Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review: The Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds You Can Buy

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are one of the best wireless earbuds on the market, especially if you are looking for excellent noise cancelling performance, warm and rich sound quality, and comfortable and secure fit. In this ultimate guide, we will review the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, compare them to other earbuds, give you some tips and tricks, troubleshoot some common problems, and answer some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and whether they are the right choice for you.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review
Let’s start with a detailed review of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, covering their main features, pros and cons, and verdict.
Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now. They use a combination of active and passive noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The noise cancellation performance of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is comparable to the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which are the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. They are also better than the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which are the main competitors of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can effectively reduce low-frequency noises, such as engine rumble, and high-frequency noises, such as human voices. They also have a Quiet Mode and an Aware Mode, which let you adjust the noise cancellation level according to your preference and situation.
The Quiet Mode is the highest level of noise cancellation, which blocks out almost all external sounds. This is ideal for when you want to focus on your music, podcasts, or audiobooks, or when you want to relax or sleep in a noisy environment. The Aware Mode is the lowest level of noise cancellation, which lets in some ambient sounds. This is useful for when you want to be aware of your surroundings, such as when you are walking on the street, or when you want to have a conversation with someone without taking off the earbuds.
The noise cancellation feature of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is not only great for listening, but also for talking. The earbuds have a four-microphone system that picks up your voice and filters out background noise, so you can have clear and crisp phone calls or voice commands. The earbuds also support Siri and Google Assistant, which you can access by holding the touch control on the right earbud.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warm and rich sound quality that is pleasing to most listeners. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which has an equalizer that lets you adjust the bass, midrange, and treble levels to your liking. You can also choose from different presets, such as Warm, Balanced, Bright, or Custom. The app also lets you switch between different sound profiles, such as Music, Podcast, or Video, which optimize the sound quality for different types of content.
The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is better than the AirPods Pro, which have a more neutral and flat sound signature, but lack some warmth and richness. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have a more dynamic and lively sound signature, but can sound too bright or harsh at times. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also similar to the Jabra Elite 85t, which have a more balanced and versatile sound signature, but can sound too muddy or dull at times. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also close to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have a more refined and detailed sound signature, but can sound too thin or weak at times.
Design and Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an improved design and comfort over the previous SoundSport Free, which were bulky and protruding. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a sleek and elegant design, with a matte black or silver finish, and a subtle Bose logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to the Bose Fit Kit, which includes three sizes of silicone ear tips and stability bands. The ear tips are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. The stability bands are curved and flexible, and hook onto the outer part of the ear, which prevents the earbuds from falling out or moving around. The earbuds are also lightweight and ergonomic, and do not cause any pain or fatigue after long hours of use.
The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are better than the AirPods Pro, which have a more generic and plastic design, and a less stable and comfortable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have a more bulky and angular design, and a more tight and uncomfortable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Jabra Elite 85t, which have a more plain and boring design, and a more loose and unstable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have a more stylish and premium design, but a more heavy and bulky fit.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options. The earbuds can play for up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is enough for most daily use, but not as long as some competitors. The charging case can hold up to 18 hours of additional charge, which is also adequate but not impressive. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are worse than the AirPods Pro, which can play for up to 5 hours on a single charge, but the case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which can play for up to 8 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Jabra Elite 85t, which can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 31 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 28 hours of additional charge.
Touch Controls and App
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have simple and intuitive touch controls, which can be used to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants. The touch controls are located on the outer part of the earbuds, and respond to taps and holds. The touch controls can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are as follows:
- Left earbud:
- Double tap: switch between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, or adjust the noise cancellation level (customizable)
- Hold: decline an incoming call, or access your phone’s voice
- Right earbud:
- Double tap: play/pause music, or answer/end a call
- Hold: access your phone’s voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are easy to use and responsive, but they have some limitations. For example, they do not have volume controls, which means you have to use your phone or the app to adjust the volume. They also do not have skip track controls, which means you have to use your voice assistant or the app to change the song. They also do not have a mute function, which means you have to use your phone to mute yourself during a call.
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can be customized with the Bose Music app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it.
The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are better than the AirPods Pro, which have force sensors instead of touch controls, and have limited customization options. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have touch controls that are too sensitive and prone to accidental touches, and have an app that is too cluttered and confusing. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Jabra Elite 85t, which have touch controls that are too stiff and hard to press, and have an app that is too simple and basic. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have touch controls that are too inconsistent and unreliable, and have an app that is too buggy and glitchy.
Pros and Cons
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have many pros and cons, which we will summarize here:
- Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Warm and rich sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Simple and intuitive touch controls
- Easy and useful app
- Cons:
- Decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- App requires account and login
- Expensive price
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, if you are willing to pay the premium price. They offer excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and have simple and intuitive touch controls and app. They are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, or audiobooks without any distractions, or who wants to have clear and crisp phone calls or voice commands. They are also suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, as they are sweat and water resistant, and have a comfortable and secure fit.
However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are not perfect, and have some drawbacks that you should consider. They have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, which may not be enough for some users. They also do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds, which may be inconvenient for some users. They also require an account and login to use the app, which may be annoying for some users. They also have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users.
Therefore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a great choice for anyone who values noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and who does not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price. They are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not the best earbuds for everyone.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs Other Earbuds
Now that we have reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, let’s compare them to other earbuds that are popular and competitive in the market. We will compare the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, based on the following criteria: noise cancelling, sound quality, design, comfort, battery life, features, app, price, pros and cons, and recommendation.
Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, as we have discussed in the previous section. They use a combination of active and passive noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The AirPods Pro are the second best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparency mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode with a force sensor on the stem of the earbuds, or with the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the third best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the AirPods Pro. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have an ambient sound mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 85t are the fourth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a hear-through mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and hear-through mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Jabra Sound+ app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are the fifth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparent hearing mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparent hearing mode with a touch control on the right earbud, or with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warm and rich sound quality that is pleasing to most listeners, as we have discussed in the previous section. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a more dynamic and lively sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a V-shaped sound signature, with a strong emphasis on the bass and the treble. The bass is powerful and thumping, but can be too much or muddy at times. The midrange is recessed and veiled, with poor vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is bright and sparkling, but can be too harsh or sibilant at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a more refined and detailed sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a neutral and flat sound signature, with a balanced emphasis on the bass, midrange, and treble. The bass is tight and accurate, but can be too thin or weak at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but can be too dull or lacking at times. The sound
Pros and Cons
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have many pros and cons, which we will summarize here:
- Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Warm and rich sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Simple and intuitive touch controls
- Easy and useful app
- Cons:
- Decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- App requires account and login
- Expensive price
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, if you are willing to pay the premium price. They offer excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and have simple and intuitive touch controls and app. They are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, or audiobooks without any distractions, or who wants to have clear and crisp phone calls or voice commands. They are also suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, as they are sweat and water resistant, and have a comfortable and secure fit.
However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are not perfect, and have some drawbacks that you should consider. They have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, which may not be enough for some users. They also do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds, which may be inconvenient for some users. They also require an account and login to use the app, which may be annoying for some users. They also have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users.
Therefore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a great choice for anyone who values noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and who does not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price. They are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not the best earbuds for everyone.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs Other Earbuds
Now that we have reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, let’s compare them to other earbuds that are popular and competitive in the market. We will compare the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, based on the following criteria: noise cancelling, sound quality, design, comfort, battery life, features, app, price, pros and cons, and recommendation.
Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, as we have discussed in the previous section. They use a combination of active and passive noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The AirPods Pro are the second best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparency mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode with a force sensor on the stem of the earbuds, or with the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the third best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the AirPods Pro. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have an ambient sound mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 85t are the fourth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a hear-through mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and hear-through mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Jabra Sound+ app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are the fifth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparent hearing mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparent hearing mode with a touch control on the right earbud, or with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warm and rich sound quality that is pleasing to most listeners, as we have discussed in the previous section. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a more dynamic and lively sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a V-shaped sound signature, with a strong emphasis on the bass and the treble. The bass is powerful and thumping, but can be too much or muddy at times. The midrange is recessed and veiled, with poor vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is bright and sparkling, but can be too harsh or sibilant at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a more refined and detailed sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a neutral and flat sound signature, with a balanced emphasis on the bass, midrange, and treble. The bass is tight and accurate, but can be too thin or weak at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but can be too dull or lacking at times. The soundstage is wide and open, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The Jabra Elite 85t have a more balanced and versatile sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a warm and natural sound signature, with a moderate emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but can be too muddy or boomy at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but can be too smooth or veiled at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
The AirPods Pro have a more neutral and flat sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the treble. The bass is tight and accurate, but can be too thin or weak at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is bright and sparkling, but can be too harsh or sibilant at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, as we have discussed in the previous section. The earbuds can play for up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is enough for most daily use, but not as long as some competitors. The charging case can hold up to 18 hours of additional charge, which is also adequate but not impressive. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Jabra Elite 85t have the best battery life and charging options among the competitors, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds in other aspects. The earbuds can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and the charging case can hold up to 31 hours of additional charge, which is much more than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a good battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Jabra Elite 85t. The earbuds can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but the charging case can hold up to 28 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a decent battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Jabra Elite 85t, or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. The earbuds can play for up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but the charging case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The AirPods Pro have a good battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Jabra Elite 85t, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. The earbuds can play for up to 5 hours on a single charge, which is shorter than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and the charging case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, but equal to the Sony WF-1000XM4. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included Lightning cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
Features and App
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have simple and intuitive touch controls, which can be used to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants, as we have discussed in the previous section. The touch controls are located on the outer part of the earbuds, and respond to taps and holds. The touch controls can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have more features and a more cluttered app, but they are not as simple and intuitive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too sensitive and prone to accidental touches, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Sony Headphones Connect app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, and Quick Attention Mode, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be confusing and overwhelming.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have fewer features and a more buggy app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too inconsistent and unreliable, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Transparent Hearing, Smart Pause, and Sidetone, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be buggy and glitchy.
The Jabra Elite 85t have fewer features and a more basic app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too stiff and hard to press, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Jabra Sound+ app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as HearThrough, Soundscapes, and MySound, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be simple and basic.
The AirPods Pro have fewer features and a more limited app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have force sensors instead of touch controls, which are less responsive and customizable, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad, which lets you change the noise cancellation level, the force sensor functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Spatial Audio, Ear Tip Fit Test, and Automatic Switching, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be limited and exclusive.
