Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs JBL Tour One M3 Headphones

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

Sound quality was mostly praised as clear, punchy, detailed, or excellent, though several reviewers wanted EQ or found stock sound less exciting.

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

Wear-detection performance was inconsistent, with one reviewer turning it off after repeated frustration.

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

LE Audio evidence was limited but mildly positive, with one reviewer saying it worked well and another preferring LDAC.

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

Immersive audio quality was praised in flight/movie use, where the experience felt theater-like and more involving.

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

One review preferred the sound with noise cancellation enabled, suggesting ANC can make the presentation fuller rather than worse.

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

Sound impact from ANC was mostly acceptable: one reviewer heard no sonic penalty, while another said turning ANC off made the sound thinner.

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

Audio-video sync was a strength with the Smart Tx and wired-transmitter use, with reviewers reporting no discernible latency, no lag, or clean video sync.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

Passive isolation was praised as impressive and helpful even before active noise cancellation was enabled.

Reviewers often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

Soundstage was generally above average or expansive, but not universally deep or as spacious as some higher-end rivals.

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

ANC was broadly praised as strong to excellent, especially for travel and commuting, but a few reviewers found it behind Bose or Sony or somewhat pressure-heavy.

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

Microphone noise reduction was a major strength, with reviewers praising wind handling, echo reduction, and background-noise filtering.

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

Noise-canceling background hiss was specifically praised in one review, which found the headphones almost silent with ANC active.

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

Bass impressions were mixed: many reviewers praised its punch, richness, and control, while a few found stock bass boomy, bland, or overemphasized.

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

Spatial audio was divisive: some reviewers loved the movie immersion, while others found it echoey, disappointing, or merely decent.

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

Frequency balance was generally seen as warm, rich, entertaining, or more balanced than many consumer headphones, with some tuning caveats.

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

Replaceable earpads were a weakness in one review because the cups were not removable.

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

Wear-detection auto-pause drew criticism in one travel-heavy review for being too trigger-happy.

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

The Smart Tx dongle split opinion: many called it unique, practical, or game-changing for travel, while others found it niche, costly, easy to lose, or unnecessary.

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

Wear-detection auto-pause was criticized in one review for false triggers during flight use.

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

Water/sweat resistance was a weakness overall because reviewers noted no official IP rating, even if one tester found incidental moisture did not stop them.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

Preset EQ quality was mixed: some reviewers liked or benefited from presets, while others disliked the presets or found bass-heavy modes too boomy.

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

Premium feel was a common weakness, with many reviewers saying the plastic design looked or felt less luxurious than rivals.

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

The integrated microphone setup was praised for making voices sound clear on calls.

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

Fit stability was praised in limited evidence, with snug clamp distribution keeping the headphones secure while walking.

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

Headband padding was described as adequate for longer listening, supporting the broader comfort consensus.

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

The design was seen as understated and discreet rather than flashy, with some reviewers appreciating the low-profile look and others calling it unremarkable.

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

Reviewers valued the analog path mainly for travel and older sources, with the Smart Tx and included AUX/USB-C cabling making airplane and headphone-jack use more practical.

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

Ear cup and headband padding were widely praised for softness, plushness, and comfort, with some caveats about heat or sweat over time.

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

Android setup received a positive note for Google Fast Pair, which made pairing quick and simple.

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

High-volume performance was split: one reviewer said composure fell apart at big volume, while another praised the ability to handle more volume clearly.

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

The carry case was consistently liked for being slim, compact, stylish, travel-friendly, and useful for storing accessories.

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

Touch controls were mixed, ranging from responsive and intuitive to oversensitive, limited, or unreliable in some testing.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

Transparency mode was generally praised as natural or effective, with some minor caveats about hiss, muffling, or not matching Apple’s best tone.

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

Portability was praised for folding, collapsing, and fitting into compact travel cases.

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

Travel friendliness was one of the strongest themes, driven by comfort, battery life, compact folding, the case, and the Smart Tx airplane use case.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

Included accessories were considered generous, especially the USB-C, 3.5mm, USB-A adapter, pouch, and case setup.

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

The built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were praised for improving stability, detail, resolution, and flexibility with USB-C or wired use.

