Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II command premium positioning with industry-leading active noise cancellation and CustomTune sound calibration that adapts to individual ear geometry. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live counter with larger 12mm drivers tuned by AKG and integrated Qi wireless charging at $130 less. Battery performance favors Samsung slightly (6 hrs ANC vs 6 hrs, but 21 total vs 24 total). Bose excels in ANC quality and touch control sophistication with volume swipe gestures, while Samsung delivers better build value and more convenient charging options. For ANC priority and sound customization, Bose justifies its premium. Budget-conscious listeners wanting solid ANC with larger drivers benefit from Samsung's aggressive pricing and wireless charging inclusion.
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 Samsung Galaxy Buds Live if…
- →Unique bean-shaped design is eye-catching and comfortable
- →Open design allows situational awareness while listening
- →AKG-tuned sound with impressive bass for an open design
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)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Pros
- Unique bean-shaped design is eye-catching and comfortable
- Open design allows situational awareness while listening
- AKG-tuned sound with impressive bass for an open design
- 6-hour battery with ANC is decent for the form factor
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Open design means ANC effectiveness is very limited
- Sound leakage at higher volumes is noticeable to others
- IPX2 is barely splash-proof — not workout-friendly
- Fit can be insecure without ear tips — prone to falling out
- No wing tips or ear hooks for active use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Samsung Galaxy Buds Live |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (per bud) | 5.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 24 hrs total with case | 6 hrs ANC on (8 hrs off), 21 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C (wireless charging case sold separately) | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 9.3 mm dynamic driver | 12mm driver with Bass Duct |
| Features | CustomTune sound calibration, Industry-leading ANC with adjustable modes, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Stability Band fit kit, Touch controls with volume swipe | Open-type Active Noise Cancellation, 12mm speaker with AKG tuning, Bass Duct for deep low-end, 3 microphones per bud for calls, Qi wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | IPX2 |
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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 Bose products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live.