Beats Studio Buds+ vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Verdict
Both earbuds deliver solid noise cancellation and similar battery life on a single charge, but they target different priorities. Beats Studio Buds+ excel in ecosystem integration with seamless pairing across Apple devices, Spatial Audio support, and faster charging (5 minutes yields 1 hour of playback versus Bose's 20 minutes for 2 hours). The 36-hour total battery with case also outlasts Bose's 24-hour capacity significantly. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II counter with superior ANC through CustomTune auto-calibration, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for switching between two devices simultaneously, and wireless charging convenience. At $169, Beats offer better value for Apple users seeking integrated features and longevity between charges. Bose's $299 premium suits those prioritizing ANC quality and cross-device flexibility who don't mind spending extra. For most users, Beats Studio Buds+ provide more practical benefits at substantially lower cost, though Bose edges ahead if you need multipoint pairing and don't rely heavily on Apple's ecosystem.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Studio Buds+ if…
- →Works equally well with iOS and Android — rare for Beats
- →Transparent case is a unique, eye-catching design
- →36 hours total battery with case is exceptional
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- →CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- →Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Studio Buds+
Pros
- Works equally well with iOS and Android — rare for Beats
- Transparent case is a unique, eye-catching design
- 36 hours total battery with case is exceptional
- Improved ANC over original Studio Buds — blocks significantly more noise
- Lightweight at 5 g per bud with comfortable fit
Cons
- No Apple H2 or W1 chip — misses some Apple ecosystem features
- SBC/AAC only — no aptX or LDAC for audiophile Android users
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Transparency mode still not as natural as AirPods Pro 2
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
- Multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Qi wireless charging case for convenience
Cons
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- 6-hour battery with ANC is relatively short
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance
- $299 is expensive for true wireless earbuds
- Call quality can be inconsistent in windy environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Studio Buds+ | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 6.24 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs ANC on (9 hrs off), 36 hrs total with case | 6 hrs (ANC on), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, Qi wireless, 20 min = 2 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Custom 9.5mm dual-element driver | 9.3mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Enhanced Apple and Android compatibility, One-touch pairing on both iOS and Android, Custom acoustic platform with dual-element driver, Find My (iOS) and Find My Device (Android), Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (Apple) | CustomTune auto-calibrating ANC and sound, ActiveSense transparency mode, Aware Mode for hearing surroundings, Bose Music app with EQ, Touchpad controls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
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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 Studio Buds+ or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.