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Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

These are close siblings: same 24-hour battery, same over-ear fit, same Quiet and Aware modes. The QuietComfort 2nd Gen is the newer build with Bluetooth 5.4, a customizable EQ and Wind Block in the Bose app, and it scores higher with owners on the smaller set of ratings. The original QuietComfort is the safer known quantity with a much larger review base and a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm wired option. Buy the 2nd Gen for the app tuning and newer Bluetooth; buy the original if you want the long-track-record model.

  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort if you want the model with years of owner feedback behind it and a wired connection for flights or studio use.
  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen if you want newer Bluetooth, adjustable EQ and Wind Block, and the higher owner rating.

Prices

  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones: $249.00 at Lowe's (last seen Nov 11)
  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): $199.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is $49.01 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones at the latest prices (Nov 11 and Nov 12)
Bundle - Bose
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

4.6(7,400 ratings)
$249.00at Lowe'sChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Lowe's
Pros
  • Large, long-running review base
  • Wired 3.5mm option with gold-plated plug
  • Quiet and Aware modes cover most listening
  • Carrying case included
Cons
  • Older Bluetooth 5.1
  • No EQ or Wind Block in the app
  • Lower owner rating than the 2nd Gen
Bose
Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.8(571 ratings)
$199.99at eBayChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit eBay
Pros
  • Bluetooth 5.4
  • Adjustable EQ and custom noise-cancelling modes
  • Wind Block for outdoor use
  • Quick 15-minute charge gives 2.5 hours
Cons
  • Far fewer owner ratings so far
  • No water resistance
  • Wired connector details are thin

What separates them

Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bluetooth version5.15.4
Sound tuningFixed tuning, no EQ in the appAdjustable EQ (bass and treble) in the Bose app
Noise cancelling modesQuiet and Aware modesQuiet, Aware, custom modes plus Wind Block
Wired connection3.5mm gold-plated plug and 2.5mm connectorWired supported, connector details not listed
Battery life and charge time24 hours, 2.5-hour charge24 hours, 2.5-hour charge, 2.5 hours from a 15-minute boost
Owner rating4.6 from about 7,400 ratings4.8 from about 571 ratings
Water resistanceNot ratedNot water resistant
Voice assistantNone built inNone built in

Price history

$362.99$169.00
Oct 29Nov 13
  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones: lowest $169.00 on Nov 8 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio; $319.00 on Nov 13.
  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): lowest $199.99 on Nov 11 at eBay; $199.99 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit Lowe's
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $359.00Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $359.00Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $319.00Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 21 stores and price history →

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $199.99+ $25.00 shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit eBay
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $226.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Best Buy
  • JCPenneyNew

    In stock

    $249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit JCPenney
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $260.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Sound ModeStereoStereo
Connection TypeWireless, WiredWireless, Wired
Wireless ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth
Maximum Wireless Range30 feet30 feet
Microphone FeaturesNoise cancellingNoise cancelling
Headphone FitOver-the-EarOver-the-Ear
Battery Life24 hours24 hours
Battery Charge Time2.5 hours2.5 hours
Voice Assistant Built-InNoNo
Bluetooth Version5.15.4
Adjustable Headbandtruetrue
Minimum Frequency Response20 hertz—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Maximum Frequency Response20 kilohertz—
Impedance32 ohms—
Sensitivity75 decibels adjusted—
Connector Size3/32 in. (2.5mm)—
ControlsVolume, Call, Mute, Track selection—
Number Of Programmable Buttons1—
Maximum Talk Time24 hours—
Headphone TypeOver the ear—
Charger TypeUSB-C—

What reviewers say

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

  • 4.6 / 57,400 ratings

Owners rate it highly, mostly for noise cancelling and comfort on long trips. Complaints cluster around sound tuning, app dependence and the bulky case.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it cuts plane and train noise better than most rivals in its class.
  • ComfortPraisedReviewers report light clamping and soft pads that stay comfortable for hours.
  • SoundMixedMany like the warm, bass-forward tuning; others want a flatter, more detailed sound.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report close to the rated 24 hours and fast top-ups.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

  • 4.8 / 5571 ratings

Reviewers and owners consistently rate the QuietComfort 2nd Gen on comfort and noise cancellation, calling it one of the easiest headphones to wear all day. Sound is described as warm and bass-rich rather than neutral, and some wish for more codec support and auto-pause.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it cuts engine and cabin noise better than most rivals and makes flights far quieter.
  • ComfortPraisedReviewers report the soft cushions and light clamp stay comfortable over multi-hour wear.
  • SoundMixedMany like the warm bass, but critics say it lacks detail and sounds less balanced than the Sony WH-1000XM5.
  • CodecsCriticised

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling?
Both use Bose active noise cancelling with Quiet and Aware modes, so core blocking is similar. The 2nd Gen adds custom modes and Wind Block, which helps outdoors and in breeze.
Is the 2nd Gen worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want app EQ, Wind Block and newer Bluetooth. If you mostly listen wired or want the model with the longest track record, the original is enough.
Which is better for calls?
Both have noise-cancelling microphones and on-ear controls. The 2nd Gen's newer Bluetooth 5.4 is the better bet for stable connections to newer phones and laptops.
Do both last 24 hours?
Yes, both are rated at 24 hours of playback and about 2.5 hours to fully charge. The 2nd Gen adds a quick charge that gives 2.5 hours from 15 minutes.
Can I use either wired?
Both support wired listening. The original lists a 3.5mm gold-plated plug and a 2.5mm connector, which makes it the clearer choice for in-flight or studio use.
Which is more comfortable?
Both are over-ear with an adjustable headband and come with a case. Fit is personal; the 2nd Gen uses premium materials, but neither is water resistant.

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More comparisons

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  • Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Noise Cancelling Headphones
Series Name
QuietComfort Headphones
—
Battery Life (Hours)24—
Plug Type3.5mm gold plated—
Primary UsageEntertainment—
Noise Cancelingtrue—
Microphone Includedtrue—
Battery Recharge Time (Hours)2.5—
Case Includedtrue—
Bluetooth Compatibilitytrue—
Warranty1-year—
CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning(s)false—
Collection/Series NameQuietComfort Headphones—
Plug Material3.5mm gold plated—
Wireless—Yes
Bluetooth—Yes
USB Type—USB-C
Noise Cancelling—Active Noise Cancelling
Wireless Technology—Bluetooth
Type of Headphone—Over-Ear
Android users note the lack of LDAC or aptX and are limited to AAC and SBC.