If you mean the 2020 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and the 2022 QuietComfort Earbuds II, the newer II model adds Bluetooth 5.3, a more adjustable fit kit and personalized CustomTune calibration, and its case is advertised to provide more listening time. Bose lists up to six hours per charge for both, and both are rated IPX4. Choose the II for its fit options and larger case battery; consider the original if its verified price and condition make it the better buy. The available official claims do not establish that the II objectively sounds better or cancels more noise.
First, make sure you’re comparing the right earbuds
Bose’s original QuietComfort Earbuds are the 2020 model; the QuietComfort Earbuds II are the 2022 model. Bose lists the original’s sales period as 2020–2023 and the II’s as 2022–2025. These names are easy to mix up: Bose also launched a separate product called QuietComfort Earbuds in 2024. It is not the first or second generation in this comparison.
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When shopping used, refurbished or remaining-stock listings, check the complete model name and product details rather than relying on a seller’s “Gen 1” or “Gen 2” label. A listing that says “QuietComfort Earbuds II” refers to the 2022 model; “QuietComfort Earbuds” could refer to either the 2020 or the separate 2024 product.
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What’s different between the 2020 earbuds and Earbuds II?
| Feature | QuietComfort Earbuds (2020) | QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Version 5.1, according to Bose’s product specifications. | Version 5.3, according to Bose’s product specifications. |
| Water and sweat rating | IPX4, according to Bose’s specifications. | IPX4, according to Bose’s specifications and Bose’s September 2022 announcement. |
| Advertised earbud battery life | Six hours per charge in Bose’s September 2020 announcement. | Up to six hours per charge in Bose’s September 2022 announcement. |
| Advertised case contribution | 12 additional hours, for 18 hours total, in Bose’s September 2020 claim. | Three additional charges, up to 18 additional hours, for up to 24 hours total, in Bose’s September 2022 claim. |
| Fit components | Bose’s specifications list earbuds fitted with medium eartips and small and large eartips in the box. | A two-piece Fit Kit with three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes, according to Bose’s specifications. |
| Personalization | Bose app support. | Bose describes CustomTune calibration, listening modes and adjustable EQ in its September 2022 announcement. |
The Bluetooth version number alone does not establish a perceptible audio-quality improvement. The battery figures above are Bose manufacturer claims, not independent, directly comparable laboratory results; actual runtime varies with use and conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
What the differences mean in everyday use
Fit: the II gives you more adjustment options
The II’s Fit Kit lets you combine three eartip sizes with three stability-band sizes. That gives you more ways to adjust both the seal and how securely the earbuds sit than the contents listed for the 2020 model. More options can help if you have trouble finding a comfortable, stable fit, but they do not guarantee that the II will fit you better. Bose provides guidance for wearing and adjusting the earbuds and checking fit.
Fit matters to comfort and to how the earbuds perform. If buying the II, check that the correct tips and stability bands are included, particularly with a used or refurbished set. Bose’s specifications list a USB-C cable in the II’s box as well.
Rank #2
- INTRODUCING QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS II: These new wireless, bluetooth, noise cancelling earbuds from Bose weren’t designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. These next-generation wireless earbuds are engineered to fit you. They intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to uninterrupted, immersive listening wherever you are. To ensure all-day comfort and a secure fit, they come with three pairs of ear tips and three pairs of custom stability bands, so you can find the best fit for your ears. Own your uniqueness with sound and fit shaped to you.
- BOSE World’s Best NOISE CANCELLING EARBUDS: QuietComfort Earbuds II intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears, so you can enjoy deep, immersive sound and the world’s best noise cancellation. August 2022. Conclusions derived by Bose Corp., based on ANC measurements made by Michael & Assoc., Inc. per ANSI/ASA S12.42-2010
- BOSE COMFORTABILITY: To ensure your wireless earbuds feel comfortable and stay put no matter what you’re doing, QC Earbuds II come with a Bose Fit Kit. The convenient Fit Kit includes three pairs of ear tips and three pairs of stability bands are made from soft silicone for all-day comfort and a secure fit.
