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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provide better call quality and have an app that allows for more customization, including virtual surround sound, something the original Quiet Comfort Earbuds lack. They are also lighter and come with stability bands for a more secure fit. However, the original Quiet Comfort Earbuds have a slightly better overall sound quality and score higher for use during exercises due to sweatproof certification. Both have excellent noise cancellation and comfort, but if call quality and customization are more important to you, the Earbuds II are a better choice. If you prioritize sound and exercise use, consider the original Quiet Comfort Earbuds. 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 Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.6
5.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.5
6.0
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.4
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both good for music.
Gaming
5.6
5.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
6.0
6.2
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both only fair for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are both excellent for noise reduction.
Battery
7.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$199
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has a price of $199 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II costs $199.
Build Quality
8.9
9.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II to have excellent build quality, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has very good build quality.
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How the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.5 Grams | 7.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
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What HiFi?
What HiFi? | September 2023
"Bose’s flagship wireless earbuds were never going to be cheap, but the question was whether they’d be competitive in an area of the market where rivals have never been more capable. The fact that the company has not only managed to implement a successful redesign, but also push the envelope for noise-cancelling and sound quality in such a highly competitive category simultaneously is truly impressive."
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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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Why trust us
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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