Beats urBeats (2012) vs Bose QuietComfort 20

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

urBeats (2012) compared with QuietComfort 20
BeatsurBeats (2012)BoseQuietComfort 20
Overview
Released20122013
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)None (wired)
Noise cancelling detailPassive isolation from fitted ear tips; no active noise cancelling.A microphone inside and outside each earbud feeds the noise-cancelling processor in the in-line module; Aware mode lets more surrounding sound through without stopping music
Audio featuresFlat analogue audio cable (iPhoneItalia).Bose TriPort acoustic ports and Active EQ processing when powered
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)No battery (wired)Up to 16 hours
Battery life detail–Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the in-line module; around 16 hours from a two-hour USB charge; wired audio remains available with the power off
Design
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsCable remote supports playback, track selection, scanning, volume, calls and voice commands on compatible devices; available functions vary by device.Power switch and status lights on the battery module; Aware mode and call controls on the cable remote
MicrophonesMicrophone built into the remote cable.Two microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for calls
Fit and ear tipsIn-ear fit with interchangeable tips in different sizes and designs; metal earpiece housings (iPhoneItalia).StayHear+ tips rest at the entrance to the ear canal and come in three sizes
Works with3.5 mm headphone plug. The original APAC guide lists compatible iPod, iPhone, iPad, HTC, BlackBerry and Android devices. This entry follows the retail version rather than the HTC bundle's different remote. Apple's August 2012 retail price list already includes black and white urBeats; an October announcement therefore does not establish their first sale. The release retains year precision.3.5 mm wired connection; QC20 has a single-button remote for most Android and other smartphones, while the contemporaneous QC20i has an Apple-compatible three-button remote
Colours–Grey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015
In the boxEarphones, interchangeable tips and carrying case; iPhoneItalia also lists a cable clip and documents in its reviewed retail package.Earbuds, three sizes of StayHear+ tips, clothing clip, USB charging cable and carrying case

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