Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 lands at 93 and Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Pick Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 | Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 35 mm | — |
| ANC | Hybrid · 8-mic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound | — |
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC | — |
| Battery | 30 hr (24 with ANC) | — |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr | — |
| Weight | 254 g | — |
| Type | — | Planar magnetic |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 vs Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Is Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Audeze LCD-5 · 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.