.

Reviewers strongly agree that ANC is the standout feature: it removes airplane, subway, traffic, keyboard, cafe, and other ambient noise better than most or all earbuds they tested, with only minor caveats about hiss or sudden spikes.

Android and Samsung compatibility is useful but restrictive, since the best features require Galaxy devices and some are Android-only.

Android users are treated as a strong audience because the earbuds support advanced options and Snapdragon-related features, though some phone compatibility limits remain.

The app and settings experience is feature-rich, but one review called the Galaxy Wear app bare-bones and another notes a learning curve.

The Bose app is useful and sometimes clean, offering modes, controls, sources, EQ, and fit tools, but reviewers also found it mandatory, occasionally daunting, and not especially customizable.

aptX support is effectively absent based on evidence that the buds are not compatible with AptX hi-res formats.

aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound support is viewed as a useful premium codec feature for compatible devices.

Latency evidence is mixed: common codecs are said to lag minimally, but hi-res settings and missing low-latency modes add caveats.

Audio-video sync is praised for video editing, but gaming latency is criticized for quick-reaction games, making latency performance mixed by use case.

Auracast support is clearly present and repeatedly noted as useful for public or shared broadcasts.

Bass is a consistent strength, described as deep, energetic, punchy, and extended, though one review found it too strong on some tracks.

Bass is generally rich, punchy, and deep, but some reviewers think Bose overboosts the low end or gives it too much emphasis for neutral listening.

Battery life is adequate but not a standout, with repeated six-hour ANC evidence and several concerns versus rivals.

Battery life is consistently described as adequate or average rather than class-leading, usually around six hours with ANC and less with immersive audio.

Bluetooth support is modern and generally stable, centered on Bluetooth 6.1, with one review noting some dropouts.

Bluetooth reliability is mostly positive, with several reviewers reporting no dropouts, though one reviewer wished Bose had moved beyond Bluetooth 5.3.

Build quality evidence is limited but positive, including a reviewer saying the redesigned case feels more durable.

Build quality is described as premium for the earbuds themselves, even when the case does not always feel equally high-end.

Hi-res playback is a strong Galaxy-specific feature, with repeated 24-bit/96kHz UHQ or SSC evidence.

Pinch and stem controls are generally effective, though one review found the pinch area somewhat painful or awkward.

For running, one reviewer would prefer physical button controls because touch gestures are harder to use precisely during workouts.

The included cable drew a minor complaint because PCMag wanted a longer USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

The carry case is generally praised for its clear lid, magnetic feel, easier bud placement, and visibility.

The case is functional and now charges wirelessly, but reviewers repeatedly describe it as bulky, clunky, or less premium than the earbuds.

Charging is a strength because reviewers cite wireless charging plus wired USB-C case charging.

Charging is a notable upgrade thanks to wireless charging and case improvements, although one running-focused review found quick charging slower than ideal.

Codec support is strong inside the Samsung ecosystem, but non-Samsung devices fall back to common lower codecs.

Codec support is praised as premium because the earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs.

Comfort is widely praised, including long listening sessions, flights, and multi-hour use without fatigue for several reviewers.

Comfort is a major strength for many reviewers over long sessions, flights, runs, and daily use, though very small ears may struggle.

Design sentiment is positive overall, with reviewers calling the buds premium, sleek, more polished, and better differentiated.

Design impressions are mixed-positive: some like the sleek, subtle, creative look, while others note the chunky or busy shape may divide people.

Several runners or active users noticed footstep thud or earbud movement noise, especially during runs or with sweaty ears.

Fit is polarized: several reviewers found a secure seal, while others could not get the tips to seal or stay put.

Fit is generally secure and seal-friendly, helped by the ovoid nozzle, ear tips, and stability bands, though individual ear shape still matters.

Ear-tip options are included, but proprietary tips and fit complaints reduce the practical flexibility.

Ear tip and wing options help fit, but the running-focused review wanted more than three sizes at this price.

EQ customization is a major strength, with a nine-band EQ, custom mode, presets, and Wear app adjustment all supported.

EQ customization is the clearest software weakness: many reviewers criticize the basic three-band EQ as too limited for premium earbuds.

Find My support is clearly present through Find My Earbuds and map-based finding references.

Frequency-response evidence is mixed: detail and clarity improve, but one review notes bass/high balance issues that may need EQ.

Measurement-focused reviews say the frequency response is heavily shaped, with overemphasized bass and treble and recessed mids.

Head gestures are supported for calls and assistant interactions, though some reviewers had not fully tested them.

Included-accessory evidence is limited to bundled ear tips and documentation.

Included fit accessories are appreciated when they help tailor the fit, though other reviews still wanted more size options.

Instrument separation is repeatedly praised through comments about separated instruments, centered guitars, and textural detail.

Instrument separation is widely praised, with reviewers hearing open mixes, distinct sections, and easy-to-pick-out track elements.

Integrated microphones are clearly present and usable, but mic impressions range from ordinary to very good.

Integrated microphones are praised in stronger call-focused reviews for clear voice pickup and background rejection.

LDAC support is effectively absent based on evidence that the buds are not compatible with LDAC formats.

Lossless support is mixed because Samsung hi-res playback is supported, but one review stresses true lossless Bluetooth is not available.

