Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Both are Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones, so the real choice is price versus the newer generation. The QuietComfort (Product A) has dropped to $169.99, its lowest daily price since October 28, 2026, while the QuietComfort 2nd Gen sits at $219.00, its lowest since October 29, 2026. Buy the original QuietComfort if you want Bose noise cancelling for less; buy the 2nd Gen if you want the current model and the refinements that come with it.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Choose the QuietComfort if you want proven Bose active noise cancellation and 24-hour battery for about $50 less.
- Lowest recent price at $169.99
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Bose active noise cancellation
- Folds flat with a hard case
What separates them
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Original QuietComfort | Second-generation QuietComfort |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes, Bose active noise cancelling | Yes, Bose active noise cancelling |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours, 2.5-hour recharge | Comparable all-day battery, USB-C charging |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Newer Bluetooth with multipoint |
| Water and sweat resistance | No official IP rating | No official IP rating |
| Microphones | 3 built-in mics with noise-cancelling mic | Beam-forming mic array for calls |
| Folding and case | Folds flat, hard case included | Folds flat, hard case included |
| Lowest price seen |
Price history
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones: lowest $169.99 on Oct 29 at eBay; $209.00 on Oct 30.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): lowest $219.00 on Nov 5 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
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Specs compared
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| Style | On-ear | On-ear |
| Over-Ear | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Cup Type | Over-ear | — |
| Body Part Use | Head, Ear | — |
| Noise Cancellation Type | Active | — |
| Max Battery Life | 24 hours | — |
| Recharge Time | 2.5 hours | — |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | — |
| Standby Time | 1 day | — |
What reviewers say
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Owners generally rate the QuietComfort highly for comfort and noise cancelling on long flights and commutes. Complaints center on the plastic build, the large case and the lack of water resistance.
- Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it cuts engine drone and office chatter well, though it is a step behind the Ultra line.
- ComfortPraisedThe over-ear fit and protein leather pads are called comfortable for long flights and full workdays.
- BatteryPraisedUsers report close to the rated 24 hours and say a single charge covers a long trip.
- BuildMixed
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancellation?
- Both use Bose active noise cancelling and perform close to each other. The 2nd Gen has slightly refined tuning, but the gap is small in everyday use.
- Is the 2nd Gen worth the extra $50?
- At $219.00 versus $169.99, the 2nd Gen buys you a newer design, better call mics and USB-C. If you mostly listen to music, the original QuietComfort is the better value.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The original QuietComfort is rated up to 24 hours. The 2nd Gen is in the same all-day range, so battery is not a deciding factor.
- Can I use either for workouts?
- Neither has an official water or sweat resistance rating. For gym use, look at earbuds with an IP rating instead.
- Do both fold up for travel?
- Yes. Both fold flat and ship with a hard carry case, so they pack about the same.
- Which is better for phone calls?
- The 2nd Gen has a better microphone array and clearer voice pickup. The original QuietComfort is fine for occasional calls.
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