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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 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 EarbudsBoseQuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024September 2025
Sound
TypeIn-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Lossless over USB-C–Yes
Noise cancelling detailQuiet mode (full noise cancelling) and Aware mode; noise cancelling adjustable or off in the Bose QCE app; six microphones in total (three per earbud) for noise cancelling and voice pickupQuiet 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 featuresFive-band adjustable EQ in the Bose QCE app; Low Latency Audio mode for games and videoBose 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 8.5 hoursUp to 30 hours
With the caseUp to 30 hours–
Wireless chargingYes–
Battery life detailTested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet mode (full noise cancelling); the case holds 2.5 full charges, which the owner's guide gives as up to 30 hours in total (Bose UK's product page says 31.5 hours, and its footnote gives 9 hours per charge)Up 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
Charging caseUSB-C and Qi wireless charging; earbuds charge in up to 1.5 hours, the case in up to 2 hours–
Fast charging20 minutes of charging gives up to 3 hours of playback15 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 (each earbud)10.9 g264 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4–
Bluetooth5.35.4
Two devices at onceYesYes
Headphone cable–Yes
ControlsTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play or pause, double-tap to skip forward, triple-tap to skip back; volume and noise cancelling controls); single, double and triple taps and press-and-hold are customisable in the app; "Hey headphones" voice commands through the Bose QCE app, including answering calls and Remote Selfie; in-ear detection pauses audio when an earbud is removed and can answer callsOn 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
MicrophonesThree microphones per earbud; adaptive microphone system for calls with adjustable self-voice (sidetone)Four microphones for calls, two on each ear cup
Fit and ear tipsEartips and stability bands in small, medium and large; eartips interchangeable with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds; either earbud can be used on its ownAround-ear (circumaural) with an adjustable headband; removable protein leather cushions; plastic and aluminium build with polished metal yokes; folds for the carry case
Case weight0.104 lb (about 47 g) on Bose UK's spec table–
Water resistance detailIPX4 for the earbuds; Bose says resistance might decrease with normal wear–
Works withBose QCE app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; can connect to Bose soundbars and speakers with SimpleSync, though Bose says it isn't fully optimised; no Snapdragon SoundBose 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
ColoursBlack, White Smoke and Chilled Lilac at launch; Bose UK now also sells Dewdrop MintBlack, White Smoke, Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet at launch; Bose UK now also sells Cherry Chocolate, Desert Gold and Olive Green
In the boxEarbuds, charging case, USB-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, 30 cm), Fit Kit with small, medium and large eartips and stability bands, safety sheetHeadphones, carry case, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable, USB-C to USB-C cable (99 cm), safety sheet

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