Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
CustomTune · ANC · 6hr
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
True-wireless · 2022
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) lands at 89 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II at 89. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- ✓Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
- ✓CustomTune calibrates per ear
- ✓IP54 sweat resistance
Pick Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testNoise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) leads on anc (96 vs 86).
Sound
TieCompared on the sound sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
TieCompared on the comfort sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
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).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Custom dynamic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | — |
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC | — |
| Battery | 6 hr (24 hr with case) | — |
| Charging | USB-C / Qi | — |
| Weight | 6.2 g per bud | — |
| IP rating | IP54 | — |
| Type | — | True-wireless |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- +Best-in-class ANC for earbuds
- +CustomTune calibrates per ear
- +IP54 sweat resistance
- −No multipoint at launch
- −Bose app slow
- −Bulky compared to AirPods Pro
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
FAQ: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II? +
Both score 89 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Earbuds II worth the price? +
At $299, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II 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 Earbuds II? +
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) — leads on anc (96 vs 86). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.
Which is the better value, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II? +
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) — more score per dollar ($229 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.