Name: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
Brand: Bose

Our verdict

The QuietComfort Earbuds are Bose’s 2024 noise-cancelling earbuds, not to be confused with older models of a similar name. What Hi-Fi? gave them five stars and called them “an excellent option for the money”. TechRadar’s Tom Bedford said their noise cancelling beat anything else he had tried at the price, and he measured about nine hours from one charge with it switched on. They connect to two devices at once, and the case can charge on a wireless pad. The catch is reliability: SoundGuys had dropouts in the right earbud on two review units, mostly outdoors. The UK RRP reference is £179.95; current shop offers vary. We have not tested them ourselves: this review draws on Bose’s UK specifications and reviews by What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, SoundGuys and T3.

Buy it if

Blocking out noise on a commute or in an office matters most
You want a secure fit for walking, the gym or running
You can buy them at a discount from the RRP

Skip it if

You need a rock-solid connection for work calls on busy streets
You have small ears and have found chunky earbuds uncomfortable before
You want aptX or LDAC higher-quality Bluetooth from an Android phone

Everyday use

Commuting

Reviewers agree the noise cancelling handles engine rumble and drones well. SoundGuys found most connection problems happened on busy streets, so check the app for firmware updates before relying on them outdoors.

Exercise

TechRadar kept them in on an 8km run and T3 also found them secure while running. The IPX4 rating covers sweat and splashes, not submersion.

Calls

SoundGuys said the microphones work well on the go, though background noise came through in its office test. What Hi-Fi? rated call quality only “okay”, so opinions differ.

The details, in plain English

Sound

What Hi-Fi? scored the sound five out of five, calling the earbuds “powerful and punchy” with solid bass and controlled highs. TechRadar found the sound warm and energetic with a wide soundstage, though vocals sometimes lacked sparkle. SoundGuys described a U-shaped tuning, with extra bass and treble, and pointed to the five-band equaliser in the app for adjusting it. T3 found the sound rich, balanced and detailed.

Noise cancelling

This is the main reason to buy. TechRadar said the noise cancelling beat anything else it had tried at the price. SoundGuys gave it 8.2 out of 10 in its lab and said it can cut the loudness of most noises by over 80%. What Hi-Fi? found it handles low drones and rumbles well. There are three modes: Quiet, Aware (which lets outside sound in) and off. T3 called it “miles better than most competitors at this price point”.

Battery and charging

Bose claims up to 8.5 hours from the earbuds and 31.5 hours in total with the case. TechRadar measured about nine hours with noise cancelling on, better than it expected; SoundGuys had not finished its battery test. The case charges by USB-C or on a compatible wireless pad, which you buy separately. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours, Bose says. No mains plug is included.

Fit and comfort

Bose includes small, medium and large ear tips and stability bands, the small fins that grip the ridge of your ear. TechRadar was “constantly surprised” by how secure they felt. What Hi-Fi? found them comfortable but stocky, and both it and SoundGuys warned they may not suit small ears. SoundGuys found the flexible fins can shift and stop the earbuds charging in the case. T3 and SoundGuys disliked the bulky, plastic case.

Connections and app

The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 with the SBC and AAC formats only, so there is no aptX or LDAC. They connect to two devices at once and use the Bose QCE app. SoundGuys found multipoint caused stutters and the right earbud often dropped out, on firmware 1.1.2 and on a second unit; turning multipoint off helped. Other reviewers did not report this, and we cannot confirm whether later firmware fixed it. TechRadar found the voice controls too sensitive.

Strengths and drawbacks

What it does well

Five stars from What Hi-Fi?, which praised their punchy, musical sound
Noise cancelling that TechRadar rated the best it had tried at this price
TechRadar measured about nine hours from one charge with noise cancelling on
Ear tips and stability bands in three sizes gave reviewers a secure fit, even for running
Wireless-charging case, IPX4 splash resistance and connection to two devices at once

What to watch out for

SoundGuys had repeated dropouts in the right earbud, on two separate units
No aptX or LDAC higher-quality Bluetooth formats, only SBC and AAC
Chunky earbuds that may not suit small ears (What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys)
Bulky case that T3 and SoundGuys found flimsy or cheap-feeling
Call quality was only “okay” for What Hi-Fi?

Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have an open design with no ear tips; SoundGuys found the Bose blocked more noise. Creative’s Aurvana Ace 2, £164.99 when TechRadar reviewed the Bose, add aptX Lossless, a higher-quality Bluetooth format for some Android phones. JBL’s Live Beam 3, then £179.99, are another rival TechRadar named. We have not tested these earbuds side by side.

Alternatives we have reviewed

Product	Our verdict	Price	Buy
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) (this one)	Strong noise cancelling, a secure fit and long battery life make these a well-rounded pair of everyday earbuds.	£179.95RRP · Black, RRP recorded 31 Oct 2026	Check price
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	A good fit for noisy journeys and busy workplaces, with strong noise cancelling, a secure fit and full-bodied sound.	£299.95RRP · Deep Plum, 2nd Gen, wireless charging case, RRP recorded 31 Oct 2026	Check price
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation	A light, comfortable choice for iPhone owners who dislike rubber ear tips and want some help with steady travel noise, as long as you accept weaker noise cancelling and shorter battery life than the AirPods Pro 2.	£179RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Apple AirPods Pro 3	The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in.	£219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price

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Where our findings come from

This research-based review covers the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds. It uses Bose’s exact UK Black product page and 15 September 2026 UK security statement, rechecked on 31 October 2026, alongside original tests by What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar (Tom Bedford, 27 November 2024), SoundGuys (Chase Bernath, 11 October 2024) and T3 (Yasmine Crossland, 28 December 2024). SoundGuys tested firmware 1.1.2 with QCE app 2.0.2 and found dropouts on two units; it did not provide a completed battery measurement. TechRadar’s separate battery observation is credited to it. We have not confirmed whether later firmware resolves the connection issue. Bose lists a minimum security-support endpoint of 30 September 2027, measured from launch. The buying button links directly to the named UK seller and is not an affiliate link. We have not tested this product ourselves. Measurements and listening or camera findings belong to the named reviewers.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review