Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Nothing Ear (2)
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Nothing Ear (2) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Nothing Ear (2) is the cheaper of the two at $149 versus $449, a difference of about $300. 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 Nothing Ear (2) is praised for striking transparent design that stands out. 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 Nothing Ear (2) if…
- →Striking transparent design that stands out
- →Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
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
Nothing Ear (2)
Pros
- Striking transparent design that stands out
- Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
- Comfortable, lightweight fit with secure seal
- Affordable at $149
Cons
- ANC is good but not class-leading
- Battery life with ANC on is shorter than rivals
- App and feature support is best on Nothing phones
- Pinch controls take getting used to
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Nothing Ear (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 4.5 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Personalized active noise cancellation, LHDC 5.0 hi-res audio support, Personal Sound Profile via Mimi hearing test, Dual connection (Bluetooth multipoint), Pinch-stem controls, Transparent design with glyph case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm |
| Water Resistance | — | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Nothing Ear (2) 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 Nothing products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Nothing Ear (2).