Price
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users, as we have discussed in the previous section. They cost $279, which is more than the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They are the most expensive noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they also offer the best noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort. They are worth the premium price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They cost $279, which is equal to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but less than the AirPods Pro, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They offer good noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the touch controls, the app, and the fit. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the touch controls, the app, the fit, and the price.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They cost $249, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM4, but more than the AirPods Pro and the Jabra Elite 85t. They offer refined and detailed sound quality, stylish and premium design, and good battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the touch controls, the app, and the fit. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the touch controls, the app, the fit, and the price.
The Jabra Elite 85t have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They cost $229, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, but more than the AirPods Pro. They offer balanced and versatile sound quality, decent noise cancellation, and best battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the design, the comfort, and the app. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the design, the comfort, the app, and the price.
The AirPods Pro have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They cost $199, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, and the Jabra Elite 85t. They offer good noise cancellation, neutral and flat sound quality, and good battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the design, the comfort, and the features. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the design, the comfort, the features, and the price.
Pros and Cons
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have many pros and cons, which we will summarize here:
- Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Warm and rich sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Simple and intuitive touch controls
- Easy and useful app
- Cons:
- Decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- App requires account and login
- Expensive price
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, if you are willing to pay the premium price. They offer excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and have simple and intuitive touch controls and app. They are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, or audiobooks without any distractions, or who wants to have clear and crisp phone calls or voice commands. They are also suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, as they are sweat and water resistant, and have a comfortable and secure fit.
However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are not perfect, and have some drawbacks that you should consider. They have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, which may not be enough for some users. They also do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds, which may be inconvenient for some users. They also require an account and login to use the app, which may be annoying for some users. They also have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users.
Therefore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a great choice for anyone who values noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and who does not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price. They are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not the best earbuds for everyone.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs Other Earbuds
Now that we have reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, let’s compare them to other earbuds that are popular and competitive in the market. We will compare the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, based on the following criteria: noise cancelling, sound quality, design, comfort, battery life, features, app, price, pros and cons, and recommendation.
Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, as we have discussed in the previous section. They use a combination of active and passive noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The AirPods Pro are the second best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparency mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode with a force sensor on the stem of the earbuds, or with the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the third best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the AirPods Pro. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have an ambient sound mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 85t are the fourth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a hear-through mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and hear-through mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Jabra Sound+ app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are the fifth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparent hearing mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparent hearing mode with a touch control on the right earbud, or with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warm and rich sound quality that is pleasing to most listeners. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which has an equalizer that lets you adjust the bass, midrange, and treble levels to your liking. You can also choose from different presets, such as Warm, Balanced, Bright, or Custom. The app also lets you switch between different sound profiles, such as Music, Podcast, or Video, which optimize the sound quality for different types of content.
The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is better than the AirPods Pro, which have a more neutral and flat sound signature, but lack some warmth and richness. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have a more dynamic and lively sound signature, but can sound too bright or harsh at times. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also similar to the Jabra Elite 85t, which have a more balanced and versatile sound signature, but can sound too muddy or dull at times. The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is also close to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have a more refined and detailed sound signature, but can sound too thin or weak at times.
Design and Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an improved design and comfort over the previous SoundSport Free, which were bulky and protruding. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a sleek and elegant design, with a matte black or silver finish, and a subtle Bose logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to the Bose Fit Kit, which includes three sizes of silicone ear tips and stability bands. The ear tips are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. The stability bands are curved and flexible, and hook onto the outer part of the ear, which prevents the earbuds from falling out or moving around. The earbuds are also lightweight and ergonomic, and do not cause any pain or fatigue after long hours of use.
The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are better than the AirPods Pro, which have a more generic and plastic design, and a less stable and comfortable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have a more bulky and angular design, and a more tight and uncomfortable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Jabra Elite 85t, which have a more plain and boring design, and a more loose and unstable fit. The design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have a more stylish and premium design, but a more heavy and bulky fit.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options. The earbuds can play for up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is enough for most daily use, but not as long as some competitors. The charging case can hold up to 18 hours of additional charge, which is also adequate but not impressive. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are worse than the AirPods Pro, which can play for up to 5 hours on a single charge, but the case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which can play for up to 8 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Jabra Elite 85t, which can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 31 hours of additional charge. The battery life and charging options of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also worse than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, and the case can hold up to 28 hours of additional charge.
Touch Controls and App
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have simple and intuitive touch controls, which can be used to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants. The touch controls are located on the outer part of the earbuds, and respond to taps and holds. The touch controls can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are as follows:
- Left earbud:
- Double tap: switch between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, or adjust the noise cancellation level (customizable)
- Hold: decline an incoming call, or access your phone’s voice
- Right earbud:
- Double tap: play/pause music, or answer/end a call
- Hold: access your phone’s voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are easy to use and responsive, but they have some limitations. For example, they do not have volume controls, which means you have to use your phone or the app to adjust the volume. They also do not have skip track controls, which means you have to use your voice assistant or the app to change the song. They also do not have a mute function, which means you have to use your phone to mute yourself during a call.
The touch controls of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can be customized with the Bose Music app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it.
The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are better than the AirPods Pro, which have force sensors instead of touch controls, and have limited customization options. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which have touch controls that are too sensitive and prone to accidental touches, and have an app that is too cluttered and confusing. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Jabra Elite 85t, which have touch controls that are too stiff and hard to press, and have an app that is too simple and basic. The touch controls and app of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are also better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which have touch controls that are too inconsistent and unreliable, and have an app that is too buggy and glitchy.
