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HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins by 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive

93
/ 100
From $429
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS lands at 88 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…

  • ✓Best comfort in class
  • ✓Excellent ANC
  • ✓Immersive Audio spatial feature
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Tuning, detail, and staging

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

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on anc (96 vs 0).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Long-session wearability

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on comfort (98 vs 88).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QuietComfort Ultra more score per dollar ($429 vs $499).

HiFiMan Edition XS 88
vs
93 Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
93
anc 96
sound 92
comfort 98
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Edition XS versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Edition XS Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Type
Planar magnetic
—
Driver
—
35 mm dynamic
Battery
—
24 h (Immersive Audio off) / 18 h (on)
Weight
—
253 g
Codecs
—
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Pros
  • +Best comfort in class
  • +Excellent ANC
  • +Immersive Audio spatial feature
Cons
  • −Bose app fiddly
  • −No USB-C audio (3.5 mm + Bluetooth only)
  • −No LDAC support

FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth the price? +

At $429, Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in comfort.

Does HiFiMan Edition XS or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 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 sound quality, HiFiMan Edition XS or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, HiFiMan Edition XS or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on anc (96 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.