Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs JBL Tune 230NC TWS
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and JBL Tune 230NC TWS sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The JBL Tune 230NC TWS 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 JBL Tune 230NC TWS is praised for anc at $99 with 8-hour battery is exceptional value. 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 Tune 230NC TWS if…
- →ANC at $99 with 8-hour battery is exceptional value
- →32 hours total battery with case lasts well over a week
- →JBL Pure Bass Sound delivers punchy, energetic low-end
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 Tune 230NC TWS
Pros
- ANC at $99 with 8-hour battery is exceptional value
- 32 hours total battery with case lasts well over a week
- JBL Pure Bass Sound delivers punchy, energetic low-end
- Lightweight and compact stem design
- Speed Charge gives 2 hours from 10 minutes
Cons
- ANC is basic — reduces background hum but not strong noise
- No wireless charging on the case
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Treble can sound harsh at higher volumes
- Bass-heavy tuning masks detail in mids
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | JBL Tune 230NC TWS |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 8 hrs ANC on (32 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware mode, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Voice assistant integration, Speed Charge (10 min = 2 hrs) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 5.8mm 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 JBL products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the JBL Tune 230NC TWS.