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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds provide great noise isolation, a comfortable fit for extended listening, and are wireless with decent battery life, which makes them convenient for exercise and travel. They also have an app that allows for equalizer and controls customization, plus they are rated well for use during calls and meetings. The Focal Elex headphones, on the other hand, offer an open-back design for an expansive soundstage, leading to a more natural listening experience that's ideal for critical listening at home or in a quiet environment. With better sound quality for music and TV, they are suitable for audiophiles who prioritize fidelity over features like wireless connectivity and noise isolation. Keep in mind, the Elex lacks a microphone and built-in controls, and is not as portable or suitable for use in noisy environments or during exercise. The choice depends on whether you value the convenience and features of the Bose earbuds or the superior audio experience of the Focal headphones. 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
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.7
The Focal Elex and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both good for music, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.6
6.9
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.3
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.5
7.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
TV and Video
6.0
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
7.0 Hours
N/A
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$749
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has a price of $199 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex 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 Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.5 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
Focal Elex
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Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds or the Focal Elex
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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