Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Overall score 3.9 / 5

Based on 14 scored reviews

vs
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Overall score 4.0 / 5

Based on 14 scored reviews

How we score

Scorata scores summarize analyzed review evidence on a 1–5 scale; they are not laboratory measurements or a simple average of customer star ratings. Feature scores summarize the reviews covering that feature. The overall score averages feature scores within each review, then combines review averages. When both expert and customer evidence are available, those two groups receive equal weight. Products can have different review coverage, so small score gaps do not establish a winner.

Recommendations prioritize important features for the category, with a score of at least 3.5, a gap of at least 0.25 points and at least two supporting reviews per product. Features with widely varying scores or broad connectivity contexts are excluded from recommendations. These safeguards do not establish statistical significance.

Quick verdict

What each product is best for

The review evidence points to a tradeoff: Transparency mode quality and Active noise cancellation versus Preset EQ profile quality and Frequency response accuracy. Choose according to which strengths matter more to you; the overall score alone does not settle that choice.

Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for Transparency mode quality and Active noise cancellation.

Choose Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds for Preset EQ profile quality and Frequency response accuracy.

Why these recommendations?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Where It Has the Edge

  • Transparency mode quality is 3.9 vs 3.1. Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, especially Aware/ActiveSense, but several reviewers still prefer Apple or note wind,...
  • Active noise cancellation is 4.9 vs 4.1. Reviewers strongly agree that ANC is the standout feature: it removes airplane, subway, traffic, keyboard, cafe, and other...
  • Build quality is 4.4 vs 3.9. Build quality is described as premium for the earbuds themselves, even when the case does not always feel...

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Where It Has the Edge

  • Preset EQ profile quality is 4.0 vs 1.8. Preset EQ profiles are generally useful, especially Dynamic, which reviewers said improved balance or impact.
  • Frequency response accuracy is 4.4 vs 2.3. Reviewers describe the frequency balance as generally accurate and controlled, with strong detail and tonality, though the bass...
  • App is 4.2 vs 3.6. The app is mostly praised as useful, stable, and customizable, although one reviewer found its look ugly and...
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 3.9 overall score
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds 4.0 overall score

Compare features

Scores are out of 5. Missing scores mean missing review evidence, not a missing feature.

Scored on both products

Performance

Sound quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Reviewers strongly agree the NeoBuds Planar are detail-first earbuds with unusually precise, clean sound, though a few found the tuning inconsistent or easier to admire than love.

Spatial audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.9

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
1.0

Spatial audio is a clear missing-feature complaint from the available evidence.

Frequency response accuracy
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.3

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.4

Reviewers describe the frequency balance as generally accurate and controlled, with strong detail and tonality, though the bass region is less consistently weighted.

Lossless audio support
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

Lossless audio support is a strength within the broader codec package, with reviewers treating the support as unusually complete.

Noise isolation (passive)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.5

Passive isolation was described as decent with a proper fit, but the review evidence mainly focuses on ANC rather than unpowered isolation.

Soundstage depth
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.5

Soundstage depth is mixed: one reviewer heard no depth, another praised immersion, and another felt the presentation was pushed forward.

Audio-video sync accuracy
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.7

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Latency and gaming support are viewed positively, with reviewers noting strong gaming performance and premium audio use beyond music.

Microphone noise reduction
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.9

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.1

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers heard good wind or background reduction, while others found ambient noise pickup and noisy conditions problematic.

Active noise cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.9

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.1

ANC is broadly seen as good to impressive for everyday noise, though several reviewers note it is not the strongest at this price or for deep low-frequency rumble.

Bass performance
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.1

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.8

Bass is the most divisive sound attribute: some reviewers heard deep or strong bass with the right fit or preset, while others found it light, thin, or lacking punch.

Soundstage width
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.6

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.4

Several reviewers heard an open, airy, expansive soundstage, with soundstage width treated as one of the planar driver strengths.

Other features

Preset EQ profile quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
1.8

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.0

Preset EQ profiles are generally useful, especially Dynamic, which reviewers said improved balance or impact.

Volume output
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.7

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
2.7

Volume output drew mild criticism: reviewers generally found it usable, but noted it was on the lower side and not ideal for listeners who want maximum loudness.

Integrated microphone
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.6

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.0

The integrated microphone setup is adequate in limited evidence, but not a leading strength.

Portability/foldability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.0

Portability has limited positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the charging case compact.

AptX
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

aptX support is treated as part of the product’s unusually broad high-resolution codec package, including aptX Adaptive and lossless-related support.

Transparency mode quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.9

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.1

Transparency mode is functional but not a standout; reviewers praised voice-focused tools in one case but often found it muffled, unnatural, or merely adequate.

Midrange clarity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.8

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.4

Midrange and vocals are usually praised as clear, detailed, and natural, with one reviewer noting vocal volume could dip in the mix.

