Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds I: Which is better?
By Linus T.
Updated April 2023
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the latest version of Bose's popular QuietComfort Earbuds line, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds were the first generation of these earbuds. Even though both earbuds are designed to provide excellent noise cancellation and high-quality audio, the newer Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have some notable improvements over their predecessor.
In this review, we compare the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds on price, design, and performance.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Sound & Performance
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
A Well-Rounded Upgrade
✓ Greater fit and smaller case
✓ Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities
✓ All-new CustomTune technology
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds I
Amazing Sound & Call Quality
✓ Noise-cancellation
✓ Crystal-clear calls
✓ Up to 6 hours of battery life
#1 Price
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is a top-of-the-line product that comes with a price tag of US$299, which is a reflection of its premium features and exceptional engineering.
On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds now offer a more affordable option that still provides great sound quality and features. Priced at US$199, these earbuds are a perfect trade-off for those who do not want to break the bank.
#2 Design & Specs
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
In terms of design, both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have excellent build quality. However, when comparing the two models, you may find that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a bit bigger and bulkier in your ears. In the latest model, Bose has redesigned the shape of the earbuds to embrace a slimmer and lighter structure, making them even more comfortable to wear. Both earbuds come with a variety of ear tips and wings to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for all users.
Another one of the design upgrades in the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is the charging case. It is now more compact and has a more vertical profile, providing a more comfortable grip when handling the case compared to the flat, horizontal shape case of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. However, there are some trade-offs. The new charging case no longer supports wireless charging, a feature present in the previous model. This lack of compatibility may be cumbersome for wireless charging users, but for most users who do not rely on wireless charging, it will not make a difference.
When it comes to battery life, there isn't much difference between the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Both earbuds last up to 6 hours on a full charge. However, the QuietComfort Earbuds II offer an additional 18 hours of power with the charging case, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds only provide 12 hours of backup.
Both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are equipped with an IPX4 rating, which makes them water-resistant and sweat-resistant. This means that you can wear them during workouts or in rainy weather without the risk of damage.
One last detail difference between the earbuds would be their Bluetooth connectivity. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II uses Bluetooth 5.3 while the original only uses Bluetooth 5.1. This ensures that your earbuds remain connected to your device, providing a strong and continuous connection as long as you're within 30 feet of the paired device.
#3 Sound & Performance
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Both the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide exceptional sound quality and features, making them excellent choices for music lovers and audiophiles, despite their differences so far.
Both earbuds offer noise cancellation to block out unwanted noise around you, as well as a transparency mode to help you stay aware of your surroundings while still listening to your favourite tunes. You get crystal-clear calls with a built-in mic that is great at rejecting ambient noise.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer an exceptional audio experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. Their advanced noise-cancelling technology allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the sound without any outside distractions. Additionally, the earbuds can intelligently personalise the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears, enabling you to enjoy a deep, immersive sound and the best noise cancellation in the world. Its crisp, clear sound is definitely a step up from its predecessor.
Compare Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds I
Final Thoughts
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a significant upgrade over the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and they offer a much superior listening experience for anyone who values high-quality audio and noise-cancelling technology.
If budget isn’t a concern, you won’t regret going with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or upgrading from the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
If you like to read more on wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro vs Beats Fit Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Sony Linkbuds S
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