Compare Poly Voyager Free 20 Earbuds vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

ANC was one of the strongest consensus points, repeatedly described as effective against office, commute, fan, and low-frequency noise.

Reviewers consistently describe the ANC as the standout strength, with plane, subway, city, cafe, keyboard, and gym noise reduced unusually well.

The only direct evidence says the earbuds skip automatic language translation features found on some rival buds.

Android compatibility was supported by app availability and Android, Pixel, or Samsung testing.

Android support is strong in the evidence, especially for Snapdragon/aptX features, while multiple reviews also tested or recommended the earbuds across Android and iOS.

The Poly Lens app is important and feature-rich on mobile, but desktop functionality and firmware workflows drew criticism.

The Bose app is central to the experience, exposing modes, EQ, battery information, shortcuts, fit tools, device management, and touch-control options.

aptX support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

aptX support is repeatedly confirmed, including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless where compatible devices are available.

One reviewer praised video editing sync, while another said gaming latency was not great for fast reaction games.

Bass was divisive: some reviewers heard strong or punchy low end, while others found it timid or lacking energy.

Bass is a major strength for many reviewers, often described as deep, punchy, rich, or vibrant, though some found it overemphasized.

Battery life was broadly praised, commonly around 8 hours with ANC and longer with ANC off or the case.

Battery life is viewed as adequate but not class-leading, with repeated mentions of about six hours with ANC and shorter life using immersive audio.

Bluetooth support was strong overall, with Bluetooth 5.4, stable pairing, and good range mentioned despite setup quirks.

Bluetooth 5.3 and stable pairing are well supported, with most reviewers reporting reliable connectivity and easy device pairing.

Build quality was mixed: earbuds were described as solid or well built, while the case and hinges felt fragile.

Build quality is generally treated as premium for the buds themselves, though the case receives more mixed treatment.

Control usability was mixed: push buttons prevent accidental touches but often push the buds into the ear and require pressure.

The included cable drew criticism for being very short.

One review criticized the included cable for being short and USB-A-to-USB-C rather than a longer USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Case quality was split: reviewers liked magnets, size, and style, but several criticized plastic feel, loose hinges, and fingerprints.

Case impressions are mixed: wireless charging is welcomed, but several reviewers call the case bulky, plain, or less premium than the buds.

Charging was strong, with repeated fast-charge mentions plus USB-C and wireless charging positives.

Charging is a clear Gen 2 upgrade thanks to wireless charging, USB-C support, Qi charging, and usable quick-charge behavior.

Codec support was a weak point because HP did not specify supported codecs in one review.

Codec support is strong for premium earbuds, with reviewers listing SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and in some cases aptX Lossless.

Comfort was mostly strong, with multiple reviewers reporting long wear or low fatigue, although one had soreness after a couple of hours.

Comfort is broadly positive for long listening, travel, and running, though the large fit can bother small ears or cause heat over time.

The design was generally liked for its sleek, professional, black-and-gold or lightweight look.

Design reactions are mixed but mostly favorable: reviewers like the clean or creative look, while noting the buds and case are chunky.

Dongle support is absent, and reviewers called out the missing USB dongle compared with more work-focused alternatives.

Fit was a recurring strength, aided by fit tests and tip choices, though fit still depended on ear size.

Fit evidence is strong when the right tips and stability bands are used, with reviewers emphasizing seal, comfort, and secure placement.

Ear tip options were strong because multiple reviews confirmed four sizes or multiple tips.

The included ear tip and wing options are repeatedly praised, with several reviews noting three sizes and fit-test support.

EQ customization was a repeated weakness, with reviewers wanting more than limited presets or a custom curve.

EQ customization is the clearest software weakness: reviewers repeatedly criticize the three-band EQ as too basic for a premium earbud.

Find My-style location support appears in Poly Lens, but evidence is limited to last-known or location features.

Frequency-response evidence is mixed, with several reviewers praising balance while lab-focused reviewers criticized boosted bass and treble with recessed mids.

Hinge durability was a concern because reviewers found loose hinges on the charging case.

Included accessories were solid, with ear tips, charging case, and USB-C cable included.

Included accessories are useful for fit and charging, with reviewers noting extra ear tips, stability bands, and the bundled USB cable.

One review praised the earbuds for balancing different sounds, supporting strong instrument separation.

Instrument separation is a consistent strength, with reviewers hearing nuanced details and distinct elements in dense tracks.

Integrated microphones are a core feature, with repeated references to three mics per bud or six noise-canceling microphones.

The integrated microphones are treated as capable, especially in reviews praising Bose SpeechClarity and improved call pickup.

LDAC support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

Lossless support is tied to aptX Lossless or lossless codec mentions, with compatibility depending on the source device.

Maximum-volume clarity was limited by peaking and high-frequency distortion in one review.

Maximum-volume clarity is supported by running-focused evidence that tracks stayed clear without distortion at high volume.

Noise reduction for calls was praised for reducing background noise and helping voices stay clear.

