Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE 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 Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is praised for anc earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation. 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 Samsung Galaxy Buds FE if…
- →ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- →Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- →Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
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
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Pros
- ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
- 360 Audio with head tracking for Galaxy phone users
- Compact and lightweight at 5.6 g per bud
Cons
- IPX2 water resistance is minimal — barely sweat-proof
- Best features locked to Samsung Galaxy devices
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- ANC is good but not competitive with AirPods Pro or Sony
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 5.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 6 hrs (ANC on), 8.5 hrs (ANC off), 21 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| 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 mode, Samsung Scalable Codec for Galaxy devices, 360 Audio with head tracking, Touch controls, Wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | Samsung Scalable, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 6.5 mm (woofer) + 5.4 mm (tweeter) |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX2 |
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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 Samsung products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.