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Beats Studio Buds + vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BeatsStudio Buds +BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Overview
ReleasedMay 2023October 2023
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Noise cancelling detailActive Noise Cancelling that adapts to your fit; Transparency mode; three acoustic vents to relieve pressureQuiet Mode (full noise cancelling), Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, plus custom modes with noise cancelling levels in between; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears
Audio featuresCustom acoustic platform; spatial audio for Dolby Atmos contentBose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the sound in place as you turn your head; Motion lets it follow); three-band EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, normally at 44.1 kHz and up to 48 kHz for high-resolution listening, with a low-latency mode
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the caseUp to 24 hoursUp to 24 hours
Wireless chargingNoNo
Battery life detailUp to 9 hours per charge and 36 hours with the case with noise cancelling and Transparency off; the case holds three additional charges; tested by Apple with 256 Kbps AAC tracks at 50% volumeUp to 6 hours per charge with Immersive Audio off, 4 hours with it on; the case holds three full charges; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode
Charging caseUSB-CUSB-C; earbuds charge in up to 2 hours, the case in up to 3 hours; an optional silicone case cover (sold separately) adds wireless charging
Fast charging5 minutes of charging gives up to 1 hour of playback (Fast Fuel)20 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)5 g7.7 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.3
Two devices at once–Yes
ControlsSingle multi-function button on each earbud for music, calls and the voice assistant; "Hey Siri" hands-free on Apple devicesTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play, pause or answer calls; double-tap to skip forward or end calls; triple-tap to skip back; swipe up or down for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to switch modes or the voice assistant)
MicrophonesUpgraded voice-targeting microphones that filter background noise on calls; What Hi-Fi reports three microphones, larger than those on the Beats Studio BudsAdaptive microphone system with adjustable self-voice; TechRadar counts four microphones per earbud
Fit and ear tipsSilicone ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L); earbuds 2.05 × 1.85 × 1.5 cmSilicone eartips in small, medium and large (medium fitted); stability bands in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (size 1 fitted), with a notch that aligns them on the earbud; extra-small and extra-large sizes available from Bose Support; either earbud can be used on its own
Case weight49.0 g0.132 lb (about 60 g)
Water resistance detailIPX4 for the earbudsIPX4 for the earbuds; the inside of the case resists water left on the earbuds, but Bose advises keeping the outside of the case dry
Works withOne-touch pairing, hands-free Siri and Find My with Apple devices; Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch and Find My Device with Android; Beats app for Android; Class 1 BluetoothBose app (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices since a July 2024 update; Google Fast Pair; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers
ColoursBlack / Gold, Ivory, Transparent (Beats UK)Black and White Smoke at launch; Bose UK now sells Lunar Blue
In the boxEarbuds, charging case, silicone ear tips in four sizes, USB-C to USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide, warranty card (no power adapter)Earbuds, charging case, eartips (small and large; medium fitted), stability bands (sizes 2 and 3; size 1 fitted), USB-C to USB-A cable

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