Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs QC Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen): which noise-cancelling buds are better?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 and Gen 1 on a red and grey background with a white versus sign between them.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen)

Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive)
Battery life: 6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (total)
Finishes: x 2 (Black, White Smoke)
Weight: 6.24g per bud

The originals are still some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around, and with the price dropping, they could prove seriously tempting. They're thoroughly outgunned by their replacements, but still excellent in their own right.

Pros

• Punchy, musical sound
• Solid, weighty bass
• Excellent ANC
• Comfortable

Cons

• Immersive Audio slashes battery life
• No wireless charging

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Bluetooth: 5.3 (AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive)
Battery life: 6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (total)
Finishes: x 3 (Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum)
Weight: 7.7g per bud

With more colours, more advanced noise cancelling and a tweaked sound performance, the 2nd Gen are some of the best wireless earbuds we've seen. Throw in the extra features (hello, wireless charging!) and you've got one heck of a proposition. Pricey, but worth it.

Pros

• Punchy, full-bodied sound
• Typically excellent noise cancelling
• Secure and comfortable design
• Excellent voice-call clarity

Cons

• Immersive Audio mode drains battery life
• Outstanding competition at this level
• Only three ear tip sizes