Instrument separation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

Instrument separation is one of the clearest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising clean layering, precise reproduction, and strong detail retrieval.

Android compatibility
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Android compatibility is positive, with easy Android pairing and Android-only hi-res codec benefits noted.

Included accessories
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.0

Included accessories get positive limited evidence, especially the multiple tips and protective pouch/case cover.

Carry case quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.9

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.4

Carry case impressions are mixed: reviewers liked its secure magnets or compact/pocketable feel, but others criticized its size, looks, or chunkiness.

Treble clarity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.9

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.3

Treble detail is a major strength, often described as crisp, clean, or precise, but some reviewers found the highs bright, toasty, or potentially fatiguing.

Sensors
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.7

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
2.8

Sensors are mixed: one reviewer found wear detection unreliable, while another said it worked well.

Water/sweat resistance rating
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.1

The water and dust rating is viewed as practical for rain, sweat, dust, and realistic everyday conditions.

Touch control responsiveness
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.7

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.7

Touch/tap responsiveness is mixed: one reviewer found the controls pretty good, while others said the tap system needs adjustment or works only most of the time.

Stability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.3

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.2

Stability is mostly good for regular use and exercise, though some reviewers experienced shifting during runs or workouts.

Multi-platform compatibility
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Multi-platform compatibility is positive in limited evidence, with codec support framed as useful across Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Google Tensor phones.

Comfort and build

Ear tip size options
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Ear tip size options are praised for helping users find the right fit and bass seal.

Design and Aesthetics
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.5

Design is subjective and split, with reviewers admiring its distinctive modern look while others called it unattractive, retro, or an acquired taste.

Build quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.9

Build quality is mostly positive, with reviewers praising finish and construction, though one noted cheap-looking plastic.

Weight comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.3

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Weight comfort is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers describing the buds as lightweight or far from heavy.

Eartips fit
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.6

Fit is highly important and mostly positive; reviewers found better bass and stability once the right tips or seal were achieved.

Comfort during long use
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.3

Long-use comfort is generally strong, with several reviewers wearing them for hours or all day, though one review found comfort only medium over time.

Controls and connectivity

Button control usability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.8

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.1

The squeeze or pinch controls are usually considered reliable and customizable, though a few reviewers found them delayed or weaker than top competitors.

Equalizer customization
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.1

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.4

EQ customization is polarizing: reviewers like the depth and flexibility, but many criticize limited bands, poor bass impact, or weak responsiveness.

App
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.6

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.2

The app is mostly praised as useful, stable, and customizable, although one reviewer found its look ugly and another noted missing device-list convenience.

Software/setup simplicity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.8

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.3

Setup and software simplicity are mixed: pairing can be simple, but mode switching and Edifier-style configuration can feel sluggish or finicky.

Bluetooth
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.2

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Bluetooth performance has limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer praising range after staying connected across an office.

Voice assistant integration
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.3

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Voice assistant use has limited but positive evidence, with voice commands described as swift.

Microphone quality for calls
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.9

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.8

Call quality ranges from excellent to merely okay, with most reviewers finding voices intelligible but not always natural, loud, or class-leading.

Ownership and support

Codec support
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

Codec support is a major strength, repeatedly praised as exhaustive or unusually complete for high-resolution listening.

Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.4

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.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.1

Value for money is heavily split by region and priorities: sound-focused reviewers can justify it, but many think the price is too high versus competitors.

Multipoint connectivity reliability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.1

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.9

Multipoint is useful and sometimes seamless, but not consistently reliable; one reviewer had to switch manually while others reported smooth pause-and-play behavior.

Battery and charging

Charging
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.1

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.3

Charging is a positive convenience point, especially wireless charging and quick top-ups.

Battery
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
3.0

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
3.1

Battery life is average to mediocre overall; some reviewers found it acceptable, but many expected more from a premium-priced earbud.

Evidence available for one product

Other features

Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)No score yet
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

Hi-res playback and audiophile-grade sound receive strong praise in the available evidence.

Cable quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar EarbudsNo score yet
LDAC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)No score yet
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
5.0

LDAC support is repeatedly included in reviewers’ praise for the broad high-resolution codec package.

Maximum volume clarity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.5

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar EarbudsNo score yet
Smudge resistance
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)No score yet
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

Smudge resistance has limited positive evidence, with the matte case finish praised for helping prevent fingerprints.

Performance

Earpad noise
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
2.6

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar EarbudsNo score yet
Sound leakage
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
4.4

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

Edifier NeoBuds Planar EarbudsNo score yet

Controls and connectivity

RGB lighting customization
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)No score yet
Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds
4.5

RGB/light customization has limited but positive evidence, with the case light colors treated as fun customization.

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