Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is the cheaper of the two at $299 versus $449, a difference of about $150. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II stands out for arguably the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbud, 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 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Arguably the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbud
- →CustomTune personalizes sound and ANC to your ears
- →Comfortable, secure fit with included Stability Bands
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
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Pros
- Arguably the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbud
- CustomTune personalizes sound and ANC to your ears
- Comfortable, secure fit with included Stability Bands
- Excellent natural-sounding Aware mode
- Strong, balanced sound signature
Cons
- No Bluetooth multipoint
- No aptX or hi-res codec support (AAC/SBC only)
- Wireless charging case is sold separately as an accessory
- Bulky case compared to competitors
- No wear-detection auto-pause at launch (added later)
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 | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (per bud) | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 24 hrs total with case | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C (wireless charging case sold separately) | USB-C |
| Drivers | 9.3 mm dynamic driver | — |
| Features | CustomTune sound calibration, Industry-leading ANC with adjustable modes, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Stability Band fit kit, Touch controls with volume swipe | 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 | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | — |
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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.
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