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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) — CustomTune · ANC · 6hr
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)

CustomTune · ANC · 6hr

89
/ 100
From $229
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds wins by 3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) lands at 89 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
  • ✓CustomTune calibrates per ear
  • ✓IP54 sweat resistance

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if…

  • ✓Best ANC for earbuds
  • ✓Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • ✓Immersive Audio
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 96).

Sound

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the sound sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the comfort sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 86).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) more score per dollar ($229 vs $299).

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) 89
vs
92 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Score breakdown

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
89
anc 96
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 80
features 84
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
92
anc 98
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 78
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Driver
Custom dynamic
—
Bluetooth
5.3
—
Codecs
aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC
aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC
Battery
6 hr (24 hr with case)
6 h (ANC) / 24 h case
Charging
USB-C / Qi
—
Weight
6.2 g per bud
—
IP rating
IP54
—
Water rating
—
IPX4

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Pros
  • +Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
  • +CustomTune calibrates per ear
  • +IP54 sweat resistance
Cons
  • −No multipoint at launch
  • −Bose app slow
  • −Bulky compared to AirPods Pro

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Pros
  • +Best ANC for earbuds
  • +Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • +Immersive Audio
Cons
  • −Only 6 h battery
  • −Case is chunky
  • −No wireless charging standard

FAQ: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth the price? +

At $229, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? +

At $299, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.

Does Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 96). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.

Which is better for sound, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Compared on the sound sub-score.