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Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BoseQuietComfort 20BoseQuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Overview
Released2013October 2023
Sound
TypeIn-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Lossless over USB-C–No
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 musicEight microphones for feedback and adaptive feed-forward noise reduction; Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes plus custom modes; Aware Mode with ActiveSense briefly applies noise cancelling during very loud sounds; noise cancelling adjustable in the Bose app; Wind Block setting; CustomTune calibrates sound and noise cancelling to your ears each time you put them on
Audio featuresBose TriPort acoustic ports and Active EQ processing when poweredBose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the sound in place as you turn your head; Motion lets it follow) using an onboard IMU; three-band EQ (bass, mid-range, treble) in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 16 hoursUp to 24 hours
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 24 hours with Immersive Audio off, 18 hours with it on; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode; the headphones don't charge while switched on
Fast charging–15 minutes gives up to 2.5 hours with Immersive Audio off, 2 hours with it on (owner's guide; Bose UK's FAQ says 3 hours); full charge in up to 3 hours
Design
Weight–254 g
Bluetooth–5.3
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsPower switch and status lights on the battery module; Aware mode and call controls on the cable remoteOn the right ear cup, a Bluetooth/power button, a multi-function button (play, pause, skip, calls, modes) and a capacitive volume strip (swipe for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to Immersive Audio settings, Spotify Tap, the voice assistant or battery level); on-head detection pauses and resumes audio and wakes or sleeps the headphones
MicrophonesTwo microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for callsEight microphones in total; four are used for calls (two on each ear cup), in a beamforming array
Fit and ear tipsStayHear+ tips rest at the entrance to the ear canal and come in three sizesAround-ear (circumaural) with an adjustable headband; removable protein leather cushions; plastic, aluminium and protein leather; fold flat for the carry case
Water resistance detail–No water resistance rating published
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 (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices since a July 2024 update; Google Fast Pair; Spotify Tap; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers; 2.5 mm analogue input needs the headphones powered on; no USB audio
ColoursGrey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015Black and White Smoke at launch; What Hi-Fi lists later Lunar Blue and Diamond 60th Edition finishes
In the boxEarbuds, three sizes of StayHear+ tips, clothing clip, USB charging cable and carrying caseHeadphones, carry case, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable, USB-C (A to C) cable (50.8 cm), safety sheet

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