Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

What QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds does better (3) and where QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) wins (0) — every spec side by side.

5.6Score

3 advantages≈ $200

Higher score

4.8Score

0 advantages≈ $240

8.8Noise control & calls5.6

4.2Battery3.8

3.4Build & features2.4

Why is QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds better than QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?

Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)Yes · QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): No
Microphones8 vs 42×
Earbud weight (each)6.2 g vs 10 g+60%

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) has no measurable advantages in this pair.

Specifications

Only differences	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds≈ $2005.6	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)≈ $2404.8
Sound
Fit	In-ear	In-ear
Ear cup design	—	Closed-back
Driver type	—	Dynamic
Spatial / 3D audio	Yes	Yes
Hi-Res Audio	Yes	Yes
Adjustable equaliser	Yes	Yes
Noise control
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Adaptive ANC	—	Yes
Transparency / ambient mode	Yes	Yes
Microphones	8	4
Battery & charging
Battery life	6 h	6 h
Battery life with ANC	—	4 h
Total with charging case	24 h	24 h
Charging time	1 h	1 h
Quick charge (claimed)	20 min → 2 h	—
Fast charging support	Yes	Yes
Wireless charging (case)	—	Yes
Connectivity
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth version	5.3	5.3
Bluetooth codecs	aptX Adaptive, SBC	aptX
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)	Yes	No
aptX	Yes	Yes
LDAC	No	No
Multipoint (two devices)	Yes	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Smart & streaming
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Design & build
Earbud weight (each)	6.2 g	10 g
Protection rating	IPX4	IPX4
Water resistance (IPx)	IPx4	IPx4
Features
Touch controls	Yes	Yes
Hands-free calls	Yes	Yes