Bose has long been a leader in noise-cancelling technology, setting the standard for immersive, high-quality audio in both headphones and earbuds. Known for their ability to block out distractions while delivering rich, balanced sound, Bose earbuds are a top choice for commuters, frequent travelers, and anyone who values a quiet listening experience.
Today, we’re comparing two of Bose’s most advanced wireless earbuds: the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the QuietComfort Earbuds II. Both models offer exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC), premium sound, and a comfortable fit—but they also have key differences that could influence your decision.
Whether you're looking for the best value or the latest features, this side-by-side comparison will help you determine which pair is the right fit for your needs.
Quietcomfort Ultra
Premium noise-cancelling earbuds with rich sound, Immersive Audio, and a sleek design for a more spatial listening experience.
Quietcomfort II
High-end ANC earbuds with deep bass, clear sound, and a secure fit, offering top-tier noise cancellation without Immersive Audio.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design, both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds follow Bose’s signature approach: sleek, ergonomic, and built for all-day comfort. However, there are a few differences that may sway your decision.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
At first glance, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds look nearly identical to the Earbuds II, but Bose has made a few refinements. The Ultra model features a more polished design with subtle aesthetic upgrades, giving it a more premium feel. The fit and comfort remain largely the same, with the same Fit Kit for a snug and secure wear. However, the biggest difference comes with the introduction of Immersive Audio, which affects how the earbuds sit in the ear, potentially impacting comfort for some users over long periods.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The QuietComfort Earbuds II introduced a slimmer, more compact design compared to their predecessors, making them easier to wear for extended periods. They come with Bose’s Fit Kit, which includes three sizes of ear tips and stability bands, allowing for a customized fit that stays secure even during movement. The overall build feels premium, though the slightly protruding design may not appeal to everyone.
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
While both models offer excellent comfort and fit, the Ultra model edges out with its refined design and a slightly more premium feel. If aesthetics matter to you, the Ultra Earbuds take the win—but if you prefer a more budget-friendly option with the same comfort level, the Earbuds II remains a solid choice.
Features and Functionality
Bose has built a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology in its noise-cancelling earbuds, and both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds II are no exception. However, the Ultra model introduces some notable upgrades that may be worth considering.
Noise Cancellation
Both models offer best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out background noise whether you're commuting, working, or just enjoying your favorite playlist.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II set the standard with their CustomTune technology, which automatically adjusts the ANC based on the shape of your ears.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds retain the same CustomTune feature but take things a step further by incorporating Immersive Audio—a spatial audio feature that enhances the sense of depth in sound. While this doesn't directly impact ANC, it creates a more immersive listening experience, which can make external noise feel even more distant.
Connectivity
Both models use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with minimal dropouts.
Neither model supports multipoint connectivity, meaning you can’t connect to two devices simultaneously, which might be a drawback for those who frequently switch between devices.
Codec support remains the same across both earbuds, focusing on SBC and AAC, which work well with most devices but lack high-resolution audio codecs like aptX.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid on both models, but Immersive Audio on the Ultra Earbuds does have an impact.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II offer up to 6 hours of playback per charge, with an additional 18 hours from the charging case.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a similar 6-hour battery life, but drops to around 4 hours when Immersive Audio is enabled. If you're planning long listening sessions, you may need to disable this feature to maximize playback time.
Additional Features
The biggest upgrade on the Ultra model is the introduction of Immersive Audio, which provides a more expansive, spatial sound experience, making music and movies feel more lifelike.
Unfortunately, neither model supports wireless charging, a feature that some competitors at this price point offer.
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
While both models excel in noise cancellation, connectivity, and battery life, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds take the win with Immersive Audio, adding a new layer of depth to the listening experience. If you prioritize standard ANC and slightly longer battery life, the QuietComfort Earbuds II still holds up well—but for the latest in Bose technology, the Ultra model is the better pick.
Sound Quality
Bose is known for delivering rich, balanced audio with deep bass and clear mids and highs, and both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds II stay true to that reputation. However, the Ultra model brings some enhancements that take the listening experience even further.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Ultra Earbuds build on the strong foundation of the Earbuds II but introduce a major new feature: Immersive Audio. This spatial audio technology creates a more expansive, 3D-like soundstage, making music feel more dynamic and natural.
- The bass remains punchy and deep, without overpowering the mids and highs.
- The mids and treble are well-balanced, ensuring vocals and instruments remain crisp.
- With Immersive Audio enabled, the soundstage feels wider, creating a more spacious and realistic listening experience.
- However, Immersive Audio does not support all content, meaning the benefits are most noticeable with select tracks and media.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The QuietComfort Earbuds II already offer excellent sound quality, with Bose’s CustomTune technology automatically adjusting the sound to match your ear shape.
- Bass is deep and controlled, providing plenty of impact without muddying other frequencies.
- Mids and highs are clear, offering detailed vocals and crisp instrumentals.
- The sound profile is rich and immersive, though without the spatial depth introduced in the Ultra model.
- Stereo separation is solid, but the soundstage isn't as wide as what the Ultra model delivers with Immersive Audio.
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
While the QuietComfort Earbuds II already offer exceptional sound quality, the Ultra Earbuds win thanks to Immersive Audio, which enhances depth and spaciousness. If you want the most advanced listening experience Bose has to offer, the Ultra model is the way to go—but if you're satisfied with great sound without spatial audio, the Earbuds II are still a fantastic choice.
Price and Value
When choosing between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds II, price is an important factor. Both models come at a premium, but the Ultra Earbuds introduce additional features that could justify the higher cost for some users.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
As the latest model, the Ultra Earbuds sit at a higher price point compared to the Earbuds II. The main reason for the added cost is the introduction of Immersive Audio, which provides a more spatial and engaging listening experience.
- You’re paying for the latest Bose technology, which enhances audio depth and realism.
- Noise cancellation and core sound quality remain largely the same as the Earbuds II, so the extra cost is primarily for Immersive Audio and a slightly refined design.
- If you value cutting-edge features and an immersive listening experience, the price premium may be worth it.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Since they’ve been on the market longer, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are now available at a lower price compared to their launch.
- They still deliver industry-leading noise cancellation and high-quality sound, making them a strong value option.
- If Immersive Audio isn’t a priority, you can get almost the same core performance as the Ultra model for a lower cost.
- For those looking for top-tier ANC without the need for the latest extras, the Earbuds II provide excellent value.
Winner: It Depends
If you want the latest technology and immersive spatial audio, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds justify their price. However, if you’re looking for exceptional ANC and sound without paying extra for new features, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are the better value. Your choice comes down to whether Immersive Audio is worth the added cost for you.
Conclusion
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds II offer top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a comfortable fit. The biggest difference comes down to Immersive Audio, which adds a more spacious, 3D-like sound experience in the Ultra model. Otherwise, the core performance—ANC, battery life, and overall audio balance—remains quite similar.
If you want the latest Bose technology and a more immersive listening experience, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the better pick. However, if you prioritize value over new features and don’t need spatial audio, the QuietComfort Earbuds II still delivers exceptional performance at a lower price.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether Immersive Audio is worth the extra cost. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!