Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is the cheaper of the two at $169 versus $449, a difference of about $280. 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 Live is praised for unique bean-shaped design is eye-catching and comfortable. 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 Live if…
- →Unique bean-shaped design is eye-catching and comfortable
- →Open design allows situational awareness while listening
- →AKG-tuned sound with impressive bass for an open design
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 Live
Pros
- Unique bean-shaped design is eye-catching and comfortable
- Open design allows situational awareness while listening
- AKG-tuned sound with impressive bass for an open design
- 6-hour battery with ANC is decent for the form factor
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Open design means ANC effectiveness is very limited
- Sound leakage at higher volumes is noticeable to others
- IPX2 is barely splash-proof — not workout-friendly
- Fit can be insecure without ear tips — prone to falling out
- No wing tips or ear hooks for active use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Buds Live |
|---|---|---|
| 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 hrs off), 21 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Open-type Active Noise Cancellation, 12mm speaker with AKG tuning, Bass Duct for deep low-end, 3 microphones per bud for calls, Qi wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 12mm driver with Bass Duct |
| 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 Live.