Bose QuietComfort Earbuds combine signature audio quality from Bose, superb active noise cancellation, and the freedom of true wireless form factor. With IPX4 rating and easy switch between Quiet mode and Aware mode, these earphones are solid product for everyday commute. The microphone quality is good enough to make phone calls while in public transport. Active noise cancellation will block out most noises and the ability to choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation levels gives users the flexibility they might need.

First, why Bose instead of Sony WF-1000MX4? I am a happy user of Sony’s previous generation wireless earbuds (WF-1000MX3) and have no complaint on audio quality. Comfort of wear, however, is an entirely different matter. Perhaps it is the shape of my ear, but it always took me multiple attempts of readjustments before I get the good quality sound with WF-1000MX3 and I would start feeling discomfort after the first 30 minutes. Historically, I had more luck with Bose’s in-ear winged buds. Therefore, even though WF-1000MX4 might sound a bit better, this time I decide to go back to Bose.

According to Bose, one full charge will last up to 6 hours and quick 15-minutes charge is good for 2 hours of music. The included case can provide additional 2 full charges, allowing you to enjoy total 18 hours of wireless music. Bluetooth 5.1 lets these headphones have solid and stable wireless connection. They can be paired to up to 7 devices, but can only connect to one device at a time. The limitation of 7 device instead of the usual 8, is because they use the 8th slot exclusively for the pairing between the left and right units, which is also the reason why QC Earbuds could not connect to the usual 2 devices at the same time.

For comparison, Bose QC Earbuds weighs 19 grams, slightly heavier than WF-1000XM3 at 17 grams. The charging case weighs 76 grams, which is exactly the same weight as WF-1000MX3’s charging case. The form factors, however, are quite different. The charging case of WF-1000XM3 has slim design and magnetic cover. Charging case of QC Earbuds looks a bit bulky with mechanical button to open the lid. There are 5 LED indicators on the case, showing the remaining battery power, but it won’t turn on unless we open the case. Both charging cases use USB-C port to charge, but QC Earbud’s charging case is compatible with wireless Qi chargers.

There is no button on both earbuds. Double tapping the right earbud will play or pause the music. Swipe up and down to adjust the volume. Touch and hold the left earbud to use shortcut: hear battery level, or skip forward, or skip back, or control Spotify, configurable in Bose Music app. From the same app, users can also configure audio equalizer (adjusting bass, mid and treble) as well as defining sound modes. By default, the earphones have Quiet mode and Aware mode. Quiet mode is as the name suggest, full active noise cancellation (level 10). Aware mode has low level of active noise cancellation and has an option of ActiveSense. If activated, Bose will automatically adjust the noise cancellation level when the environment get too loud. Additional modes can be created (Commute, Focus, Home, Music, Outdoor, Relax, Run, Walk, Work, Workout) and for each of those modes we can select the level of noise cancellation from 0 (no noise cancellation) to 10 (maximum). Double tapping the left earbud will cycle through the modes that have been defined in the app.

If Auto Transparency setting is set on from the app, noise cancellation will be set to level 0 when we only wear 1 earbud. Auto Answer Call setting can be turned on to automatically answer incoming phone call when inserting right earbud. Auto Play/Pause will play and pause the music when we insert and remove our earbuds. These small things make everyday use more enjoyable.

Really love these earbuds. They sound amazing and very comfortable to wear for long hours. Within few weeks of use, they quickly become my go-to earphones for most everyday occasions.