Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds

Sound quality is broadly strong, with rich, detailed, bass-forward playback praised by most reviewers, though a few disliked the stock tuning.

Reviewers found the sound good for the price, with enough everyday and workout quality, but not premium-level detail or clarity.

Reviewers strongly agree that ANC is the standout feature: it removes airplane, subway, traffic, keyboard, cafe, and other ambient noise better than most or all earbuds they tested, with only minor caveats about hiss or sudden spikes.

ANC was useful only to a point: it cut some chatter or treadmill noise, but reviewers agreed it lagged far behind premium buds.

Soundstage depth is praised in orchestral and spacious listening comments, though evidence is less extensive than for overall sound quality.

Depth was a sound weakness, with reviewers hearing less depth than higher-end earbuds.

Bass is generally rich, punchy, and deep, but some reviewers think Bose overboosts the low end or gives it too much emphasis for neutral listening.

Bass was adequate to strong after EQ adjustment; one reviewer wanted more stock punch while another praised the bass balance.

Microphone noise reduction ranges from excellent SpeechClarity performance to weaker lab samples, but the overall reviewer consensus is improved and often strong.

Traffic noise reduction performed well in one outdoor call test, keeping background traffic from becoming too loud.

Volume output is strong in the one direct measurement-style review, which says Bose makes loud earbuds.

Outdoor volume was a recurring weakness, with multiple reviewers saying audio could be too quiet or get lost while running.

Included fit accessories are appreciated when they help tailor the fit, though other reviews still wanted more size options.

Included accessories drew a cable complaint because one reviewer wanted USB-C to USB-C.

Maximum-volume clarity is strong in the running review, which heard clarity and no distortion even when volume was raised.

At high workout volume, one reviewer heard compression and lost detail.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, especially Aware/ActiveSense, but several reviewers still prefer Apple or note wind, hiss, or manual-adjustment limits.

Transparency mode was split, with one reviewer calling it natural while others said it failed to let in enough traffic sound and could be wind-heavy.

Preset EQ profiles are poorly regarded because they are basic and do not adequately fix the tuning complaints.

Preset sports EQ modes drew mixed-to-negative feedback; reviewers liked the idea but found little difference or gimmicky execution.

Integrated microphones are praised in stronger call-focused reviews for clear voice pickup and background rejection.

The integrated microphones handled calls clearly enough in the reviews that tested them.

Treble is often described as clear, sparkly, or balanced, but measurement-focused reviews say it can be overemphasized or occasionally hard to fix with EQ.

Upper-range and treble clarity were a limitation, with reviewers noting reduced clarity and depth versus better earbuds.

Touch controls split reviewers: some find them responsive, intuitive, and complete, while others call them fussy or hard to use precisely during runs.

Touch controls were usable outside workouts but weaker for running, sweat, gloves, and slight lag.

Midrange clarity is usually praised for warm vocals or crisp presentation, but measurement-focused reviewers complain that boosted lows and highs recess the mids.

One reviewer specifically praised the mids as surprisingly clear alongside the bass.

Water and sweat resistance is considered sufficient for workouts and light rain, though not fully waterproof.

Durability for workouts was praised, with reviewers trusting the IP68 buds for sweat, rain, dust, and even submersion limits.

Stability is mostly excellent, especially for running and workouts, but one reviewer still disliked the running feel and movement.

Stability was excellent across testing, with reviewers reporting no mid-run adjustment and secure fit during hard movement.

Portability is mixed because the earbuds and case are pocketable, but the case is often called large or hard to carry while running.

Portability was mixed: the case can work in a hydration vest, but reviewers often found it large or not pocket-friendly.

The case is functional and now charges wirelessly, but reviewers repeatedly describe it as bulky, clunky, or less premium than the earbuds.

The case was a common compromise, criticized for size, run portability, scratches, and lower weather resistance than the earbuds.

The included cable drew a minor complaint because PCMag wanted a longer USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

The included cable choice disappointed one reviewer, who wanted USB-C to USB-C instead of USB-A to USB-C.

Cross-platform use is positive, with reviewers recommending Bose for both Android and iPhone users and reporting smooth use on both platforms.

The buds paired easily with multiple device types in one review, including phone, laptop, and Garmin watch.

Battery life is consistently described as adequate or average rather than class-leading, usually around six hours with ANC and less with immersive audio.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, consistently described as impressive or a strong point.