Pros and Cons
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have many pros and cons, which we will summarize here:
- Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Warm and rich sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Simple and intuitive touch controls
- Easy and useful app
- Cons:
- Decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- App requires account and login
- Expensive price
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, if you are willing to pay the premium price. They offer excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and have simple and intuitive touch controls and app. They are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, or audiobooks without any distractions, or who wants to have clear and crisp phone calls or voice commands. They are also suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, as they are sweat and water resistant, and have a comfortable and secure fit.
However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are not perfect, and have some drawbacks that you should consider. They have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, which may not be enough for some users. They also do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds, which may be inconvenient for some users. They also require an account and login to use the app, which may be annoying for some users. They also have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users.
Therefore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a great choice for anyone who values noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, and who does not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price. They are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not the best earbuds for everyone.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs Other Earbuds
Now that we have reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, let’s compare them to other earbuds that are popular and competitive in the market. We will compare the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, based on the following criteria: noise cancelling, sound quality, design, comfort, battery life, features, app, price, pros and cons, and recommendation.
Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, as we have discussed in the previous section. They use a combination of active and passive noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later.
The AirPods Pro are the second best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparency mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode with a force sensor on the stem of the earbuds, or with the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the third best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the AirPods Pro. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have an ambient sound mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 85t are the fourth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a hear-through mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and hear-through mode with a touch control on the left earbud, or with the Jabra Sound+ app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are the fifth best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They use active noise cancellation to reduce external sounds, and have a transparent hearing mode that lets in some ambient sounds. You can switch between noise cancellation and transparent hearing mode with a touch control on the right earbud, or with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which we will discuss later. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with the app, but you cannot customize it as much as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warm and rich sound quality that is pleasing to most listeners, as we have discussed in the previous section. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a more dynamic and lively sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a V-shaped sound signature, with a strong emphasis on the bass and the treble. The bass is powerful and thumping, but can be too much or muddy at times. The midrange is recessed and veiled, with poor vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is bright and sparkling, but can be too harsh or sibilant at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a more refined and detailed sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a neutral and flat sound signature, with a balanced emphasis on the bass, midrange, and treble. The bass is tight and accurate, but can be too thin or weak at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but can be too dull or lacking at times. The soundstage is wide and open, with a good sense of direction and immersion.
The Jabra Elite 85t have a more balanced and versatile sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a warm and natural sound signature, with a moderate emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but can be too muddy or boomy at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but can be too smooth or veiled at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
The AirPods Pro have a more neutral and flat sound quality that is appealing to some listeners, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the treble. The bass is tight and accurate, but can be too thin or weak at times. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is bright and sparkling, but can be too harsh or sibilant at times. The soundstage is narrow and closed, with a poor sense of direction and immersion.
Design and Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an improved design and comfort over the previous SoundSport Free, which were bulky and protruding, as we have discussed in the previous section. They have a sleek and elegant design, with a matte black or silver finish, and a subtle Bose logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to the Bose Fit Kit, which includes three sizes of silicone ear tips and stability bands. The ear tips are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. The stability bands are curved and flexible, and hook onto the outer part of the ear, which prevents the earbuds from falling out or moving around. The earbuds are also lightweight and ergonomic, and do not cause any pain or fatigue after long hours of use.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a more stylish and premium design, but they are not as comfortable and secure as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a sleek and elegant design, with a metallic silver or black finish, and a large Sennheiser logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The earbuds have a heavy and bulky fit, which can cause some pain and fatigue after long hours of use. They come with four sizes of silicone ear tips, which are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. However, they do not have any stability bands or hooks, which means they can fall out or move around easily. The earbuds are also not very ergonomic, and can stick out of the ears noticeably.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a more bulky and angular design, but they are not as comfortable and secure as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a sleek and elegant design, with a matte black or silver finish, and a small Sony logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The earbuds have a tight and uncomfortable fit, which can cause some pain and fatigue after long hours of use. They come with three sizes of foam ear tips, which are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. However, they do not have any stability bands or hooks, which means they can fall out or move around easily. The earbuds are also not very ergonomic, and can stick out of the ears noticeably.
The Jabra Elite 85t have a more plain and boring design, but they are not as comfortable and secure as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a simple and minimalist design, with a matte black, silver, gold, or copper finish, and a small Jabra logo on the touch controls. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The earbuds have a loose and unstable fit, which can cause some discomfort and insecurity after long hours of use. They come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, which are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. However, they do not have any stability bands or hooks, which means they can fall out or move around easily. The earbuds are also not very ergonomic, and can stick out of the ears noticeably.
