Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Nothing Ear (open) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Nothing Ear (open) 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 (open) is praised for open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music. 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 (open) if…
- →Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- →LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- →8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
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 (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 8 hrs, 30 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 | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver |
| Water Resistance | — | IP54 |
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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 Nothing products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Nothing Ear (open).