Request a product

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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BoseQuietComfort 20BoseQuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Overview
Released2013September 2025
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–Yes
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 ActiveSense, now smoother at damping sudden noise spikes; noise cancelling adjustable or fully off in the Bose app; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears; wind block in custom modes
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; lossless USB-C audio at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, which Bose says adapts to lossless audio and low latency; Gaming Mode
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 16 hoursUp to 30 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 23 hours with Immersive Audio on; up to 45 hours with noise cancelling and Immersive Audio off; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL; low-power standby when laid flat or put in the case; can be used while charging
Fast charging–15 minutes gives up to 3 hours with noise cancelling on and Immersive Audio off (Bose's test footnote gives 2.5 hours); full charge in up to 3 hours
Design
Weight–264 g
Bluetooth–5.4
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 and modes) and a capacitive volume strip (swipe for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to Immersive Audio settings, Spotify Tap or the voice assistant); on-head detection pauses and resumes audio, answers calls and wakes the headphones
MicrophonesTwo microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for callsFour microphones for calls, two on each ear cup
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 and aluminium build with polished metal yokes; folds for the carry case
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; Spotify Tap; SimpleSync with a Bose Smart Soundbar or Bose Smart Speaker
ColoursGrey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015Black, White Smoke, Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet at launch; Bose UK now also sells Cherry Chocolate, Desert Gold and Olive Green
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 to USB-C cable (99 cm), safety sheet

More comparisons