Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Bose QuietControl 30

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

QuietComfort 20 compared with QuietControl 30
BoseQuietComfort 20BoseQuietControl 30
Overview
Released2013September 2016
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)–
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 musicTwelve levels from maximum cancellation to maximum awareness, adjusted on the in-line remote or in Bose Connect; noise cancellation also works without music
Audio featuresBose TriPort acoustic ports and Active EQ processing when poweredVolume-optimised EQ adjusts the balance with listening level
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 16 hoursUp to 10 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 offBuilt-in lithium-ion battery charges through Micro-USB in up to three hours; Bose claims up to 10 hours per charge, and audio cannot play while charging
Design
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsPower switch and status lights on the battery module; Aware mode and call controls on the cable remotePower/Bluetooth button on the neckband; in-line volume, playback, call and noise-control buttons
MicrophonesTwo microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for callsSix microphones across the earbuds for noise cancellation; a dual-microphone system supports calls
Fit and ear tipsStayHear+ tips rest at the entrance to the ear canal and come in three sizesContoured neckband and StayHear+ QC tips in small, medium and large
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 remoteBluetooth and NFC pairing; stores eight devices and can stay connected to two at once, playing from one at a time; Bose Connect app for iOS and Android
ColoursGrey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015Black
In the boxEarbuds, three sizes of StayHear+ tips, clothing clip, USB charging cable and carrying caseHeadphones, three sizes of StayHear+ QC tips, USB charging cable and carrying case

More comparisons