Bose
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Over-ear · 2023
90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 6
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Headphones lands at 90 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Bose QuietComfort Headphones if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 90
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
90 anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Open-back |
| Release year | 2023 | — |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Focal Utopia 2022
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Headphones or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QuietComfort Headphones worth the price? +
At $349, Bose QuietComfort Headphones delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does Bose QuietComfort Headphones or Focal Utopia 2022 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.