Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Google Pixel Buds A-Series sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Google Pixel Buds A-Series is the cheaper of the two at $99 versus $449, a difference of about $350. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Google Pixel Buds A-Series is praised for google assistant with real-time translation is uniquely useful. 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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Google Pixel Buds A-Series if…
- →Google Assistant with real-time translation is uniquely useful
- →Adaptive Sound auto-adjusts volume based on ambient noise
- →IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts well
Pros & Cons
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
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Pros
- Google Assistant with real-time translation is uniquely useful
- Adaptive Sound auto-adjusts volume based on ambient noise
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts well
- Comfortable and lightweight at 5.1 g per bud
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity with Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $99
- 5-hour battery per charge is below average
- No wireless charging case
- Sound quality is decent but unremarkable
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Google Pixel Buds A-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 5.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 5 hrs, 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Google Assistant built-in with hands-free activation, Adaptive Sound adjusts volume to environment, Real-time translation in 40+ languages, Bass Boost EQ, Sweat and water resistance (IPX4), Find My Device support |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 12 mm custom dynamic driver |
| Water Resistance | — | 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 Bose products or all Google products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Google Pixel Buds A-Series.