Beats urBeats (2012) vs Bose QuietComfort 20
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| BeatsurBeats (2012) | BoseQuietComfort 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | In-ear | In-ear |
| Noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| Transparency mode | – | Yes |
| Bluetooth codecs | None (wired) | None (wired) |
| Noise cancelling detail | Passive 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 features | Flat 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 cable | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Cable 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 |
| Microphones | Microphone built into the remote cable. | Two microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for calls |
| Fit and ear tips | In-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 with | 3.5 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 box | Earphones, 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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