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

Connectivity options were a signature strength, with reviewers praising the ability to connect to phones, laptops, planes, older devices, and many sources.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

Midrange clarity was mostly positive, especially vocals and detail, with a few reviews wanting fuller or clearer mids.

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

Instrument separation was a clear strength in many reviews, with praise for clarity, spacing, and the ability to pick out details in busy tracks.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Multi-platform compatibility was praised for letting the headphones connect through USB-C, USB-A, headphone jacks, and many device types.

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

Overall recommendations were generally positive, especially for travelers, feature seekers, and buyers who value comfort and flexibility.

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

USB-C was positively tied to high-resolution wired use and data transfer, making the headphones more flexible than Bluetooth-only models.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

Treble was praised for clarity, sparkle, and air in several reviews, though some found it bright, edgy, or close to harsh.

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

Volume output had limited but positive evidence from one reviewer who found gaming audio loud and clear.

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

Multipoint reliability was mixed: one review noted stuttering and another noted limited device control, while basic support was present.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

Value opinions were split: some reviewers called them strong value, while others thought the price, transmitter cost, and plastic feel hurt the equation.

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

Auto-off behavior was seen as reliable, with reviewers noting the headphones and transmitter avoid unnecessary battery drain.

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

Codec support was viewed positively because reviewers noted LDAC, LC3, AAC, and SBC coverage as a useful or strong selection.

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

EQ customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising the flexible 10- or 12-band EQ and the ability to noticeably improve the sound.

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

Bluetooth pairing and range received mixed feedback, with easy Apple/Android pairing in one test but weaker-than-expected wireless range in another.

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

The feature set was repeatedly described as loaded, next-gen, or unusually extensive for premium ANC headphones.

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

Physical controls and buttons were generally praised as easy, certain, and well implemented, especially volume controls and tactile switching.

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

The JBL app was a major strength, described as comprehensive, user-friendly, class-leading, and packed with useful control and EQ options.

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

Software and setup simplicity were praised through the app’s easy design and broad customization access.

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

Call microphone quality was generally strong, often described as clear or high quality, though one review found it merely acceptable.

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

Smart Pause performance was inconsistent: some reviews found auto-pause convenient, while others reported lag, false triggers, or missed pauses.

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

Smart listening features such as Personi-Fi, Smart Talk, hearing profiles, and ambient tools were useful overall but varied by feature.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly described as long-lasting, class-leading, or exceptional for travel and extended use.

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

Charging feedback was mostly positive thanks to fast top-ups and reasonable full-charge times, though the separate Smart Tx adds another device to charge.

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

Build quality was mixed: some reviews found it solid or durable enough, while others criticized cheap-feeling plastic or average construction for the price.

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

Weight comfort was strongly positive, with reviewers repeatedly praising the light feel and reduced head or neck strain.

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

Clamp comfort was praised across reviews as snug, secure, and not too tight, supporting long sessions without squeezing.

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

Long-wear comfort was one of the strongest consensus areas, with many reviewers reporting hours of use, flights, or workdays without pain.

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

Design feedback was mostly positive for clean, understated styling, though it rarely reached luxury-level excitement.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

Durability over time had limited but positive evidence, with one review noting no damage after weeks of bag carry and stress testing.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

Reviewers saw the launch feature set as unusually rich, especially the companion app, transmitter, personalization, ANC modes, and travel-focused tools.

Headband adjustability received positive feedback for accommodating different head sizes.

LDAC was viewed positively for better fidelity, higher resolution, and stronger wireless sound quality.

Replaceable pads/headband repairability was weakly supported only by criticism that the cups do not pop off for replacement.

Sidetone/VoiceAware adjustment received a positive user preference note from one reviewer who liked hearing more of his own voice.

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

Auracast support was treated as a forward-looking differentiator for shared listening, though its value depends on compatible devices becoming more common.

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

Voice prompts and feedback were mixed, with useful tap feedback in one review and overly loud or annoying prompts in others.

Earpad heat and discomfort were raised in one review, which treated the fake leather as a comfort downside over longer wear.

Wind handling was praised in calls, ANC, and outdoor use, with reviewers noting wind resistance and reduced wind noise.

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.