Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose's earbuds and over-ear headphones serve distinctly different use cases, making direct comparison challenging. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II excel for portability with 24-hour total battery, CustomTune calibration, and industry-leading ANC in a compact 6.2g design—ideal for commuters and travelers. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver superior sound through 35mm drivers, aptX Adaptive codec support, multipoint connectivity, and exceptional 24-hour battery life on a single charge. The Ultra's wired connection option and Immersive Audio feature provide audiophile-grade flexibility, though at $429 versus $299. Earbuds lack multipoint pairing; headphones lack water resistance. Choose Earbuds II for mobility and convenience, or Ultra Headphones if you prioritize sound quality, longer continuous listening, and desktop versatility.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (per bud) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 24 hrs total with case | 24 hours ANC on (18 hours with Immersive Audio) |
| Charging | USB-C (wireless charging case sold separately) | USB-C, 15 min = 2.5 hours quick charge |
| Drivers | 9.3 mm dynamic driver | 35mm dynamic |
| Features | CustomTune sound calibration, Industry-leading ANC with adjustable modes, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Stability Band fit kit, Touch controls with volume swipe | Bose Immersive Audio, CustomTune sound calibration, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive, Multipoint pairing, Aware Mode with ActiveSense |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | None |
Category Scores
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
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
- Supports aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth
Cons
- Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
- Immersive Audio significantly drains battery
- No LDAC for Android hi-res streaming
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Pricey
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