Rankings
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) offers best-in-class ANC, CustomTune personalization and Spatial Immersive Audio in a lightweight over-ear package with up to 24 hours of playtime. It lacks water resistance and a dedicated EQ app, and its bulkier design may not suit active use. Ideal for commuters, travelers and audiophiles who prioritize ANC and comfort.
Bose QuietComfort headphones are over-ear wireless headphones delivering strong ANC, comfortable plush fit and up to 24 hours of battery life, making them ideal for travel and office use. They miss a dedicated mic-mute button, have no water-resistance, and are relatively heavy. Best for commuters and travelers who prioritize comfort and long listening time.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are over-ear wireless headphones offering industry-leading active noise cancellation and up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC on. They fall short on high-resolution Bluetooth codecs and have a heavier feel than advertised. Ideal for travelers and office workers who prioritize ANC and comfort.
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless II headphones offer 15 hours of playback, dual-mic HD Voice, and a comfortable over-ear design. They lack active noise cancellation and use legacy Bluetooth 2.1, limiting modern features. Suitable for commuters and office users who value comfort and call quality.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds deliver AI-enhanced active noise cancellation with CustomTune personalization and support aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth 5.3. Their battery life is limited to six hours (four with spatial audio) and the case is made of plastic. Best suited for commuters and active users seeking premium ANC in a true-wireless form factor.
Bose SoundSport Wireless earbuds provide a sweat-proof, secure fit with up to six hours of playback and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. They lack active noise cancellation and have a short battery life with an outdated micro-USB charger. Targeted at runners and gym-goers who need a lightweight, water-resistant earbud.
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 hours | 22 hours | 24 hoursbest | 15 hours | 24 hoursbest | 6 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 22.7 gbest | 444 g | 238 g | 200 g | 250 g | 80 g |
| ↓ lower better | — | 15 minutesbest | 15 minutesbest | 15 minutesbest | 15 minutesbest | 20 minutes |
9 m | 9.14 mbest | 9 m | 9 m | 9 m | 9 m | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||||||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 22 hours | 24 hours | 15 hours | 24 hours | 6 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | — | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
Features(2) | ||||||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | false | true | true |
Noise Cancellation Type | Passive | Active | — | Passive | — | ActiveSense AI-Enhanced |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||
Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 2.1 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 30 ft m | 30 ft m | 9 m | 30 ft m | 9 m | 9 m |
Build & Design(1) | ||||||
Weight (g) | 22.7 g | 444 g | 238 g | 200 g | 250 g | 80 g |
Audio(1) | ||||||
Supported Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC | — | — | — | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the SoundSport Wireless as good sports headphones with above-average sound quality, a comfortable and stable fit, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, but they criticize the short battery life, poor noise isolation, and outdated charging and Bluetooth standards compared with newer Bose offerings.
Everyday users appreciate the secure StayHear+ fit, easy pairing, balanced sound and sweat resistance, while repeatedly noting the limited 6-hour battery, lack of noise isolation, and concerns about the durability of the micro-USB charging port.
“Very light”
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
Professional reviewers commend the QC45 for its best-in-class ANC, lightweight comfort, solid build quality, and convenient USB-C charging, while noting that its sound signature is merely average and it lacks high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, keeping it a step behind the very top-tier competitors.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the headphones for being very light, comfortable for long periods, and effective at cancelling noise during travel, but they frequently mention that the packaged weight feels heavier than expected and that the audio quality is only average, with a desire for better codec support.
Professional reviewers highlight the QuietComfort headphones for their comfortable, durable construction and accurate, warm sound signature with low distortion. The adjustable ANC and multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity are praised, as is the long 24-hour battery life with a convenient quick-charge feature. The only notable criticism is the lack of a dedicated microphone mute button.
The Bose QuietComfort headphones are praised for their comfortable over-ear design, effective ANC and long battery life, though users note the lack of water resistance and a missing mic mute button.
Professional reviewers commend the SoundLink Around-Ear II for its solid 15-hour battery life, clear call performance with dual-mic HD Voice, and comfortable, durable design, while noting the lack of ANC, some sound leakage, and the omission of a wall charger as drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the headphones for comfort, deep bass, reliable Bluetooth range, easy controls, and quick NFC pairing, but many report sound leakage, the absence of active noise cancellation, occasional multipoint glitches, and wish for a companion EQ app.
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
Professional reviewers consider the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds a solid evolution of Bose's flagship wireless line, applauding the AI-driven CustomTune personalization and the class-leading ANC, while noting that the battery penalty of Immersive Audio and the modest codec selection keep the product from being a clear market leader.
The source material does not provide direct user reviews, but the emphasis on multiple eartip sizes, stability bands, and the Bose app suggests the design aims to address common consumer concerns about fit, comfort, and personalization.
