Beats Flex vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Beats Flex and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Beats Flex is the cheaper of the two at $69 versus $449, a difference of about $380. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Beats Flex stands out for outstanding value at $69 with apple w1 chip, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is praised for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Flex if…
- →Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- →Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- →12-hour battery life is generous for the price
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Pros & Cons
Beats Flex
Pros
- Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- 12-hour battery life is generous for the price
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Neckband design isn't for everyone — less discreet than true wireless
- No water resistance rating
- Sound quality is adequate but not detailed
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Flex | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 18.6 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 hrs | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | 12mm dual-chamber driver | — |
| Features | Apple W1 chip, Magnetic earbuds auto-pause when connected, USB-C charging, Neckband design with Flex-Form cable, Shared audio with other Beats or AirPods | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (Apple W1 chip) | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Bose products. View full details for the Beats Flex or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).