Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs JBL Live 460NC
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and JBL Live 460NC sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The JBL Live 460NC is the cheaper of the two at $129 versus $449, a difference of about $320. 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 JBL Live 460NC is praised for 50-hour battery with anc is best-in-class — unmatched endurance. 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 JBL Live 460NC if…
- →50-hour battery with ANC is best-in-class — unmatched endurance
- →ANC at $129 with JBL sound quality is outstanding value
- →Lightweight at 209 g — comfortable for on-ear daily wear
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
JBL Live 460NC
Pros
- 50-hour battery with ANC is best-in-class — unmatched endurance
- ANC at $129 with JBL sound quality is outstanding value
- Lightweight at 209 g — comfortable for on-ear daily wear
- Multipoint connects to phone and laptop simultaneously
- Quick charge gives 4 hours from 10 minutes
Cons
- On-ear design creates ear fatigue after extended sessions
- ANC is decent but doesn't match premium over-ears
- No water resistance
- Bass-forward tuning may not appeal to neutral sound enthusiasts
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | JBL Live 460NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 209 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 50 hrs ANC on, 56 hrs ANC off |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hrs |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Headphones app with EQ, Multipoint connection, Voice assistant access (Google/Alexa), Auto-play/pause with ear detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 40mm dynamic driver |
| Water Resistance | — | None |
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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 JBL products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the JBL Live 460NC.