Charging is a notable upgrade thanks to wireless charging and case improvements, although one running-focused review found quick charging slower than ideal.

Charging earned praise for the quick-charge return of roughly four hours from ten minutes.

EQ customization is the clearest software weakness: many reviewers criticize the basic three-band EQ as too limited for premium earbuds.

EQ customization was useful, especially for adding bass and getting a fuller sound.

Setup simplicity is imperfect because one reviewer reported trouble with CustomTune when connecting another device during playback.

Initial setup was easy across an iPhone, laptop, and Garmin watch in one review.

The Bose app is useful and sometimes clean, offering modes, controls, sources, EQ, and fit tools, but reviewers also found it mandatory, occasionally daunting, and not especially customizable.

The app adds customization, EQ, ambient controls, and sports modes, but reviewers found some app-based controls inconvenient or gimmicky.

Call microphone quality is mixed: some reviewers call it exceptional or much improved, while others say it is merely fine or still affected by noise.

Call quality was acceptable to good, with clear voices but a slightly hollow character in one test.

Bluetooth reliability is mostly positive, with several reviewers reporting no dropouts, though one reviewer wished Bose had moved beyond Bluetooth 5.3.

Bluetooth reliability was strong in the tested review, with no dropouts during runs and workouts.

Build quality is described as premium for the earbuds themselves, even when the case does not always feel equally high-end.

Build quality evidence centered on the case picking up scratches in normal bag use.

Design impressions are mixed-positive: some like the sleek, subtle, creative look, while others note the chunky or busy shape may divide people.

Design opinions were mixed: reviewers liked colors and smaller styling in one unboxing, but others found the buds bulky and protruding.

Ear tip and wing options help fit, but the running-focused review wanted more than three sizes at this price.

Ear tip sizing was not ideal for smaller ears according to one reviewer, despite the included sizes.

Comfort is a major strength for many reviewers over long sessions, flights, runs, and daily use, though very small ears may struggle.

Long-wear comfort was a major strength, with reviewers saying the wings did not irritate and the buds stayed comfortable for long sessions.

Fit is generally secure and seal-friendly, helped by the ovoid nozzle, ear tips, and stability bands, though individual ear shape still matters.

Fit was a standout strength across reviews, helped by the twist-lock wing and secure in-ear seal.

Value depends heavily on priorities: reviewers see the premium price as justified for ANC and sound, but weak for Gen 1 owners or bargain-focused buyers.

Value for money was a strong consensus, with reviewers repeatedly calling the earbuds compelling for the price.

Multipoint is a welcome and often seamless upgrade, though one reviewer noted setup/custom tune trouble when audio was already playing.

Multipoint switching worked seamlessly between a phone and laptop in one review.

Android users are treated as a strong audience because the earbuds support advanced options and Snapdragon-related features, though some phone compatibility limits remain.

aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound support is viewed as a useful premium codec feature for compatible devices.

Instrument separation is widely praised, with reviewers hearing open mixes, distinct sections, and easy-to-pick-out track elements.

Sensor behavior is a weak spot in the few comments available, with reviewers criticizing early CustomTune firing and suggesting in-ear detection be disabled.

Audio-video sync is praised for video editing, but gaming latency is criticized for quick-reaction games, making latency performance mixed by use case.

Several runners or active users noticed footstep thud or earbud movement noise, especially during runs or with sweaty ears.

Measurement-focused reviews say the frequency response is heavily shaped, with overemphasized bass and treble and recessed mids.

Lossless support through aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound is treated as a useful premium feature for compatible devices.

Passive isolation benefits from a tight seal and secure nozzle shape, with reviewers noting strong sealing and little noise bleed.

Sound leakage is rated positively in the one direct test, with the reviewer reporting little outside noise bleed.

Soundstage width is praised for an open, wide, detailed presentation that helps mixes feel bigger than typical earbuds.

Spatial audio is divisive: some reviewers find it natural, cool, or useful, while others prefer standard stereo or dislike the processing.

For running, one reviewer would prefer physical button controls because touch gestures are harder to use precisely during workouts.

Voice assistant integration gets limited but positive evidence, with reviewers saying Google Assistant or assistant shortcuts worked without hassle.

Codec support is praised as premium because the earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs.

Weight comfort is positive despite the buds being chunky or slightly heavier; reviewers said the weight was not annoying and still felt fine.