Bose has introduced a new addition to its QuietComfort headphone range, offering an affordable wireless earbud option that competes with Apple’s recently announced AirPod 4s.

Priced at $179, the new earbuds are a more affordable option compared with Bose’s existing QuietComfort over-ear range ($450) and Ultra TWS earbuds ($300).

Despite being $120 cheaper than the company’s flagship QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the new QuietComfort earbuds still offer a few premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC) and even deliver some new, never-before-seen features.

Bose QuietComfort earbuds take no prisoners in challenging Apple’s AirPods 4

Maintaining Bose’s “best-in-class” noise cancelling found in its existing line up, each earbud boasts three microphones to capture your environment and improve voice call quality.

Furthermore, these QuietComfort earbuds offer a transparency mode mode too – labelled as “Aware” mode. As a result, you can hear ambient sounds in any busy environment you may find yourself in.

The form factor of Bose’s affordable QuietComfort earbuds is more compact and reminiscent of older Bose models. Three different ear tips sizes are bundled in while stability bands that provide a secure and comfortable fit cater to various ear shapes too.

One pretty unique feature about the QuietComfort Earbuds is its “Remote Selfie” function. This allows you to trigger your phone camera shutter via the earbuds, totally hands-free.

This feature is part of a set of voice command features, and you can access your preferred voice assistant using the phrase “Hey headphones” too.

These features are accessible through the Bose QC Earbuds app where you can also customise sound settings using a five-band equalizer.

Battery life in these QuietComfort Earbuds promise up to 8.5 hours of playtime on a single charge… although there’s no details whether this is with ANC engaged or not.

The charging case meanwhile provides two additional full charges, and a quick 20-minute charge promises up to three hours of playback. The case even supports wireless charging is which is pretty neat in mid-tier earbuds.

Furthermore, the QuietComfort earbuds bost an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating which will allow them to withstand workouts and outdoor activities.

Gamers can also rejoice in the dedicatedlow latency Game Mode, accessible via the app, ensuring real-time synchronization with in-game events.

Wireless connectivity is facilitated via Bluetooth 5.3 and the earbuds support multipoint connectivity, meaning you can connect tw devices simultaneously and the wireless range extends up to 30 feet.

Price and availablity

Bose’s new QuietComfort Earbuds are available in black, white smoke and chilled lilac.

While they lack some features of the premium Ultra model like spatial audio, they nevertheless deliver some tasty functionality and promise an excellent listening experience.

Priced at $179, these earbuds sit in the mid-tier of headphone price ranges and match Apple’s AirPod 4s.