Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs JBL Live 770NC
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and JBL Live 770NC sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The JBL Live 770NC is the cheaper of the two at $199 versus $449, a difference of about $250. 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 770NC is praised for extraordinary 65-hour battery life (anc off) leaves all rivals behind. 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 770NC if…
- →Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- →Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
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 770NC
Pros
- Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
- Strong bass-forward JBL sound signature for casual listening
- Comfortable foldable design with good padding
Cons
- ANC is decent but not on par with Sony or Bose
- Bass-heavy tuning may not suit balanced or audiophile listeners
- No aptX HD or LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
- Build quality feels plasticky for the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | JBL Live 770NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 268 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 65 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient, JBL Spatial Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Bluetooth LE Audio with LC3 codec, Voice assistant built-in (Alexa, Google, Siri), Foldable design for travel |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 40 mm |
| Water Resistance | — | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- JBL Live 770NC vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
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 770NC.