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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X headphones have an excellent overall sound quality, are less expensive, and are suitable for a wide range of music. However, they don't have a microphone, so they're not recommended for calls. For gamers who are budget-conscious, these headphones offer a great sound but they can be unsuitable due to their wired connection and lack of low latency features. On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are notably pricier but provide superior comfort, active noise cancellation, and features such as sweat resistance and wireless connectivity, making them versatile for sport activities and travel. Their battery life and built-in controls for calls and music also make them a convenient choice for everyday use. If your priority is a high-quality, immersive listening experience in various settings, including while on the move, and you don't mind the higher cost, the Bose earbuds are likely a better option. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- The Audio Technica ATH M40X has no clear advantages over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Advantages of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
8.6
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both very good for music, though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is somewhat better.
Gaming
7.0
8.8
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is good.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.1
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
6.0
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
8.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are both very good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.9
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.5 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$249
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds costs $249.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $249 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 21 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.2/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 7.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Christian Thomas | October 2023
"Bose put the time in to fix the major issues with the previous earbuds, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are very befitting of its price point. While you might be tempted to save a few bucks and go with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II on sale, fight the urge. There are enough upgrades here to justify the newer model."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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