Bose has introduced its latest addition to the noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds market: the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, priced at $179. This new model is part of Bose’s 2024 lineup (not to be confused with the 2020 QuietComfort Earbuds) and is designed to offer many of the premium features typically found in high-end earbuds at a more accessible price point.

While not as feature-packed as Bose’s flagship model, the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, this new release positions itself as a competitive alternative to similarly priced products such as Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC.

The QuietComfort Earbuds come equipped with a host of modern features that should improve the user experience, particularly for those who prioritize noise cancellation and versatility in their earbuds. 

Noise-cancelling tech, supported by three microphones per earbud, allows for effective suppression of background noise, making these earbuds ideal for calls and media consumption in various environments. The microphones also enhance voice pickup, contributing to a clearer communication experience during calls.

One of the key aspects of these earbuds is their battery life. With up to 8.5 hours of playback on a single charge, the QuietComfort Earbuds significantly outpace competitors like the AirPods 4, which only offer around 4 hours.

The included wireless charging case provides an additional 2.5 charges, further extending usage time. A quick 20-minute charge in the case provides up to three hours of listening time, making the earbuds well-suited for users with busy, on-the-go lifestyles. The charging case itself can be recharged wirelessly or via a wired connection, offering flexible charging options.

Bluetooth 5.3 support ensures stable connectivity with minimal interference, while the earbuds' multipoint connection feature allows seamless switching between multiple devices. This makes the QuietComfort Earbuds a good fit for those who frequently alternate between using their earbuds with different gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have undergone a design shift from previous models. Unlike earlier versions that featured stems, this 2024 model adopts a more rounded, compact design, emphasizing comfort and secure fit. The earbuds come with three different sizes of ear tips and stability bands, allowing users to tailor the fit to their unique ear shape and size. This ensures not only comfort but also an effective seal that enhances noise isolation.

These earbuds are also water- and sweat-resistant, with an IPX4 rating, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor use in various conditions. While not entirely waterproof, this level of protection should suffice for casual workouts or use in light rain.

A significant aspect of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is the level of customization they offer, particularly through the Bose QC Earbuds app. The app provides users with a range of options to personalize their listening experience.

It allows users to configure touch controls on both earbuds, giving them the ability to customize functions such as play/pause, volume control, and track skipping via a single, double, or triple tap. Additionally, users can press and hold the earbuds for access to more advanced features, making these earbuds adaptable to individual preferences.

In terms of sound quality, the earbuds feature a 5-band adjustable equalizer, which allows users to tweak the bass, mid-range, and treble frequencies according to their preferences. This level of control gives audiophiles or casual listeners the ability to fine-tune their sound for various types of media, from music to podcasts or films.

The earbuds also include Voice ID technology, which is used to calibrate the audio output to the user’s voice for more accurate voice command functionality. This feature, combined with voice assistants, lets users make hands-free calls, control media, adjust volume, and even take selfies using the "Remote Selfie" feature—a function that enables the earbuds to act as a remote trigger for the phone’s camera.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds come with two main active noise-cancelling modes: Quiet Mode, which maximizes noise cancellation, and Aware Mode, which allows users to hear ambient sounds while still reducing background noise. The earbuds also support passive listening by turning off ANC completely, which can be a helpful feature for those who want to conserve battery or use the earbuds in a quieter setting.

While the QuietComfort Earbuds offer a broad array of features, they lack some of the premium functionalities found in the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. Notably, the QuietComfort Earbuds do not support Snapdragon Sound or aptX Lossless, which are key for users seeking the highest possible audio quality. These features are part of what sets the Ultra model apart and justify its higher price point.

Nonetheless, the absence of these features doesn't diminish the appeal of the QuietComfort Earbuds for most everyday users. The sound quality, while not lossless, is likely more than sufficient for the average listener, particularly with the added ability to customize audio settings through the EQ.