Comparing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Which one outshines the other?

Comparing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Which one outshines the other?

The tech giant Bose has recently unveiled two new additions to its QuietComfort line of earbuds: the 2024 model and the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. While both devices share similarities, they differ in sound quality, noise cancelling, battery life, features, and design.

Sound Quality

The 1st Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver rich, punchy, and clear audio with good depth, spaciousness, and dynamic impact suitable for energetic music. In contrast, the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds boast an upgraded 5-band EQ for more precise sound customization. However, the Ultra's Immersive Audio technology, which creates a spatial sound experience with modes including head tracking, is absent in the 2024 model, although it is slated for a future update.

Noise Cancelling

Both earbuds offer effective active noise cancelling (ANC). The Ultra Earbuds are noted for strong ANC with adjustable modes and a very quiet, cocoon-like experience praised as some of the best available. The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds also feature ANC, but they lack some advanced ANC tweaking present in the Ultra model.

Battery Life

The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds have a longer total battery life of about 29 hours (including case charges) versus around 24 hours total for the Ultra Earbuds (6 hours earbuds + 18 hours case). Both earbuds offer roughly 6 hours per charge with ANC on, but the charging case capacity grants the longer total playback for the 2024 model.

Features

The 2024 QuietComfort earbuds introduce a Remote Selfie feature (acting as a shutter remote for phone cameras) and support voice control via a "Hey Headphones" wake word. The 1st Gen Ultra Earbuds include Bose’s Immersive Audio with Still and Motion modes (head tracking), multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity (shared by both), but they lack wireless charging, which interestingly is included in the Ultra but missing from the newer 2024 model.

Design and Comfort

Both earbuds have a similar form factor with chunky earbuds designed for a secure fit and comfort. There is no substantial difference reported in fit and comfort between the 2024 QuietComfort and the Ultra 1st Gen. The Ultra Earbuds and the 2024 model are comparable in physical design, although case size and exact ergonomics could differ slightly.

In conclusion, the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds improve on battery life, app-based sound customization, and add some novel features like voice control and Remote Selfie, but lack the Ultra’s spatial Immersive Audio feature and advanced ANC tuning. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) are praised for richer spatial sound and best-in-class noise cancelling but offer shorter battery life and fewer sound customization options. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize spatial sound and ANC (Ultra) or battery life and sound customization (2024 model).

For more detailed comparisons, please refer to the following table:

| Aspect | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Customizable 5-band EQ; no Immersive Audio yet | Rich, punchy sound; Immersive Audio with spatial modes | | Noise Cancelling | Effective ANC, less advanced tuning | Top-tier ANC, highly adjustable | | Battery Life | ~29 hours total (6+23 hours approx.) | ~24 hours total (6+18 hours) | | Features | Remote Selfie; voice control ("Hey Headphones"); new app | Immersive Audio modes; multipoint; standard app | | Design & Comfort | Chunky earbuds; good fit | Similar chunky design; comparable comfort |

[1] Bose Official Website [2] The Verge [3] Wired [4] TechRadar

1. If you're looking to buy new Bose earbuds, you might want to consider the 2024 QuietComfort model if you prioritize battery life and sound customization.
2. On the other hand, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) are known for their richer spatial sound and top-tier noise cancelling, making them a better choice if you value these features.
3. In the realm of gadgets and technology, two new additions to Bose's QuietComfort line of earbuds have just been unveiled, and they're making headlines in news and review circles.
4. The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds boast an upgraded 5-band EQ for more precise sound customization, but they lack the Ultra model's Immersive Audio technology, which creates a spatial sound experience.
5. Both earbud models deliver effective active noise cancelling (ANC), but the Ultra Earbuds offer stronger ANC with adjustable modes and a very quiet, cocoon-like experience.
6. The 1st Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the 2024 QuietComfort model are comparable in terms of fit, comfort, and design, making it challenging to choose between them based on these criteria alone.

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