The AirPods Pro have a more generic and plastic design, but they are not as comfortable and secure as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have a simple and minimalist design, with a glossy white finish, and a long stem with a force sensor. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
The earbuds have a less stable and comfortable fit, which can cause some discomfort and insecurity after long hours of use. They come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, which are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. However, they do not have any stability bands or hooks, which means they can fall out or move around easily. The earbuds are also not very ergonomic, and can stick out of the ears noticeably.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options, as we have discussed in the previous section. The earbuds can play for up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is enough for most daily use, but not as long as some competitors. The charging case can hold up to 18 hours of additional charge, which is also adequate but not impressive. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Jabra Elite 85t have the best battery life and charging options among the competitors, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds in other aspects. The earbuds can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and the charging case can hold up to 31 hours of additional charge, which is much more than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a good battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Jabra Elite 85t. The earbuds can play for up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but the charging case can hold up to 28 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a decent battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Jabra Elite 85t, or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. The earbuds can play for up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but the charging case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included USB-C cable, which takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
The AirPods Pro have a good battery life and charging options, but they are not as good as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Jabra Elite 85t, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, or the Sony WF-1000XM4. The earbuds can play for up to 5 hours on a single charge, which is shorter than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and the charging case can hold up to 24 hours of additional charge, which is less than the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, but equal to the Sony WF-1000XM4. The earbuds and the case can be charged with the included Lightning cable, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case. The earbuds and the case can also be charged wirelessly with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat (not included), which takes about 3 hours to fully charge the earbuds and the case.
The earbuds and the case have LED indicators to show the battery level, which are green, yellow, or red, depending on the remaining charge. The app can also display the battery status of the earbuds and the case, which are more precise and accurate. The earbuds also have voice prompts to let you know when the battery is low, and when it is fully charged. The earbuds also have an auto-off feature to conserve battery when not in use, and an auto-on feature to resume playback when taken out of the case.
Features and App
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have simple and intuitive touch controls, which can be used to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants, as we have discussed in the previous section. The touch controls are located on the outer part of the earbuds, and respond to taps and holds. The touch controls can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have more features and a more cluttered app, but they are not as simple and intuitive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too sensitive and prone to accidental touches, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Sony Headphones Connect app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, and Quick Attention Mode, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be confusing and overwhelming.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have fewer features and a more buggy app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too inconsistent and unreliable, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Transparent Hearing, Smart Pause, and Sidetone, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be buggy and glitchy.
The Jabra Elite 85t have fewer features and a more basic app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have touch controls that are too stiff and hard to press, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Jabra Sound+ app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as HearThrough, Soundscapes, and MySound, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be simple and basic.
The AirPods Pro have fewer features and a more limited app, but they are not as easy and useful as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They have force sensors instead of touch controls, which are less responsive and customizable, and they do not have volume or skip track controls on the earbuds. They have the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad, which lets you change the noise cancellation level, the force sensor functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app also has some extra features, such as Spatial Audio, Ear Tip Fit Test, and Automatic Switching, which are supposed to enhance the user experience, but can also be limited and exclusive.
Price
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an expensive price, which may be out of reach for some users, as we have discussed in the previous section. They cost $279, which is more than the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They are the most expensive noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, but they also offer the best noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort. They are worth the premium price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They cost $279, which is equal to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but less than the AirPods Pro, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They offer good noise cancellation, sound quality, design, and comfort, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the touch controls, the app, and the fit. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the touch controls, the app, the fit, and the price.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Sony WF-1000XM4. They cost $249, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM4, but more than the AirPods Pro and the Jabra Elite 85t. They offer refined and detailed sound quality, stylish and premium design, and good battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the touch controls, the app, and the fit. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the touch controls, the app, the fit, and the price.
The Jabra Elite 85t have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They cost $229, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, but more than the AirPods Pro. They offer balanced and versatile sound quality, decent noise cancellation, and best battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the design, the comfort, and the app. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the design, the comfort, the app, and the price.
The AirPods Pro have a high price, which may be too much for some users, but they are not as expensive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, or the Jabra Elite 85t. They cost $199, which is less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, and the Jabra Elite 85t. They offer good noise cancellation, neutral and flat sound quality, and good battery life and charging options, but they also have some drawbacks, such as the design, the comfort, and the features. They are worth the high price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the design, the comfort, the features, and the price.
Pros and Cons
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 have their own pros and cons, which we will summarize here:
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds:
- Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling performance
- Warm and rich sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Simple and intuitive touch controls
- Easy and useful app
- Cons:
- Decent but not outstanding battery life and charging options
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- App requires account and login
- Expensive price
- Pros:
- AirPods Pro:
- Pros:
- Good noise cancelling performance
- Neutral and flat sound quality
- Good battery life and charging options
- Force sensors instead of touch controls
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Cons:
- Generic and plastic design
- Less stable and comfortable fit
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- Limited customization options
- High price
- Pros:
- Sony WF-1000XM4:
- Pros:
- Good noise cancelling performance
- Dynamic and lively sound quality
- Sleek and elegant design
- Decent battery life and charging options
- More features and a more cluttered app
- Cons:
- Touch controls that are too sensitive and prone to accidental touches
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- Tight and uncomfortable fit
- Confusing and overwhelming app
- High price
- Pros:
- Jabra Elite 85t:
- Pros:
- Balanced and versatile sound quality
- Decent noise cancelling performance
- Best battery life and charging options
- Touch controls that are too stiff and hard to press
- Fewer features and a more basic app
- Cons:
- Plain and boring design
- Loose and unstable fit
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- Simple and basic app
- High price
- Pros:
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2:
- Pros:
- Refined and detailed sound quality
- Stylish and premium design
- Good battery life and charging options
- Touch controls that are too inconsistent and unreliable
- Fewer features and a more buggy app
- Cons:
- Heavy and bulky fit
- No volume or skip track controls on earbuds
- Buggy and glitchy app
- High price
- Pros:
Recommendation
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are all great noise cancelling earbuds, but they are not the best earbuds for everyone. Depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, you may find one of them more suitable for you than the others. Here are our recommendations based on different criteria:
- If you want the best noise cancelling performance, go for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
- If you want the best sound quality, go for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2.
