QC Earbuds II vs QC Ultra Earbuds
You don’t have to leave Bose to face a real choice here. The QC Earbuds II and the QC Ultra Earbuds come from separate lines within the same brand. Expect a close race. The QC Earbuds II and the QC Ultra Earbuds trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Tie
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.4
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to sound & noise cancelling. The sound & noise cancelling verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
Both the QC Earbuds II and the QC Ultra Earbuds cover battery & charging equally well on paper. The takeaway: battery & charging is not where these two differ.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
If features & connectivity matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat features & connectivity as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | N/A (not specified) | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | Touch (tap and swipe) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear with stability bands |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Price
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | QC Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 | $299 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Same launch price, which makes the spec differences the whole story.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked October 2023. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the QC Earbuds II or the QC Ultra Earbuds?
It depends on your priorities: the QC Earbuds II is stronger on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the QC Ultra Earbuds leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Does the QC Earbuds II last longer on a charge than the QC Ultra Earbuds?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the QC Earbuds II and the QC Ultra Earbuds land in almost the same place.
Executive Summary
The QC Earbuds II and the QC Ultra Earbuds come from the same family, and honestly, that makes this one harder than a cross-brand fight.
The QC Earbuds II is built for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture heavily, and the QC Ultra Earbuds for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: it depends. Go for the QC Earbuds II if the things a spec sheet can’t capture comes first for you, or the QC Ultra Earbuds if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.