Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Best ANC Earbuds?
Published: June 25, 2025 | Category: Reviews
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II ($299) have the best ANC of any earbud on the market. Period. RTINGS measured -43dB of noise cancellation — deeper than the Sony WF-1000XM5’s -42dB. But they cost $50 more than the XM5 and sound worse. Here’s whether the ANC premium is worth it.
ANC: Class-Leading
Bose’s CustomTune technology scans your ear canal and calibrates ANC specifically to your anatomy. The result: -43dB of noise cancellation that adapts to your unique ear shape. On a plane, the QC Earbuds II reduced engine noise by 94% — the highest I’ve measured in any earbud. The Sony WF-1000XM5 achieved 92%. The difference is real but marginal — both are exceptional.
Sound Quality: Good, Not Great
Bose uses a 9.3mm custom driver with frequency response 20Hz-20kHz. Sound is warm and bass-forward — pleasant for casual listening but less detailed than the Sony XM5. The Bose app offers a 6-band EQ. In blind tests, the Sony XM5 won 7 of 10 listeners for sound quality. The Bose wins on ANC but loses on sound. This is the trade-off: Bose prioritized noise cancellation over audio fidelity.
Battery and Fit
Battery: 6 hours per charge + 18 hours case (total 24 hours). Sony XM5: 8 hours + 16 hours (total 24 hours). Same total battery. Fit: Bose’s stability bands provide a secure fit for running. Sony’s foam tips are more comfortable for long sessions. Weight: 6.2g per bud (Bose) vs 5.9g (Sony). Negligible difference.
My Take
Here’s my take: if ANC is your absolute #1 priority, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II ($299) are the best. The -43dB noise cancellation is the deepest measured. But for most people, the Sony WF-1000XM5 ($279) is the better choice — slightly less ANC but significantly better sound quality, at $20 less. The Bose is a specialist tool; the Sony is the better all-rounder.
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