Bose QuietComfort Earbuds – Pros and Cons Review 

Premium Sound and ANC at a Midrange Price

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a compelling addition to Bose’s lineup, offering impressive sound quality, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and a host of features. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, these midrange earbuds deliver a lot of value but come with a few trade-offs. After testing them extensively, here’s a detailed look at their pros and cons.

PROS

1. Exceptional Sound Quality

Bose has a reputation for delivering vibrant audio, and the QuietComfort Earbuds don’t disappoint. Equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, they produce a rich, balanced sound profile with punchy bass, clear mids, and controlled highs. Tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” showcase deep sub-bass, while Mika’s “Grace Kelly” highlights crisp vocals and subtle details. The companion Bose QCE app offers a five-band equalizer with presets and custom options, allowing users to tweak the sound to their liking, making these earbuds versatile for various genres.

2. Effective Noise Cancellation

The ANC on these earbuds is among the best in the midrange category. While not quite matching the QuietComfort Ultra’s performance, they excel at reducing low-frequency noises like traffic or airplane engines by over 80%, creating a serene listening environment. The Aware mode (transparency) is also well-executed, amplifying voices naturally for conversations without removing the buds, though it introduces a slight hiss in some settings.

3. Long Battery Life and Wireless Charging

With up to 8.5 hours of playback with ANC on and an additional 31.5 hours from the charging case, these earbuds outlast many competitors, including the Ultra Earbuds. The inclusion of wireless charging, a feature absent in the pricier model, is a welcome perk. A quick 20-minute charge provides 3 hours of use, making them ideal for long commutes or travel.

4. Comfortable Fit with Customization

The earbuds come with three sizes of oval ear tips and stability bands, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for most users. The IPX4 rating makes them suitable for workouts or light rain, though those with smaller ears might find the bulky design less comfortable over long periods.

5. Feature-Rich App

The new Bose QCE app is intuitive and packed with features, including customizable touch controls, a battery prediction tool, and voice command setup. The ability to take remote selfies via voice control is a quirky but fun addition, though its sensitivity can be an issue in noisy environments.

CONS

1. Bulky Design and Case

The earbuds and charging case are noticeably chunkier than competitors like the AirPods 4. The plastic case feels cheap and is less pocket-friendly, which detracts from the premium experience Bose typically delivers. The stability fins, while effective, can shift during removal, occasionally disrupting charging.

2. Limited Codec Support

The earbuds support only SBC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.3, lacking high-resolution options like aptX or LDAC. This might disappoint audiophiles, especially when cheaper alternatives like the EarFun Air Pro 4 offer more codec diversity.

3. Connectivity Issues

Some users report occasional Bluetooth dropouts, particularly when using multipoint pairing in busy environments. While firmware updates may address this, it’s a notable drawback for seamless connectivity.

4. Over-Sensitive Voice Controls

The “Hey Headphones” voice control feature is innovative but overly sensitive, often triggered accidentally in noisy settings like buses or offices. Many users end up disabling it, which limits its utility.

VERDICT

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds strike an impressive balance of premium features and affordability. Their stellar sound, effective ANC, and long battery life make them a standout choice for casual listeners and commuters. However, the bulky design and connectivity hiccups hold them back from perfection. If you prioritize noise cancellation and vibrant audio over cutting-edge codecs, these earbuds are a fantastic value for its price, competing strongly with pricier rivals.