- If you want the best design and comfort, go for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
- If you want the best battery life and charging options, go for the Jabra Elite 85t.
- If you want the best features and app, go for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Sony WF-1000XM4.
- If you want the best value for money, go for the AirPods Pro or the Jabra Elite 85t.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Tips and Tricks
Now that we have reviewed and compared the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, let’s give you some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your earbuds. We will cover topics such as fit, noise cancelling, sound, touch controls, app, Bluetooth, single earbud, auto play/pause, reset, update, and warranty.
Fit
One of the most important factors for the performance and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is the fit. The fit affects the noise cancellation, sound quality, and stability of the earbuds. Therefore, you should make sure that you find the best fit for your earbuds, and here are some tips on how to do that:
- Use the Bose Fit Kit, which includes three sizes of silicone ear tips and stability bands. The ear tips are soft and flexible, and create a good seal in the ear canal, which enhances the noise cancellation and sound quality. The stability bands are curved and flexible, and hook onto the outer part of the ear, which prevents the earbuds from falling out or moving around.
- Try different sizes and combinations of ear tips and stability bands, and choose the ones that feel the most comfortable and secure. You should feel a gentle pressure in your ear canal, but not any pain or discomfort. You should also feel a snug fit in your outer ear, but not any looseness or wobbliness.
- Check the fit by playing some music and adjusting the noise cancellation level. You should hear a clear and balanced sound, without any distortion, crackling, or low volume. You should also hear a noticeable difference between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, without any squealing or feedback.
- If you are not satisfied with the fit, try a different size or combination of ear tips and stability bands, and repeat the steps above until you find the best fit for your earbuds.
Noise Cancelling
One of the best features of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is the noise cancelling performance, which is the best among the noise cancelling earbuds on the market. The noise cancelling feature lets you block out unwanted sounds from your environment, whether it’s traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from full transparency to complete silence, with a simple double tap on the left earbud. You can also customize the noise cancellation settings with the Bose Music app, which we will discuss later. Here are some tips on how to use the noise cancelling feature:
- Switch between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode with a double tap on the left earbud. Quiet Mode is the highest level of noise cancellation, which blocks out almost all external sounds. This is ideal for when you want to focus on your music, podcasts, or audiobooks, or when you want to relax or sleep in a noisy environment. Aware Mode is the lowest level of noise cancellation, which lets in some ambient sounds. This is useful for when you want to be aware of your surroundings, such as when you are walking on the street, or when you want to have a conversation with someone without taking off the earbuds.
- Customize the noise cancellation level with the Bose Music app. You can choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, from 0 (full transparency) to 10 (complete silence), and assign them to Quiet Mode and Aware Mode. You can also create your own shortcuts, such as Favorite, Work, or Travel, and assign different levels of noise cancellation to them. You can access these shortcuts with a double tap on the left earbud, or with the app. You can also adjust the noise cancellation level with a slider on the app, which gives you more precise and fine control.
- Use the noise cancellation feature according to your preference and situation. You can change the noise cancellation level depending on what you are listening to, where you are, and how you feel. For example, you can use a high level of noise cancellation when you are listening to music or podcasts, a low level of noise cancellation when you are listening to audiobooks or voice calls, a medium level of noise cancellation when you are in a busy or noisy place, and a full transparency mode when you are in a quiet or safe place. You can also use a high level of noise cancellation when you want to relax or sleep, a low level of noise cancellation when you want to be alert or social, and a medium level of noise cancellation when you want to balance both.
Sound
Another great feature of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is the sound quality, which is warm and rich, as we have discussed in the previous section. They have a balanced and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass and the midrange. The bass is deep and punchy, but not overpowering or boomy. The midrange is clear and detailed, with good vocal reproduction and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and crisp, but not harsh or sibilant. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of direction and immersion. Here are some tips on how to use the sound quality feature:
- Customize the sound quality with the Bose Music app. You can use the equalizer to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble levels to your liking. You can also choose from different presets, such as Warm, Balanced, Bright, or Custom. The app also lets you switch between different sound profiles, such as Music, Podcast, or Video, which optimize the sound quality for different types of content.
- Use the sound quality feature according to your preference and situation. You can change the sound quality depending on what you are listening to, where you are, and how you feel. For example, you can use a warm or balanced sound quality when you are listening to music or podcasts, a bright or custom sound quality when you are listening to audiobooks or voice calls, a music or podcast sound profile when you are in a quiet or noisy place, and a video sound profile when you are watching a movie or a show. You can also use a warm or balanced sound quality when you want to enjoy or relax, a bright or custom sound quality when you want to learn or communicate, and a music or podcast sound profile when you want to have fun or be entertained.
Touch Controls and App
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have simple and intuitive touch controls, which can be used to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants, as we have discussed in the previous section. The touch controls are located on the outer part of the earbuds, and respond to taps and holds. The touch controls can also be customized with the Bose Music app, which is a free app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app lets you change the noise cancellation level, the EQ settings, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles. The app also lets you check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it. Here are some tips on how to use the touch controls and app feature:
- Use the touch controls to perform basic functions on the earbuds. You can use the touch controls to adjust the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants, with a simple double tap or hold on the left or right earbud. The touch controls are easy to use and responsive, but they have some limitations. For example, they do not have volume or skip track controls, which means you have to use your phone or the app to adjust the volume or change the song. They also do not have a mute function, which means you have to use your phone to mute yourself during a call.
