QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Technics AZ100
The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Technics AZ100 sit in the same premium wireless earbuds class, but Bose and Technics don’t always agree on what matters most. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Technics AZ100 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.0
- Features & Connectivity5.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging7.8
- Features & Connectivity5.0
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.
Key Differences
-
The Technics AZ100 has 4 h more listening per charge
A clear win for the Technics AZ100: 10 h against 6 h. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The Technics AZ100 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
-
The Technics AZ100 has 4 h more total battery with the case
The difference is minor (28 h against 24 h), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Technics AZ100 wins it. The Technics AZ100’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.48 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t sound & noise cancelling. For sound & noise cancelling, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Battery & Charging
Technics AZ100 leads
The battery & charging comparison is one-sided. The Technics AZ100 leads where it counts. The Technics AZ100 steps ahead thanks to 4 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. If battery & charging is your priority, the Technics AZ100 is the pair to pick.
Battery (single charge)
QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 6 h Technics AZ100: 10 h Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
Battery (with case)
QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 24 h Technics AZ100: 28 h A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The differences on features & connectivity are small enough to ignore in daily use. On features & connectivity alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.39 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 10 h (winner) Longest listening per charge |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 28 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | N/A (not specified) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.48 oz |
Price
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 | $300 |
“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
The launch price difference is small: $1, favoring the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). That $1 gap does buy something tangible: 4 h more listening per charge and 4 h more total battery with the case.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of June 2025. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $1 matters
- you prefer staying with Bose
Choose the Technics AZ100 if…
- you want longer listening per charge (10 h vs 6 h)
- you travel a lot and rarely want to charge the case (28 h vs 24 h)
- you already know your way around Technics’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Technics AZ100?
We’d point most buyers to the Technics AZ100. The main exception is if every dollar counts and $1 is a real sum for you.
Which has better battery life, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Technics AZ100?
On paper, the Technics AZ100 has the edge: 10 h of battery (single charge) against 6 h for the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Is the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) cheaper than the Technics AZ100?
The Technics AZ100 launched at $1 more than the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), based on prices as of June 2025.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Technics AZ100 purely on what they offer. It’s hard to argue with 4 h more listening per charge, which is exactly what the Technics AZ100 brings.
If your days lean on price, I’d pick the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen); if they lean on battery & charging, the Technics AZ100.
My pick: the Technics AZ100 gets my vote, but the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is the right call if the extra $1 would stretch your budget.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.