Comparisonof Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): what sets them apart?

Comparisonof Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): what sets them apart?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer unique features, sound quality, and noise cancellation capabilities, catering to different preferences.

Sound Quality

The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) boast a loud, crisp, and expansive soundstage with well-layered frequency response. They deliver deep bass, textured mids, and clear highs, providing a more immersive and refined listening experience. The QC Earbuds (2024), on the other hand, have fine-tuned sound with better bass and a smoother high end. They support a 5-band EQ for more precise customization, whereas the Ultra Earbuds use a 3-band EQ.

Noise Cancellation

The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer improved active noise cancellation (ANC) with an updated algorithm for smoother transitions and better suppression of sudden noises. They use Bose’s CustomTune calibration and include AI-powered noise suppression for clearer calls. The QC Earbuds (2024) also provide strong ANC but without some of the advanced smoothing and AI call noise suppression found in the Ultra model.

Features

The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) include Immersive Audio (with Still and Motion modes including head tracking), AI noise suppression for calls, wireless charging, Bluetooth Multipoint, and offer a total battery life of 24 hours (6 hours in buds + 18 in case). The QC Earbuds (2024) offer longer battery life with 29.5 hours total (8.5 + 21), wireless charging, Bluetooth Multipoint, voice control via "Hey Headphones", a Remote Selfie feature to control phone camera remotely, and a new companion app with a more advanced 5-band EQ.

Design and Comfort

The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) feature stabilizer fins and separate eartips for a secure, comfortable fit. They are lightweight and designed to be very comfortable for extended use. The QC Earbuds (2024) offer excellent comfort with a design focused on long wearability and ease of use, although they do not seem to have stabilizer fins.

Battery Life

The QC Earbuds (2024) have superior battery life with a total of 29.5 hours, while the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer about 24 hours total battery life but with 6 hours per charge in the buds.

Summary

| Aspect | QC Earbuds (2024) | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Fine-tuned, smoother highs, 5-band EQ | More expansive, immersive with spatial audio modes | | Noise Cancellation | Strong ANC, no AI smoothing | Improved ANC with AI call noise suppression | | Features | Remote Selfie, voice control, longer battery | Immersive Audio, wireless charging, AI call noise | | Design & Comfort | Comfortable, user-friendly | Lightweight, stabilizer fins for secure fit | | Battery Life | 29.5 hours (buds + case) | 24 hours total (buds + case) |

The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are more premium with better sound immersion and noise cancellation technologies but have shorter battery life and fewer sound customization options at present. The QC Earbuds (2024) emphasize longer battery, voice controls, and more EQ flexibility. The choice depends on whether you prioritize battery life and customization (QC Earbuds 2024) or the most advanced immersive listening and noise cancelling experience (QC Ultra 2nd Gen).

It's worth noting that the QC Earbuds (2024) lack Bose's CustomTune tech and Immersive Audio, which are listed as "coming soon". The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) come in three colors: Black, White Smoke, and Deep Plum. The weight of each QuietComfort Earbud (2024) is 8.5g. The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer a greater sense of spaciousness and dynamic differentiation between notes compared to the QC Earbuds (2024). The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have different companion apps. The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have a battery life of 8.5 hours (+21 hours from charging case). The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have three levels of ANC - Quiet, Aware, and Immersion, and the ability to add a custom preset. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have a more rounded shape compared to the stem design of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have a higher price point than the QC Earbuds (2024). The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) were launched at £299 / $299 / AU$450, but have been discounted to around £250 / $249 / AU$399. The QC Earbuds (2024) were launched at £180 / $179 / AU$289, but have been discounted to around £130.

1. The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer a loud, crisp, and expansive soundstage, delivering deep bass, textured mids, and clear highs for a more immersive and refined listening experience.
2. The QC Earbuds (2024) have fine-tuned sound with better bass and a smoother high end, supporting a 5-band EQ for more precise customization.
3. During calls, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) utilize AI-powered noise suppression for clearer conversations, while their advanced noise cancellation offers effective suppression of sudden noises with updated algorithms.
4. Gadget enthusiasts and technology lovers may appreciate the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)'s Immersive Audio and wireless charging, as well as the option to buy them at discounted prices for various regions.
5. The QC Earbuds (2024) offer voice control, a Remote Selfie feature, and a longer battery life—making them an appealing choice for those prioritizing these features.
6. News about the upcoming Bose events might reveal whether the QC Earbuds (2024) will include Bose's CustomTune tech and Immersive Audio, which are currently listed as "coming soon".

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