QuietComfort Earbuds Test: Bose expertise at the lowest possible price

In the Bose catalog, the QuietComfort Earbuds are at a crossroads. On the one hand, they succeed the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 released in 2022. On the other, they appear as a simplified form of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the company’s most high-end model unveiled in 2023. Simplified? The reality is more complex.

Certainly, on paper, the QuietComfort Earbuds lose some features along the way. For example, each earpiece abandons a microphone dedicated to voice pickup and noise cancellation, while aptX Adaptive and virtual spatialization mode are no longer present.

However, these headphones also bring their share of new features, such as better battery life, a new companion app (Bose QCE) and a Remote Selfie function which allows you to trigger the taking of a photo by voice command.

Price & availability

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have been available since mid-September 2024 in black, white and purple colors, at a price of €200.

Test conditions

We tested the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds with firmware version 1.1.1 and the Bose QCE app version 2.0.2 (4).

Construction & Confort

As usual, Bose does not shake up its stylistic formula. The QuietComfort Earbuds are therefore very close to the QC Ultra Earbuds with an intra format and silicone tips and fins, a shiny plastic shell and IPX4 certification. Only the shape and appearance of the external surfaces differ somewhat.

Their oval appearance is now wider than oblong, while the finish goes from a “metallic” appearance to a simple plastic effect. If this more massive appearance is felt on the scale (8.5 g compared to 6.2 g for the Ultra), this does not really harm wearing comfort, except possibly for the smallest ear shapes.

For others, the support is excellent in all circumstances, while no unpleasant pressure is to be reported. The tips are not too intrusive, with the internal surface fitting neatly into the concha. For their part, the fins do their job perfectly, while remaining invisible.

The most notable change between the QuietComfort Earbuds and the QC Ultra Earbuds is the case. The latter no longer stretches lengthwise, but widthwise with dimensions of 32 x 89 x 51 mm for a weight of 47 g. Made of shiny plastic, this case does not shine with foolproof solidity. Indeed, it sounds hollow and the valve has a slight play. Bose still has some work to do in this area compared to the competition.

User experience

Orders

Like their predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds have large, responsive touch surfaces. These allow you to carry out all the expected commands via classic press gestures. Plus, it’s always nice to customize every action on the right or left earbud independently.

Big news, these headphones support a voice function in order to carry out all commands orally. To do this, simply state the sesame “Hey Headphone”then the action like turn up the volume or pause.

A little additional fantasy, it is also possible to ask it to take a photo when the photo interface of your smartphone is open. A way according to Bose to facilitate remote shooting or selfies. Certainly a gadget, this feature works perfectly.

Connectivity

If multipoint has been a long time coming on the QuietComfort Ultra (available only after an update in July 2024), it is here from the start. As for the codecs, Bose remains as mysterious as ever, simply specifying that the headphones have a Bluetooth 5.3 chip. Not addressing this subject, everything suggests that only the classic SBC and AAC are present, while the aptX family codecs and the Bluetooth LE Audio standard are missing.

As for the immersive sound feature, which creates a 3D upmix of any stereo content, it will only be available in a future update.

A final word on latency, which stands at 235 ms according to our measurements. Certainly detrimental for gaming mobile, it is fortunately well compensated for video content.

Application

When released, the QC Ultra Earbuds worked with the Bose Music app. The QuietComfort Earbuds take advantage of a new companion app called Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. In itself, the interface remains the same both visually and ergonomically. Navigation is easy and you can access many features.

Little more, Bose finally provides this application with a five-band equalizer worthy of the name, where the Bose Music app only offers a three-band equalizer. Slight concessions have been made in terms of listening modes, which are no longer adjustable by level. For the rest, this application is still as effective and complete.

Audio

As usual, the manufacturer is quite silent about the audio characteristics of its headphones or the components used. The brand simply indicates that the QuietComfort Earbuds have the “iconic sound” by Bose.

It is clear that she is telling the truth as few changes are at work. The emphasis on the first part of the spectrum is still present, although a bit less pronounced, which brings a nice roundness to most of the percussions. For their part, the synth pads have a nice base, which creates a pleasant feeling of immersion.

This very demonstrative rendering of the bass has the merit of balancing well with the emphasis on the treble. Precise enough not to distort the timbres, high frequencies sound slightly artificial. Bose does Bose here, fans of a natural and soft sound will once again be taken aback, especially when listening at high volume.

On the high-midrange, the American manufacturer once again succeeds in doing well. The balance and precision are formidable. Never aggressive, the voices are well defined and the feeling of proximity is very present. Overall, it is therefore a success. The sound reproduction is rich and impactful, while the overall dynamics are rather good. As is often the case with Bose, we still criticize the QuietComfort Earbuds for sometimes being a little too sharp on certain instruments.

Compare photos

Measurement of membrane reactivity: response to square waves at 50 Hz Measurement of membrane reactivity: response to square waves at 500 Hz

Likewise, a messy appearance can sometimes appear on music with a complex mix, especially when many instruments operate in the same frequency region. This is particularly the case in the beginning of the low-mids where the slight dip harms the overall coherence. This flattening of the soundstage can be partly corrected via the equalizer by calming some bass and treble ardor.

Isolation

Due to the range effect, the QuietComfort Earbuds lose one microphone per earphone compared to the 2023 version. The isolation performance is therefore a little lower, especially at the bass frequencies. The QuietComfort Earbuds start less firmly and stagnate around -30 dB, where the Ultra flirted with -35 dB.

Be careful, this is still an excellent result. The headphones can easily cancel out the roar of engines, the noise of a washing machine or even the hubbub of metro rails. On the midrange, the difference is more marked between the models. A leak is notable, since the QuietComfort Earbuds surprisingly fall to -10 dB at the start of this register.

Certainly, they remain adept at erasing the surrounding discussions, which become much thinner, without disappearing. Likewise, the clicks of a keyboard are more discreet, but not totally absorbed. Too bad, because the insulation on the highest noise levels is at the level.

Called Aware at Bose, the transparency mode manages to avoid imbalances. No dropout is to be deplored, the bass and mids offering a natural rendering. It is quite easy to hold a conversation and map your immediate environment without too much difficulty. However, it is not possible to adjust this mode in stages, like on the QuietComfort Ultra. Too bad, this prevents us from adapting our listening to the outside world depending on the location we frequent.

How does the rating work?

If Bose simplifies its formula, the QC Earbuds are not as much discount headphones. In terms of comfort, noise reduction and audio quality, the brand of the manufacturer from across the Atlantic is clearly present. However, despite improved autonomy and other new gadgets, the QC Earbuds cannot correct the faults of their predecessors. At least they have the merit of being the most affordable model in the Bose catalog… Except that even at this price, there is no shortage of excellent options.