Microphone noise reduction is one of the most improved areas, though lab-style tests still found wind or nearby noise could get through.

Call quality was consistently positive, with reviewers hearing clear, understandable voice pickup.

Call quality ranges from merely decent to excellent, with most later evidence crediting Bose SpeechClarity for clearer voices.

Midrange clarity was generally a strength, with repeated comments about clear vocals and mids suited to calls and podcasts.

Midrange clarity is usually praised for vocals and naturalness, but some lab-focused evidence says recessed mids can make voices sound off.

Multi-platform compatibility was strong across phones, laptops, Windows, iPhone, MacBook, Android, and general Bluetooth use.

Cross-platform use is well supported, with reviewers using or recommending the earbuds across Android, iOS, iPad, Mac, and Galaxy devices.

Multipoint was a major work-use strength across phone and laptop pairings, though one reviewer noted switching delays.

Multipoint is a meaningful improvement and is generally reliable, though one review noted setup and CustomTune friction when connecting new devices.

Passive isolation was decent to strong because the sealed tips fully plugged the ears before ANC was considered.

Passive isolation depends on fit and seal, but reviewers repeatedly connect the ear tips, stability bands, and nozzle shape to strong isolation.

Portability was helped by a slim case that fits in a pocket.

Portability is mixed: the earbuds are everyday-friendly, but the case is often described as pocketable yet bulky or difficult for runs.

Preset EQ options were limited to Bass, Flat, and Bright and were often described as underwhelming or too similar.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers saying the presets do not fix tuning issues enough.

Sensors were useful for wear detection, call answering, and media pause/resume behavior.

Sensor-related evidence mainly concerns in-ear detection and fit-test behavior, which exist but can sometimes complicate setup or playback.

Sidetone adjustment scored poorly because one reviewer said the Free 20 lacked the ability.

Sidetone/self-voice support is present in the app, though the evidence only lightly covers its adjustment quality.

Smudge resistance was poor, with multiple reviewers calling out fingerprints and scratches.

Setup and software simplicity were mixed: basic setup could be straightforward, but firmware and desktop support created friction.

Software and setup are functional but not frictionless, because some reviews call the app mandatory or note device and CustomTune management quirks.

One review referenced a fit test for audio leakage, suggesting leakage control depends on getting a proper seal.

Sound leakage evidence is limited but positive, with one reviewer specifically saying there was not much noise bleed.

Most reviewers described sound as good to excellent, especially for calls, vocals, and everyday music, though one found music compressed and shallow.

Sound quality receives broad praise as rich, detailed, powerful, and among the best, with some caveats about tuning and EQ limits.

Soundstage depth was mixed, with one review finding it unexciting and another finding it immersive.

Depth is supported through immersive/spatial comments and descriptions of full-bodied, spacious, or deep presentation.

Soundstage impressions were mixed, ranging from solid but unexciting to spacious and immersive.

Width is a recurring strength, with reviewers describing wide soundstage, roomy tracks, and wide stereo guitars.

Spatial audio scored low because one review explicitly said it is lacking.

Spatial audio is useful and often enjoyable, especially for immersion, but several reviewers treat it as optional and battery-draining.

Stability was good, with reviewers noting no slipping, secure fit, and fit-test support.

Stability is a strong point thanks to secure fit and wing/stability bands, including evidence from workouts, running, and daily use.

Touch controls scored poorly because one review stated the earbuds have no touch controls.

Touch controls are responsive and feature-rich, but opinions are split because they can be sensitive or hard to use during adjustment and running.

Transparency mode was useful in some reviews but less consistent, with complaints about switching friction or weak amplification.

Transparency mode is generally good and natural, with ActiveSense smoothing loud spikes, but Apple is repeatedly said to remain better.

Treble came through clearly in some reviews, but one reviewer heard high-frequency distortion at maximum volume.

Treble is often described as clear, sparkly, and detailed, though some reviews found it too boosted or hard to correct with EQ.

USB-C is well supported for the case and charging cable.

USB-C support is consistently present for case charging, though wireless charging gets more attention as the new upgrade.

Value was strongest when discounted or judged against sound and ANC performance, but one review felt $150 was pricey.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the performance package but repeatedly note the premium price and limited upgrade case over Gen 1.

Voice assistant support is present through controls, though evidence focused on activation rather than deeper integration.

Voice assistant support appears through customizable shortcuts and Google Assistant access.

Volume output was treated as a strength in hands-on use, though evidence was limited.

Volume output is strong in the evidence, including a measured loudness figure and comments about power during workouts.

Water and dust resistance was a positive feature across reviews, though one reviewer warned against running water.

Water and sweat resistance is adequate rather than rugged, with IPX4 repeatedly described as enough for workouts, sweat, and light rain.

The earbuds’ low weight was repeatedly tied to easy long-session comfort.

Weight comfort is mostly acceptable despite the buds being large or slightly heavier, with reviewers still reporting stable comfort.