Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)
CustomTune · ANC · 6hr
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II · Midnight Black
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 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · Midnight Black
- +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 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II · Midnight Black? +
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 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $299, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black? +
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 · Midnight Black? +
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) — more score per dollar ($229 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.