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Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II remain notable for their customizable fit and Bose’s CustomTune noise-cancellation approach, but the company lists the model as sold from 2022 to 2025. That makes a purchase today a question of remaining new stock versus used availability—and whether its features suit you better than Bose’s separate 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds. Bose publishes useful specifications, but the information available here does not include independent listening, noise-cancellation, comfort, or battery tests.
Are Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II worth buying?
They may be worth considering if you find a suitable, fairly priced unit and value the model’s fit-adjustment system and Bose’s CustomTune feature. Bose says CustomTune calibrates sound and noise cancellation to the shape of your ear; that is the manufacturer’s description, not an independent performance finding. Bose announced the earbuds on September 7, 2022, and its support specifications label them “Sold from 2022 – 2025.” That lifecycle label does not establish that every retailer has stopped selling new stock, so check whether an offer is authorized new inventory or a used unit, and review its condition and return terms.
There are no independent comparative sound or noise-cancellation results established here, so a definitive performance ranking would be misleading. Bose also described Aware Mode with ActiveSense, which adjusts noise cancellation when loud disruptions occur. Treat that as a stated feature rather than proof of how effectively it performs in a particular environment.
How does the fit system work?
Each earbud uses an eartip and a separate stability band. Bose includes three sizes of each, which the company says allows nine combinations per earbud. Because ears can differ, try combinations independently for each side rather than assuming both earbuds need identical sizes.
#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.
- Choose an eartip and stability band for each earbud and attach them according to the quick start guide.
- Wear the earbuds and open the Bose app’s Fit Test. Bose says the test checks for sound leakage using a tone also used by CustomTune.
- If the fit test indicates leakage or the earbuds feel insecure, try another eartip or stability-band combination and check again.
A good seal matters to the intended listening and noise-control experience, but the range of combinations does not guarantee a comfortable fit for every wearer. Bose says the app also provides noise-control settings and adjustable EQ; app features and firmware can change over time.
How long does the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II battery last?
Bose rates playback at up to six hours per charge and says the case provides three additional charges. The company also states that a 20-minute quick charge provides up to two hours of playback. These are manufacturer-rated figures, not independent runtime measurements; actual battery life can vary with use and settings.
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.
Bose lists Bluetooth 5.3 and a 30-foot range in its product specifications. These are the manufacturer’s listed connectivity details, not a guarantee of range in every setting.
Are Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II waterproof?
No. Bose rates the earbuds IPX4 water resistant and describes them as suitable for sweat and weather exposure, not submersion. The owner’s guide specifically says not to swim or shower while wearing them. Water resistance can also decrease with normal wear, so do not treat the rating as permanent protection or use the earbuds underwater.
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
What comes in the box, and can you get replacement fit parts?
Bose’s listed box contents are the earbuds, Fit Kit, charging case, USB-C to USB-A cable, and quick start guide. The Fit Kit is the set of eartips and stability bands used to adjust fit. If you need replacements, confirm that a listing explicitly identifies QuietComfort Earbuds II compatibility; current availability and compatibility of replacement-kit listings have not been established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do Earbuds II differ from the newer QuietComfort Earbuds?
Bose introduced another, distinct QuietComfort Earbuds model on September 18, 2024. Do not confuse its specifications with those of Earbuds II. The figures below are Bose’s stated specifications, not independent head-to-head test results.
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
| Feature | QuietComfort Earbuds II | QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | September 7, 2022; Bose lists sales from 2022 to 2025 | September 18, 2024 |
| Rated playback per charge | Up to 6 hours, per Bose’s 2022 launch release | Up to 8.5 hours, per Bose’s 2024 announcement |
| Case charging | Three additional charges stated by Bose; wireless charging is not established in the cited specifications | Wireless charging case stated by Bose |
| Bluetooth multipoint | Not stated in the cited Earbuds II specifications | Stated by Bose for the 2024 model |
| Water resistance | IPX4, per Bose | IPX4, per Bose |
| Personalization and fit | CustomTune and a Fit Kit with three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes, per Bose | Not stated in the cited announcement details |
When choosing between them, compare the actual current prices and availability you find, the fit you prefer, and whether wireless charging or multipoint matters to you. The available specifications do not establish which model sounds better, cancels more noise, or is more comfortable.
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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.
Sources and product details
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II product specifications (product identity, lifecycle, box contents, Bluetooth, and listed range).
- Bose Global Press Room: “Bose Introduces QuietComfort Earbuds II,” September 7, 2022 (CustomTune, fit, battery, and feature descriptions).
- Bose announcement of QuietComfort Earbuds, September 18, 2024 (distinct newer model’s stated features).
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Owner’s Guide (water-resistance cautions).
- Bose Music app listing for iOS and Bose Music app listing for Android.
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.