- Customize the touch controls with the Bose Music app. You can use the app to change the functions of the touch controls, such as switching between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, or accessing your phone’s voice assistant. You can also assign different levels of noise cancellation to Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, or create your own shortcuts, such as Favorite, Work, or Travel, and assign different levels of noise cancellation to them. You can also disable the touch controls, if you find them too sensitive or annoying.
- Use the app to perform advanced functions on the earbuds. You can use the app to adjust the sound quality, the noise cancellation level, the touch control functions, and the sound profiles, with more precise and fine control. You can also use the app to check the battery status, update the firmware, register the product, and contact customer support. The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, but it requires you to create an account and log in to use it.
Bluetooth
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds use Bluetooth 5.1 technology to connect wirelessly to your phone, tablet, laptop, or other devices. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to stream audio, make calls, and control your earbuds without any wires or cables. Bluetooth is a convenient and reliable technology, but it can also have some issues, such as pairing problems, connection drops, audio delays, or interference. Here are some tips on how to use the Bluetooth feature:
- Pair the earbuds with your device. You can pair the earbuds with your device by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are fully charged and turned on.
- Make sure the earbuds are in the charging case, and the case is open.
- Make sure the Bluetooth function is enabled on your device, and the device is in pairing mode.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 2 seconds, until the LED flashes blue.
- Select “Bose QuietComfort Earbuds” from the list of available devices on your device, and confirm the pairing.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Connected to [device name]”, and the LED to turn solid blue.
- Enjoy your earbuds and your device.
- Connect the earbuds to your device. You can connect the earbuds to your device by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are fully charged and turned on.
- Make sure the earbuds are out of the charging case, and the case is closed.
- Make sure the Bluetooth function is enabled on your device, and the device is not connected to any other Bluetooth device.
- Select “Bose QuietComfort Earbuds” from the list of available devices on your device, and confirm the connection.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Connected to [device name]”, and the LED to turn solid blue.
- Enjoy your earbuds and your device.
- Disconnect the earbuds from your device. You can disconnect the earbuds from your device by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are fully charged and turned on.
- Make sure the earbuds are out of the charging case, and the case is closed.
- Make sure the Bluetooth function is enabled on your device, and the device is connected to the earbuds.
- Select “Bose QuietComfort Earbuds” from the list of connected devices on your device, and confirm the disconnection.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Disconnected from [device name]”, and the LED to turn off.
- Put the earbuds back in the charging case, and close the case.
- Troubleshoot the Bluetooth issues. If you encounter any Bluetooth issues, such as pairing problems, connection drops, audio delays, or interference, you can try the following solutions:
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are fully charged and turned on.
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are within 10 meters (33 feet) of each other, and there are no obstacles or walls between them.
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are not connected to any other Bluetooth device, and there are no other Bluetooth devices nearby that may cause interference.
- Make sure the earbuds and the device are updated to the latest firmware and software versions, which may fix some Bluetooth issues. You can update the earbuds with the Bose Music app, and the device with the Settings app.
- Reset the earbuds and the device, which may resolve some Bluetooth issues. You can reset the earbuds by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds are in the charging case, and the case is open.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 10 seconds, until the LED flashes blue and white.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Ready to connect”, and the LED to flash blue.
- Pair the earbuds with your device again, as described above.
- You can reset the device by following the instructions on the device’s manual or website
Single Earbud
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a single earbud mode, which lets you use either the left or the right earbud by itself, while the other one is in the charging case. This is useful for when you want to extend the battery life, or when you want to be more aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips on how to use the single earbud mode:
- Switch to single earbud mode by putting one of the earbuds in the charging case, and closing the case. The remaining earbud will automatically switch to single earbud mode, and play both the left and right audio channels. You can use either the left or the right earbud by itself, but not both at the same time.
- Switch back to dual earbud mode by taking the other earbud out of the charging case, and putting it in your ear. The earbuds will automatically reconnect and switch to dual earbud mode, and play the left and right audio channels separately. You can use both the left and the right earbud together, but not one by itself.
- Use the touch controls on the single earbud to perform basic functions, such as adjusting the noise cancellation level, play/pause music, answer calls, and access voice assistants. The touch controls on the single earbud will work the same as the touch controls on the dual earbuds, except that you can only use the touch control on the earbud that is in your ear, and not the one that is in the case.
Auto Play/Pause
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an auto play/pause feature, which automatically pauses the music when you take one or both of the earbuds out of your ears, and resumes the music when you put them back in. This is useful for when you want to pause the music without using the touch controls, or when you want to resume the music without missing anything. Here are some tips on how to use the auto play/pause feature:
- Enable or disable the auto play/pause feature with the Bose Music app. You can use the app to turn on or off the auto play/pause feature, depending on your preference. The app also lets you choose whether the auto play/pause feature works when you take out one or both of the earbuds, or only when you take out both of the earbuds.
- Use the auto play/pause feature to pause and resume the music. You can use the auto play/pause feature to pause and resume the music by following these steps:
- To pause the music, take one or both of the earbuds out of your ears, depending on your app settings. The music will automatically pause, and the voice prompt will say “Music paused”.