Lossless support through aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound is treated as a useful premium feature for compatible devices.

Reviewers who addressed clarity at output levels described clean, dynamic, distortion-free playback.

Maximum-volume clarity is strong in the running review, which heard clarity and no distortion even when volume was raised.

Microphone noise reduction is a clear strength in wind, traffic, and background-noise scenarios, though not every voice sample was perfect.

Microphone noise reduction ranges from excellent SpeechClarity performance to weaker lab samples, but the overall reviewer consensus is improved and often strong.

Call quality is usable to strong, but evidence is mixed because some reviewers heard fuzziness, digitization, or fit-related variability.

Call microphone quality is mixed: some reviewers call it exceptional or much improved, while others say it is merely fine or still affected by noise.

Midrange clarity is generally strong, with vocals, mids, and clear signatures receiving positive notes across several reviews.

Midrange clarity is usually praised for warm vocals or crisp presentation, but measurement-focused reviewers complain that boosted lows and highs recess the mids.

Multi-platform use is limited because non-Samsung devices can leave the product feeling incomplete.

Cross-platform use is positive, with reviewers recommending Bose for both Android and iPhone users and reporting smooth use on both platforms.

Multipoint is a weakness outside Samsung devices, with several reviews noting no true multipoint or manual switching limitations.

Multipoint is a welcome and often seamless upgrade, though one reviewer noted setup/custom tune trouble when audio was already playing.

Passive isolation is strong when the tips seal well, but the benefit depends heavily on fit.

Passive isolation benefits from a tight seal and secure nozzle shape, with reviewers noting strong sealing and little noise bleed.

Portability is strong, with the case described as small, pocketable, and easy to carry.

Portability is mixed because the earbuds and case are pocketable, but the case is often called large or hard to carry while running.

Preset EQ evidence is positive, especially for Samsung's Dynamic profile, which reviewers used to add punch or emphasize strengths.

Preset EQ profiles are poorly regarded because they are basic and do not adequately fix the tuning complaints.

Lighting customization is not a feature here; evidence says the lighting element is gone.

Sensor-like smart features are strong, especially voice detection, siren detection, and adaptive behavior.

Sensor behavior is a weak spot in the few comments available, with reviewers criticizing early CustomTune firing and suggesting in-ear detection be disabled.

Sidetone support is present and lets users hear their own voice in the buds.

Smudge resistance is a weakness because the transparent case section shows scratches and fingerprints.

Setup and software access are workable, but reviewers note a learning curve around where controls live.

Setup simplicity is imperfect because one reviewer reported trouble with CustomTune when connecting another device during playback.

Sound leakage is rated positively in the one direct test, with the reviewer reporting little outside noise bleed.

Review evidence is strongly positive on overall sound, with reviewers calling the audio excellent, very good, or among Samsung's best.

Sound quality is broadly strong, with rich, detailed, bass-forward playback praised by most reviewers, though a few disliked the stock tuning.

Soundstage depth is praised in orchestral and spacious listening comments, though evidence is less extensive than for overall sound quality.

The available evidence points to a wider, more expansive stage rather than a cramped in-ear presentation.

Soundstage width is praised for an open, wide, detailed presentation that helps mixes feel bigger than typical earbuds.

Spatial audio support is clearly present through 360 audio and head tracking, though some features are Android or Samsung-focused.

Spatial audio is divisive: some reviewers find it natural, cool, or useful, while others prefer standard stereo or dislike the processing.

Stability is strong for reviewers whose ears matched the shape, with evidence of perfect fit and secure wear.

Stability is mostly excellent, especially for running and workouts, but one reviewer still disliked the running feel and movement.

Touch and gesture controls are mostly praised as responsive and easy to use once learned.

Touch controls split reviewers: some find them responsive, intuitive, and complete, while others call them fussy or hard to use precisely during runs.

Transparency and ambient modes are a highlight, often described as natural, clear, or useful for conversation.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, especially Aware/ActiveSense, but several reviewers still prefer Apple or note wind, hiss, or manual-adjustment limits.

Treble is mostly praised for crispness, clarity, and sparkle, but one lab-style review found the highs weaker than ideal.

Treble is often described as clear, sparkly, or balanced, but measurement-focused reviews say it can be overemphasized or occasionally hard to fix with EQ.

USB-C support is consistently evidenced through case port mentions.

Value is context-dependent: Samsung users often get strong value, while non-Samsung users and upgraders face more caveats.

Value depends heavily on priorities: reviewers see the premium price as justified for ANC and sound, but weak for Gen 1 owners or bargain-focused buyers.

Voice assistant support is broad, with Bixby, Gemini, Google assistant, and built-in voice controls mentioned.

Voice assistant integration gets limited but positive evidence, with reviewers saying Google Assistant or assistant shortcuts worked without hassle.

Direct evidence is limited but positive, with one review saying maximum volume is far higher than needed.

Volume output is strong in the one direct measurement-style review, which says Bose makes loud earbuds.

Water and dust resistance is a strong point thanks to repeated IP57 evidence.

Water and sweat resistance is considered sufficient for workouts and light rain, though not fully waterproof.

The earbuds are described as light, with roughly 5g weight contributing to comfort.

Weight comfort is positive despite the buds being chunky or slightly heavier; reviewers said the weight was not annoying and still felt fine.