Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony LinkBuds sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sony LinkBuds is the cheaper of the two at $179 versus $449, a difference of about $270. 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 Sony LinkBuds is praised for unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings. 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 Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
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
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 5.5 hrs (17.5 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 ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
| 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 Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sony LinkBuds.