AirPods 4 Earbuds
Open-fit TWS · 5h/30h · H2 chip · BT 5.3
MSRP
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 6.5h/24h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.3
MSRP
Our verdict
The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds takes the performance lead with a 23% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the AirPods 4 Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $130 versus the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds's $300 price tag, it costs 131% less while delivering performance that's only 23% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the AirPods 4 Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds
23% faster overall
Best value for money
AirPods 4 Earbuds
19% better value per dollar
AirPods 4 Earbuds best for
Power efficiency
19% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds worth $170 more than the AirPods 4 Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds scores 86 overall vs 70 for the AirPods 4 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the AirPods 4 Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the AirPods 4 Earbuds or QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds?
The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the AirPods 4 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the AirPods 4 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The AirPods 4 Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the AirPods 4 Earbuds or QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds?
Choose the AirPods 4 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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