Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Both are Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, so the sound, noise cancelling and fit are essentially the same. The 2nd Gen listing is the newer version and has tracked far lower, from $170.00 on October 31 to $343.36 on October 29. The original has held steady between $279.00 and $286.49 since November 2. Buy whichever is cheaper at the moment you check, and set a price alert rather than paying the high end of either range.
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Choose the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if you want the newer model and can catch it near its $170.00 low.
- Newer 2nd Gen version
- Tracked as low as $170.00
- 6 hours per charge, up to 30 hours with the case
- IPX4 sweat and splash resistance
- Adjustable active noise cancelling and touch controls
What separates them
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2nd Gen revision | Original first release |
| Lowest tracked price | $170.00 on October 31 | $279.00 on November 4 |
| Highest tracked price | $343.36 on October 29 | $286.49 on November 2 |
| Price stability | Wide swing, roughly $170 to $343 | Narrow band, roughly $279 to $286 |
| Noise cancelling | Active, adjustable | Active |
| Battery life | 6 hours per charge, up to 30 hours with case | Not stated in listing |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | Water-resistant, rating not stated |
Price history
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): lowest $170.00 on Oct 31 at eBay; $229.00 on Nov 5.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: lowest $279.00 on Nov 4 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Macy'sCheck price at Macy's
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- 6 Ave ElectronicsCheck price at 6 Ave Electronics
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- BoseCheck price at Bose
Specs compared
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| With Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Style | On-ear | In-ear |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Water Resistant | IPX4 | Yes |
| With Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm driver |
| With Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| Surround Sound | Yes | — |
| Over-Ear |
What reviewers say
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reviewers consistently rank these among the best noise-canceling earbuds available, praising how thoroughly they silence planes and trains. Sound and fit get strong marks, while battery life and the size of the case draw the most complaints.
- Noise cancellation that rivals over-ear headphones
- Rich, customizable sound with a useful EQ
- Comfortable, stable fit for long sessions
- Immersive Audio is genuinely impressive
- Battery life trails the competition
- Case is large for a pocket
- Immersive Audio drains power fast
- Price stays high with few sales
Questions and answers
- Is the 2nd Gen actually better than the original?
- It is the newer revision of the same earbud, with the same core noise cancelling and fit. The clearest practical gain is the documented 6-hour bud battery, up to 30 hours with the case, and IPX4 rating.
- Which one is cheaper right now?
- The 2nd Gen has hit $170.00, well under the original's $279.00 floor. But the 2nd Gen also spiked to $343.36, so check the current price before buying.
- Are they the same earbuds?
- They are the same Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds line. The 2nd Gen is a later revision; the original is the earlier release.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The 2nd Gen is rated 6 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case. The original listing does not state battery life.
- Can I use them for workouts?
- The 2nd Gen is IPX4 rated, which handles sweat and splashes but not swimming or heavy rain. The original is listed only as water-resistant.
- Is the original worth the extra money?
- Only if it is the cheaper option at checkout. At $279.00 or more against a $170.00 2nd Gen, the original is the worse buy.
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