- WIRELESS & EASY TO USE: Use the simple touch interface on the wireless earbuds to control everything. This convenient interface frees your hands so you can stay focused on whatever you’re doing. With simple swipes and taps, play or pause music, the noise cancellation level, all without ever touching your phone.
- LONG LASTING BATTERY: Stay absorbed in the music you love for up to 6 hours. When not in use, store your Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II in the portable charging case -- it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. If the battery gets low, voice prompts let you know. Out of power and don’t have enough time to fully charge? The quick-charge option provides up to 2 hours of battery life from a 20-minute charge.
Battery: the case is the II’s clearest advantage
Bose’s cited claims give both models up to six hours of earbud listening per charge. The difference is the case contribution: Bose described 12 extra hours for the 2020 earbuds and up to 18 extra hours—three additional charges—for the II. On those manufacturer figures, the II is advertised for up to 24 hours total rather than 18.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThese totals are not a guarantee of runtime for an individual pair. Usage conditions affect battery life, and the age and condition of a secondhand pair can matter. The cited specifications do not establish how much capacity a particular used set has retained.
Rank #3
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
CustomTune: a personalization feature, not proof of a winner
Bose introduced CustomTune with the II, describing it as a technology that calibrates sound and noise cancellation to the shape of each ear. Bose also made a “world’s best noise cancellation” claim in its September 7, 2022 announcement; that is Bose’s marketing statement, not an independent head-to-head result.
The official sources cited here do not provide independent comparative measurements establishing that the II cancels more noise or sounds better than the 2020 model. CustomTune is a real difference in the feature set, but it should not be treated as proof of an objective performance advantage.
Rank #4
- SOUND WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Seize the day your way and defy distractions using these wireless earbuds with world-renowned noise cancellation for a listening experience that makes the everyday sound epic
- POWERFUL, PROVEN AUDIO: Get into it while you get after it, these IPX4-rated wireless earphones feature remarkable sound quality for a satisfyingly rich listening experience that hits all the right notes and perfect for workouts or running
- SEIZE-THE-DAY STAYING POWER: These noise cancelling earbuds have wireless charging and let you listen for up to 8.5 hours* and a quick 20-minute charge in the wireless case extends the playback by up to 2 hours***. USB-C cable also included
- A FIT THAT WON’T QUIT: To help you achieve the perfect fit, a trio of eartip and stability band sizes are included to ensure your in ear headphones feel comfortable, snug, and secure for a personalized fit
- HANDS-FREE, HASSLE-FREE SWITCHING: Bluetooth multipoint lets you seamlessly connect the Bluetooth earbuds to multiple devices at once while Bluetooth 5.3 technology keeps you connected within up to 30 feet of your device
Which should you buy?
Choose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- You want more fit combinations from the three eartip and three stability-band sizes.
- You value CustomTune, listening modes and adjustable EQ.
- You would benefit from the case’s higher advertised contribution: up to 18 additional hours, versus 12 for the original.
- You find a listing in suitable condition at a price that makes sense to you.
Consider the 2020 QuietComfort Earbuds if…
- You find a correctly identified pair in good condition for substantially less than the II.
- The original’s listed fit configuration works for you and the smaller advertised case contribution is sufficient.
- You do not need the II’s additional fit and personalization features.
Neither choice is a confirmed performance winner based on the cited official evidence. Compare the actual price, condition and included accessories for the pair being sold. Bose lists the II’s sales period as ending in 2025, so a current listing may be remaining stock, used or refurbished; confirm which before buying.
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Don’t confuse the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds with either model
Bose’s 2024 product uses the plain name QuietComfort Earbuds, but it is a separate model from both the 2020 earbuds and the 2022 Earbuds II. Bose’s September 2024 launch announcement and product page describe that model as offering up to 8.5 hours of advertised battery life; the product page gives its testing context. Those details belong to the 2024 model and should not be attributed to the 2020 earbuds in a listing or comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
