Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver premium over-ear comfort with exceptional ANC performance, 24-hour battery life, and Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive codec support for high-fidelity wireless audio. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 offer genuine portability as true wireless earbuds with solid ANC across three levels, IPX2 water resistance, and Qi wireless charging at a fraction of the price. Sound quality favors Bose's 35mm drivers and CustomTune calibration, while Samsung excels in convenience with compact form factor and total 20-hour playback. Choose Bose for immersive listening sessions and professional audio quality; select Samsung Galaxy Buds2 for everyday versatility, workout durability, and exceptional value. These serve different use cases rather than competing directly.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if…
- →Best-in-class noise cancellation
- →Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- →Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 if…
- →Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- →ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- →Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
- Supports aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth
Cons
- Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
- Immersive Audio significantly drains battery
- No LDAC for Android hi-res streaming
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Pricey
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Pros
- Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC earbuds
- Wireless charging case included
- Compact, low-profile design sits flush in ears
Cons
- IPX2 only — not suitable for heavy workouts or rain
- 5-hour ANC battery life is below average
- No multipoint — limited to Samsung's auto-switch within Galaxy ecosystem
- Call quality suffers in noisy environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 254 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (18 hours with Immersive Audio) | 5 hrs ANC on (7.5 hrs off), 20 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 15 min = 2.5 hours quick charge | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 35mm dynamic | Two-way speaker (11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter) |
| Features | Bose Immersive Audio, CustomTune sound calibration, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive, Multipoint pairing, Aware Mode with ActiveSense | Active Noise Cancellation with 3 levels, Ambient Sound mode, Two-way speakers for balanced sound, Galaxy Wearable app with EQ, 360 Audio, Qi wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX2 |
Related Comparisons
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
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 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds2.