Bose QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise Review
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have one fantastic trick: phenomenal noise cancellation. But with mediocre battery life and a high price, is that one trick enough?
The 30-Second Version
Buy these for the phenomenal noise cancellation and nothing else. The battery life is a letdown, and you're paying a Bose tax. If ANC isn't your holy grail, skip them.
Overview
Look, if you're buying Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, you're buying them for one reason: the noise cancellation. It's legendary, and our data shows it lands in the 89th percentile. That's the headline. Everything else about these earbuds is a negotiation with that single, fantastic feature. They're a pair of compromises wrapped around a world-class ANC engine.
Performance
The noise cancellation really is that good. It's the kind that makes a busy coffee shop feel like a library. What surprised us was how mediocre the battery life is, ranking in the bottom 15th percentile at just 8.5 hours. For a premium pair of earbuds in 2024, that's rough. You'll be charging the case more often than you'd like.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The noise cancellation is elite and lives up to the Bose name. 85th
- Connectivity is rock-solid and hassle-free. 82th
- They fit securely with multiple tip and wing options. 75th
- Sound quality is clean and balanced, perfect for podcasts and music.
Cons
- The battery life is frankly disappointing for the price.
- The microphone is just okay for calls, nothing special.
- They're not the most comfortable for all-day wear.
- At $179, you're paying a premium mostly for the ANC tech.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.2 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Earbuds - Twilight Blue |
| Codecs | The everyday, made epic. New Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer iconic audio, renowned noise cancellation, and a relentless, long-lasting battery — all in a compact, durable package that’s powerful, not precious. |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wired Connector | USB |
| Range | 9.1 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 8.5 |
| Charge Time | 1.5 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Water Resistance | Yes |
Value & Pricing
Worth it? Only if world-class noise cancellation is your absolute top priority. You're paying for that Bose ANC magic, and you're accepting compromises elsewhere, especially on battery. If ANC isn't your main focus, there are better overall values out there.
Price History
vs Competition
This is a crowded field. The Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears will give you even better ANC and battery, but they're bigger. The Anker Space One Pro offers shockingly good ANC for half the price, though the brand prestige isn't there. And then you have Apple's ecosystem pulling people toward AirPods. The Bose QCs sit in a weird spot: they're the ANC specialists for people who want earbuds, not headphones, and are willing to pay for the best-in-class feature.
| Spec | Bose QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise | Sony Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | - | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Earbuds - Twilight Blue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 24 | 32 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | 8.5 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 35 | 70 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use these for working out?
They have an IPX4 rating, so sweat and light rain are fine, but they're not designed for heavy gym sessions. The fit is secure, but there are better true sport earbuds out there.
Q: How's the call quality?
It's decent but not amazing. Our mic testing puts it in the 39th percentile. For important calls, you might want to switch to your phone. They're better for listening than talking.
Q: Is 8.5 hours of battery enough?
For a full workday or a long flight? Barely, and you'll need the case. Compared to other premium earbuds hitting 10-12 hours, it's a weak point. Plan on charging them more often.
Who Should Skip This
If you need all-day battery or your main use is crystal-clear voice calls, this isn't it. Go get a pair of Jabras or the latest Sony LinkBuds instead. Also, if you're on a tight budget, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 does a very convincing impression for about half the price.
Verdict
We can only recommend these to a specific buyer: someone who needs portable, best-in-class noise cancellation above all else and is willing to trade battery life and some comfort for it. For everyone else, the compromises are too significant. Look at the competition first.