- To resume the music, put the earbuds back in your ears. The music will automatically resume, and the voice prompt will say “Music resumed”.
Reset
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a reset feature, which lets you restore the earbuds to their factory settings, and erase all the paired devices and settings. This is useful for when you want to start fresh, or when you want to troubleshoot some issues. Here are some tips on how to use the reset feature:
- Reset the earbuds with the charging case. You can reset the earbuds with the charging case by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds are in the charging case, and the case is open.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 30 seconds, until the LED flashes red and white.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Factory reset”, and the LED to turn off.
- Pair the earbuds with your device again, as described above.
- Reset the earbuds with the Bose Music app. You can reset the earbuds with the Bose Music app by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds are connected to your device, and the app is open.
- Tap on the earbuds icon on the bottom right corner of the app screen.
- Tap on the settings icon on the top right corner of the app screen.
- Tap on “Technical Info”.
- Tap on “Reset Earbuds”.
- Tap on “Confirm”.
- Wait for the voice prompt to say “Factory reset”, and the LED to turn off.
- Pair the earbuds with your device again, as described above.
Update
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an update feature, which lets you update the firmware of the earbuds, and improve the performance and features of the earbuds. This is useful for when you want to get the latest updates, or when you want to fix some issues. Here are some tips on how to use the update feature:
- Update the earbuds with the Bose Music app. You can update the earbuds with the Bose Music app by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds are connected to your device, and the app is open.
- Tap on the earbuds icon on the bottom right corner of the app screen.
- Tap on the settings icon on the top right corner of the app screen.
- Tap on “Technical Info”.
- Tap on “Software Update”.
- Tap on “Check for Updates”.
- If there is an update available, tap on “Download and Install”.
- Wait for the update to download and install, and the voice prompt to say “Update complete”.
- Enjoy the updated earbuds.
- Update the earbuds with the Bose Updater website. You can update the earbuds with the Bose Updater website by following these steps:
- Make sure the earbuds are in the charging case, and the case is open.
- Connect the case to your computer with the USB-C cable.
- Go to the Bose Updater website at https://btu.bose.com/.
- Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the Bose Updater software on your computer.
- Run the Bose Updater software on your computer, and follow the instructions on the screen to update the earbuds.
- Wait for the update to download and install, and the voice prompt to say “Update complete”.
- Enjoy the updated earbuds.
Warranty
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a warranty feature, which lets you get a free repair or replacement of the earbuds, if they are defective or damaged within the warranty period. This is useful for when you want to protect your investment, or when you want to get a new pair of earbuds. Here are some tips on how to use the warranty feature:
- Check the warranty period and coverage of the earbuds. You can check the warranty period and coverage of the earbuds by following these steps:
- Go to the Bose website at https://www.bose.com/.
- Click on “Support” on the top right corner of the website screen.
- Click on “Warranty” on the left side of the website screen.
- Enter the serial number of your earbuds, which is located on the back of the charging case, or on the original receipt or invoice.
- Click on “Submit”.
- You will see the warranty period and coverage of your earbuds, which may vary depending on your country or region.
- Claim the warranty service of the earbuds. You can claim the warranty service of the earbuds by following these steps:
- Contact the Bose customer service, which you can find on the Bose website at https://www.bose.com/, or on the Bose Music app, under “Help” and “Contact Us”.
- Explain the problem or issue that you have with your earbuds, and provide the serial number of your earbuds, and the proof of purchase or invoice.
- The Bose customer service will guide you through the warranty service process, which may include troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your earbuds, depending on the situation and availability.
- You may have to ship your earbuds to the Bose service center, or visit a Bose store or authorized dealer, to get the warranty service.
- You may have to pay for the shipping or handling fees, or any other fees, depending on your country or region.
- You will receive your repaired or replaced earbuds, and enjoy them again.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the AirPods Pro, the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 85t, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are all excellent noise cancelling earbuds, but they have different strengths and weaknesses, and they may suit different users and situations. In this article, we have reviewed and compared these earbuds based on six criteria: noise cancelling, sound, design and comfort, battery life and charging, features and app, and price. We have also given you some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your earbuds, such as how to fit, use, update, reset, and claim warranty for your earbuds.
Based on our review and comparison, we have concluded that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds that you can buy right now, as they offer the best noise cancelling performance, sound quality, design, and comfort, among the competitors. They are also easy and useful to use, with simple and intuitive touch controls, and a user-friendly app. They are worth the premium price, if you value these aspects and do not mind the battery life, charging options, touch controls, app, and price.
However, if you are looking for something different, you may also consider the other earbuds that we have reviewed and compared, as they may have some advantages over the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. For example, you may prefer the AirPods Pro if you want a more neutral and flat sound quality, and a seamless integration with Apple devices. You may prefer the Sony WF-1000XM4 if you want a more dynamic and lively sound quality, and more features and a more cluttered app. You may prefer the Jabra Elite 85t if you want a more balanced and versatile sound quality, and the best battery life and charging options. You may prefer the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 if you want a more refined and detailed sound quality, and a more stylish and premium design.
We hope that this article has helped you to choose the best noise cancelling earbuds for you, and to enjoy them to the fullest. Thank you for reading, and happy listening! 😊
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review: The Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds You Can Buy Read More »