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If you mean the 2020 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and the 2022 QuietComfort Earbuds II, the II is the more adjustable model: it adds CustomTune personalization, a more flexible fit kit, Bluetooth 5.3 and a case rated for more listening time. Bose’s advertised earbud runtime is up to six hours for both, and both are listed as IPX4. Choose based on fit, case capacity, verified price and condition—not an assumed sound or noise-cancellation victory.
First, make sure you are comparing the right models
Bose’s original QuietComfort Earbuds launched in 2020. The QuietComfort Earbuds II followed in 2022. Bose lists the original’s sales period as 2020–2023 and the II’s as 2022–2025. These are the two products meant by “Gen 1 vs. Gen 2” in this comparison. Bose’s original-model specifications and QC Earbuds II specifications identify them separately.
There is also a separate product introduced in 2024 called simply QuietComfort Earbuds. It is not the QuietComfort Earbuds II or a renamed version of that model. That distinction matters in used and refurbished listings: check the complete model name and, where available, the product details before buying. Bose’s 2024 announcement describes the separate product.
What changed between the 2020 and 2022 earbuds?
| Feature | QuietComfort Earbuds (2020) | QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Version 5.1 | Version 5.3 |
| Water and sweat rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Advertised listening per earbud charge | Six hours, per Bose’s 2020 launch announcement | Up to six hours, per Bose’s 2022 launch announcement |
| Advertised case contribution | 12 additional hours; 18 hours total, per Bose’s 2020 announcement | Three additional charges, up to 18 additional hours; up to 24 hours total, per Bose’s 2022 announcement |
| Fit adjustments | Original fit configuration; medium eartips fitted, with small and large eartips in the box | Fit Kit with three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes |
| Personalization | Bose app support | CustomTune calibration, listening modes and adjustable EQ described at launch |
The Bluetooth version changed from 5.1 to 5.3, but that number alone does not establish a perceptible improvement in sound quality. Both are listed as IPX4, so the stated rating does not distinguish them. The clearest specification advantage for the II is the additional capacity Bose attributes to its charging case. Bose’s September 2022 launch announcement describes the II’s features and battery claims.
#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.
Battery: same advertised earbud time, more from the II case
QuietComfort Earbuds (2020)
Bose said the original earbuds provide six hours of listening and the case adds another 12 hours, for 18 hours total. That is a manufacturer claim from the September 2020 launch announcement, not an independent, directly comparable battery test. Bose’s original announcement gives those figures.
QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022)
Bose stated up to six hours per charge and three additional charges from the case, translating to up to 24 hours total. The advertised earbud-only figure is therefore similar to the original, while the II’s case is rated to provide more listening time. These figures are Bose’s launch claims; actual runtime varies with use and conditions. Bose’s II announcement states the six-hour and case-charge figures.
The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds are a separate option to watch for when shopping under the shorter name. Bose’s launch materials advertise up to 8.5 hours per charge for that model, but that does not change the 2020-versus-2022 comparison. The 2024 launch announcement identifies that product and its battery claim.
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- 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.
Fit and personalization: the II gives you more ways to adjust
The II’s Fit Kit includes three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes, allowing more combinations than the original’s listed included eartip sizes. Bose also added CustomTune, which it describes as calibrating sound and noise cancellation to the shape of the wearer’s ear. This is a feature distinction, not proof that every listener will prefer the II’s sound or fit.
Fit is individual, and Bose advises checking that the earbuds are seated properly because fit affects comfort and performance. For the II, Bose provides sizing and fit-test guidance in its wearing and adjusting support article. If you are considering a used pair, confirm that the needed eartips and stability bands are included or available for that exact model.
Does the II cancel more noise or sound better?
Bose promoted CustomTune as personalizing both audio and noise-cancellation performance. In its September 7, 2022 announcement, Bose also claimed “the world’s best noise cancellation from any headphone — banded or in-ear.” That is Bose’s marketing statement, not an independent head-to-head result.
Rank #3
- 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.
The official materials establish the II’s features, but they do not establish an objective noise-cancellation winner or prove that it sounds better than the 2020 earbuds. If those differences matter most, a specification comparison or launch claim cannot replace trying the fit and listening under your own conditions.
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Choose QuietComfort Earbuds II if fit options and case capacity matter most
- You want the II’s Fit Kit, CustomTune and app adjustments.
- You value Bose’s higher advertised case contribution: up to 18 additional hours, compared with 12 for the original.
- You can verify the item is the 2022 QuietComfort Earbuds II and its condition, included accessories and price make sense.
Consider the 2020 QuietComfort Earbuds if the deal and fit work for you
- You find a well-described pair at a price that reflects its age and condition.
- The original’s fit configuration is comfortable for you.
- You do not need the II’s fit kit or larger advertised case contribution.
Bose lists the II’s sales period as ending in 2025, so a listing now may be remaining stock, used or refurbished. Check the seller’s condition description, return terms, included charging case and fit pieces, and battery condition where disclosed. Neither model has an established current value winner from the available product specifications; compare the actual price and condition of the specific listing.
Bottom line for shoppers
The QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022) is the more customizable redesign, with Bluetooth 5.3 and a case rated for more listening time. The original QuietComfort Earbuds (2020) shares the same listed IPX4 rating and six-hour advertised earbud runtime. Buy the II for its adjustment options and case capacity if the exact listing checks out; otherwise, let fit, condition and verified price decide. Do not mistake the separate 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds for either generation.
Quick Recap
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.
