Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

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QuietComfort 25 compared with QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
BoseQuietComfort 25BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2014October 2023
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
BackClosed–
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Noise cancelling detailMicrophones inside and outside each earcup feed Bose's noise-cancelling processor; the right earcup has a power switchQuiet Mode (full noise cancelling), Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, plus custom modes with noise cancelling levels in between; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears
Audio featuresBose Active EQ and TriPort acoustic system; passive wired playback works with noise cancellation off or the battery removedBose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the sound in place as you turn your head; Motion lets it follow); three-band EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, normally at 44.1 kHz and up to 48 kHz for high-resolution listening, with a low-latency mode
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 35 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging–No
Battery life detailUp to 35 hours of powered listening from one replaceable AAA cellUp to 6 hours per charge with Immersive Audio off, 4 hours with it on; the case holds three full charges; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode
Charging case–USB-C; earbuds charge in up to 2 hours, the case in up to 3 hours; an optional silicone case cover (sold separately) adds wireless charging
Fast charging–20 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)–7.7 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth–5.3
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsPower switch on the right earcup; inline microphone and remote on the device-specific cableTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play, pause or answer calls; double-tap to skip forward or end calls; triple-tap to skip back; swipe up or down for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to switch modes or the voice assistant)
Microphones–Adaptive microphone system with adjustable self-voice; TechRadar counts four microphones per earbud
Fit and ear tipsAround-ear protein-leather cushions, fabric-padded headband and folding earcupsSilicone eartips in small, medium and large (medium fitted); stability bands in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (size 1 fitted), with a notch that aligns them on the earbud; extra-small and extra-large sizes available from Bose Support; either earbud can be used on its own
Case weight–0.132 lb (about 60 g)
Water resistance detail–IPX4 for the earbuds; the inside of the case resists water left on the earbuds, but Bose advises keeping the outside of the case dry
Works withSeparate cable versions were sold for Apple devices and for selected Samsung Galaxy and Android devicesBose app (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices since a July 2024 update; Google Fast Pair; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers
ColoursBlack or White, both with blue accents at launchBlack and White Smoke at launch; Bose UK now sells Lunar Blue
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, audio cable, airline adapter and AAA batteryEarbuds, charging case, eartips (small and large; medium fitted), stability bands (sizes 2 and 3; size 1 fitted), USB-C to USB-A cable

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