Which has better noise cancellation?

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Its CustomTune ANC adapts to each ear, while the QuietComfort Earbuds use standard Bose ANC without that tuning.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The QuietComfort Earbuds, at up to 8.5 hours. The Ultra gives 6 hours, or 4 with Immersive Audio on.

Is the Ultra worth the extra money?

Only if you want the best ANC, spatial audio and aptX Adaptive. At $229.00 versus $52.85, the QuietComfort Earbuds cover the basics for far less.

Are either good for running?

Both are IPX4 and come with stability bands. Some Ultra owners report the buds slip when sweating, so check the fit carefully.

Do both support multipoint Bluetooth?

Yes. Both switch between two devices, and both use Bluetooth 5.3.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Buy the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) if you want the best Bose noise cancellation, Immersive Audio and aptX Adaptive, and you can accept about 6 hours per charge. Buy the QuietComfort Earbuds if battery life and price matter more: up to 8.5 hours per charge and a much lower price. The Ultra's lowest recent price was $229.00 (October 30), against $52.85 for the QuietComfort Earbuds (October 30).

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