Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
Score: 76/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 84/100Rankings
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.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 hours | 24 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 200 gbest | 250 g |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutesbest | 15 minutesbest |
9 mbest | 9 mbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 15 hours | 24 hours |
Features(1) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 2.1 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 30 ft m | 9 m |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 200 g | 250 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
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.
