Comparison between the 2nd Generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the QuietComfort Earbuds from 2024: what sets them apart?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) each offer unique features, sound quality, noise cancelling, design, comfort, and price points. Here's a comparison of the two models:
Features
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) offer up to 8.5 hours of playback (buds) with a total of 29.5 hours when combined with the charging case. The earbuds also come with remote selfie shutter control, a novel feature, and voice control with the "Hey Headphones" wake word. On the other hand, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) provide wireless charging, a feature that the QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) already have. The 2024 model also boasts a new Bose app with a 5-band EQ for detailed sound customisation, while the Ultra 2nd Gen offers immersive audio with head tracking (Still and Motion modes).
Sound Quality
The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) deliver a flatter sound signature with a midrange emphasis, less pronounced bass, and highs. In contrast, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer a more sonically exuberant, punchy bass, a louder, crisper, and expansive sound.
Noise Cancelling
The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have effective active noise cancelling, although not as advanced as the Ultra 2nd Gen. The Ultra 2nd Gen boasts more advanced active noise cancelling, smoother ANC, and improved ActiveSense adaptive noise control. The Ultra 2nd Gen's noise cancelling is praised for being best-in-class, near-impenetrable, and offering exceptional call quality with AI noise suppression.
Design & Comfort
Both models offer comfortable designs typical for Bose, with the Ultra 2nd Gen offering the additional option to disable touch controls. The Ultra 2nd Gen earbuds weigh 7.7g each, while the QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) weigh 8.5g each.
Battery
The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have a better battery life overall, with a total of 29.5 hours (8.5 hours from the earbuds and 21 hours from the charging case). The Ultra 2nd Gen offers a total of 24 hours (6 hours from the earbuds and 18 hours from the charging case).
Price
The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are more affordable, priced lower than the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
In summary, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) excel in noise cancelling, sound quality, call quality with AI noise suppression, and immersive spatial audio with head tracking, reflecting their premium positioning and higher price. The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) bring innovative features like remote selfie control, voice wake word, longer battery life, and a more detailed EQ through a new app at a lower price point but lack the Ultra's top-tier ANC and sound richness. Comfort and design differences are subtle, with the Ultra 2nd Gen offering additional options like disabling touch controls. Users prioritizing ultimate noise cancelling and sound experience may prefer the Ultra 2nd Gen model, while those valuing battery life, innovative features, and lower cost might lean towards the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds.
[1] Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) [2] Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) [3] Tom's Guide: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review [4] CNET: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review [5] Wired: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review
- For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) offer innovative features and long battery life at a lower price.
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are premium earbuds, showcasing top-tier active noise cancelling, immersive audio, and AI noise suppression for clear calls.
- With its novel features like remote selfie shutter control and a new app with 5-band EQ, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) promise detailed sound customization.
- In the realm of gadgets and technology, Hi-fi enthusiasts might be interested to read news and reviews about the latest Bose QuietComfort Earbuds models, such as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are not only available for purchase but can also be found at technology events, allowing potential buyers to experience the best-in-class noise cancelling and immersive audio firsthand.
- In a recent review by Wired, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) were praised for their advanced noise cancelling capabilities and exceptional sound quality, reflecting their premium positioning.
