Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 72/100
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Midnight Blue
Score: 66/100Rankings
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers top-tier ANC, immersive head-tracked audio, and high-resolution aptX Adaptive sound, but its battery life and lack of wireless charging limit endurance.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers flagship-level sound with aptX Lossless, hybrid ANC and a premium build, targeting audiophiles and frequent travelers, though its price, dominant bass and limited app customization may deter some buyers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 hours | 6.5 hoursbest | |
9.3 mm | 12 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 gbest | 289 g |
12 months | 24 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 9.3 mm | 12 mm |
Supported Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Classic, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 24 months |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 20.0 g | 289 g |
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
Ear Tip Sizes | 9 | Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 5 hours | 6.5 hours |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the QuietComfort Ultra for its unrivaled ANC, comfortable ergonomics, and immersive spatial audio, while noting the lack of wireless charging and modest battery life.
Everyday users overwhelmingly applaud the earbuds' noise cancellation, immersive soundstage and comfort, but complain about the missing wireless charging, bulky case, and short battery life.
“Best noise cancellation I've ever used - blocks out airplane engines completely.”
“The Immersive Audio makes music feel like it's coming from outside my head - it's incredible.”
“I can wear them for hours without discomfort - the fit is perfect.”
Professional reviewers laud the Pi8 for delivering reference-level audio performance, with particular praise for its clarity, expansive soundstage, and support for aptX Lossless, while noting the dominant bass, high price and limited app EQ as drawbacks.
Everyday users echo the professional praise, calling the Pi8 the best-sounding earbuds they've owned and highlighting comfort, but they also mention bass-heavy tuning and touch-control sensitivity.
