QC Ultra Earbuds 2 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which should you buy?

Our pick

QC Ultra Earbuds 2 for stability bands and an app for iPhone or Android
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for lighter, tougher earbuds made for Samsung phones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

$299

Get it if

You use an iPhone, or switch between iPhone and Android.
You prefer stability bands that help hold the earbuds in place.
You prefer the aptX Adaptive codec for hi-res sound.

Buy at Amazon$299

Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

$249.99

Get it if

You use a Samsung phone and want the features that need one.
You want lighter earbuds: 5.1 g (0.18 oz) each to 7.7 g (0.27 oz).
You sweat hard or train in dusty places and want IP57 earbuds.

Buy at Amazon$249.99

Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.

Get the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 if you use an iPhone or switch phones, and prefer stability bands that help hold the earbuds in place. Get the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if you use a Samsung phone and want lighter earbuds rated IP57 for sweat and dust.

What's different

Which phone gets the full features
The Bose app runs on iOS and Android, so the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 get their full features on either phone. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are Android earbuds, and some of their features need a Samsung device.
Stability bands on the Bose
Both are in-ear earbuds with ear tips in three sizes. The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 add stability bands in three sizes that help hold them in place.
Weight (each earbud)
QC Ultra Earbuds 27.7 g (0.27 oz)
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (leads)5.1 g (0.18 oz)
Each Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbud weighs 5.1 g (0.18 oz) to the Bose's 7.7 g (0.27 oz). The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds are rated IP57 for dust and water; the Bose earbuds are rated IPX4, for splashes, with no dust rating. Neither case is rated for water.
High-quality Bluetooth codec
QC Ultra Earbuds 2aptX Adaptive
Galaxy Buds 4 ProSSC UHQ (Samsung)
For hi-res sound the Bose support aptX Adaptive and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro use Samsung's own SSC UHQ codec.

What's the same

Noise cancellation, plus a mode to hear the room
A charging case that charges wirelessly
Spatial audio (Immersive Audio on the Bose, 360 Audio on the Galaxy Buds)
A rated battery of up to 6 hours per charge (Bose: play time; Samsung: noise cancellation on)

Tale of the Tape

QC Ultra Earbuds 2

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

QC Ultra Earbuds 2: iOS or Android Software (full features)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Android some features need a Samsung device
QC Ultra Earbuds 2: In-ear, ear tips and stability bands in three sizes each FitGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: In-ear, ear tips in three sizes
QC Ultra Earbuds 2: IPX4 earbuds case not ratedDust, sweat and water ratingGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: IP57 earbuds ✓ case not water resistant
QC Ultra Earbuds 2: 7.7 g (0.27 oz) Weight (each earbud)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: 5.1 g (0.18 oz) ✓
QC Ultra Earbuds 2: aptX Adaptive High-quality Bluetooth codecGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: SSC UHQ (Samsung)

FAQs

Which should you buy, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?

Get the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 if you use an iPhone or want stability bands, or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for lighter IP57 earbuds made for Samsung phones.

Which has longer battery life, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?

Bose rates the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 for up to 6 hours of play time per charge, and Samsung rates the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for up to 6 hours with noise cancellation on, each by its own test.

Which is lighter, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, at 5.1 g (0.18 oz) per earbud to the QC Ultra Earbuds 2's 7.7 g (0.27 oz).

QC Ultra Earbuds 2 or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for workouts?

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro carry the higher rating, IP57 to the Bose's IPX4, and weigh less; the Bose add stability bands to help hold them in place.