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Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BoseQuietComfort 20BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Overview
Released2013June 2025
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Noise cancelling detailA 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 musicQuiet Mode (full noise cancelling) and Aware Mode with an updated ActiveSense that smooths sudden noise spikes; noise cancelling adjustable in the Bose app; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears
Audio featuresBose TriPort acoustic ports and Active EQ processing when poweredBose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the virtual speakers in place as you turn your head; Motion lets them follow) and Cinema Mode; up to seven custom modes; adjustable EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, which Bose says adapts to lossless audio and low latency
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 16 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging–Yes
Battery life detailBuilt-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 offUp to 4 hours per charge with Immersive Audio on; the case holds three full charges, for 24 hours in total with Immersive Audio off; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode
Charging case–USB-C (5 V, 1 A) and wireless charging; 680 mAh output capacity; the case charges in up to 3 hours and the earbuds in up to 2 hours
Fast charging–20 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)–7.3 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth–5.3
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsPower switch and status lights on the battery module; Aware mode and call controls on the cable remoteTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play, pause or answer calls; double-tap to skip forwards; triple-tap to skip back; swipe up or down for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to modes, Immersive Audio settings, Spotify Tap or the voice assistant); touch controls can be turned off in the app; in-ear detection pauses audio when an earbud is taken out
MicrophonesTwo microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for callsEight microphones in total; AI-based SpeechClarity noise suppression for calls
Fit and ear tipsStayHear+ tips rest at the entrance to the ear canal and come in three sizesSilicone eartips in S, M and L (M fitted) with a guard against earwax build-up; stability bands in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (size 1 fitted)
Case weight–59.9 g (Bose lists 0.132 lb)
Water resistance detail–IPX4 for the earbuds only
Works with3.5 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 remoteBose app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair on Android; Spotify Tap
ColoursGrey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015Black, White Smoke and Deep Plum at launch; Bose UK now also sells Midnight Violet and Desert Gold
In the boxEarbuds, three sizes of StayHear+ tips, clothing clip, USB charging cable and carrying caseEarbuds, wireless charging case, eartips (S, M, L), stability bands (1, 2, 3), 30 cm USB-C (A to C) cable, safety sheet

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