Compare Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Preset EQ quality is mostly positive, especially Direct, Dynamic, and Treble+ modes, though SuperBass+ is too heavy for one reviewer.

Preset EQ profiles are poorly regarded because they are basic and do not adequately fix the tuning complaints.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with many reviewers praising the eight-band control and meaningful tuning options.

EQ customization is the clearest software weakness: many reviewers criticize the basic three-band EQ as too limited for premium earbuds.

aptX support is a weakness because one reviewer specifically wished Qualcomm aptX codecs were included.

aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound support is viewed as a useful premium codec feature for compatible devices.

Ear tip options are considered useful and generous, especially for finding the right fit across ear sizes.

Ear tip and wing options help fit, but the running-focused review wanted more than three sizes at this price.

Included accessories draw criticism where reviewed because foam tips are missing despite multiple silicone tip sizes.

Included fit accessories are appreciated when they help tailor the fit, though other reviews still wanted more size options.

Sound leakage is a weakness in the one scored review, which says loud music can be heard in a quiet room.

Sound leakage is rated positively in the one direct test, with the reviewer reporting little outside noise bleed.

Frequency response impressions are mixed: one review calls it strange, while others praise accuracy, balance, and low distortion.

Measurement-focused reviews say the frequency response is heavily shaped, with overemphasized bass and treble and recessed mids.

Control remapping is praised as unusually flexible and useful across the app and earbuds.

For running, one reviewer would prefer physical button controls because touch gestures are harder to use precisely during workouts.

Battery life is consistently a strength, with reviewers praising long ANC runtime and major improvement over the AZ80.

Battery life is consistently described as adequate or average rather than class-leading, usually around six hours with ANC and less with immersive audio.

Portability is strong because the case is repeatedly described as pocketable, small, and easy to carry.

Portability is mixed because the earbuds and case are pocketable, but the case is often called large or hard to carry while running.

Setup and software simplicity are mostly positive, but the lack of a physical pairing button adds friction for one reviewer.

Setup simplicity is imperfect because one reviewer reported trouble with CustomTune when connecting another device during playback.

Midrange and vocals are generally described as clear, detailed, warm, and more forward than the previous model.

Midrange clarity is usually praised for warm vocals or crisp presentation, but measurement-focused reviewers complain that boosted lows and highs recess the mids.

The app is mostly praised for useful controls, customization, stability, and EQ access, despite some complaints about layout.

The Bose app is useful and sometimes clean, offering modes, controls, sources, EQ, and fit tools, but reviewers also found it mandatory, occasionally daunting, and not especially customizable.

Bluetooth reliability is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting stable connections and no meaningful dropouts.

Bluetooth reliability is mostly positive, with several reviewers reporting no dropouts, though one reviewer wished Bose had moved beyond Bluetooth 5.3.

Stability is mixed: several reviewers found the fit secure, while others would not trust it for vigorous movement.

Stability is mostly excellent, especially for running and workouts, but one reviewer still disliked the running feel and movement.

Value is mixed-to-positive: reviewers like the premium feature set and sound, but several note the high price and strong competition.

Value depends heavily on priorities: reviewers see the premium price as justified for ANC and sound, but weak for Gen 1 owners or bargain-focused buyers.

Multipoint is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising reliable switching and three-device connectivity.

Multipoint is a welcome and often seamless upgrade, though one reviewer noted setup/custom tune trouble when audio was already playing.

Video sync is mostly strong, with two reviewers reporting zero or no visible lag, while one notes a slight delay with some codecs.

Audio-video sync is praised for video editing, but gaming latency is criticized for quick-reaction games, making latency performance mixed by use case.

Bass is widely praised for depth, control, punch, and low distortion, with only one review criticizing the default balance as too boomy.

Bass is generally rich, punchy, and deep, but some reviewers think Bose overboosts the low end or gives it too much emphasis for neutral listening.

ANC is broadly strong and often near flagship level, though several reviewers say it still falls short of the very best Bose-style silence.

Reviewers strongly agree that ANC is the standout feature: it removes airplane, subway, traffic, keyboard, cafe, and other ambient noise better than most or all earbuds they tested, with only minor caveats about hiss or sudden spikes.

Case quality is mixed: it is compact and pocketable, but multiple reviewers criticize weak magnets, rattle, scratches, or bland styling.

The case is functional and now charges wirelessly, but reviewers repeatedly describe it as bulky, clunky, or less premium than the earbuds.

Water and sweat resistance is adequate for workouts or rain, but one reviewer cautions against heavier rain exposure.

Water and sweat resistance is considered sufficient for workouts and light rain, though not fully waterproof.

Android compatibility is praised for LDAC, fast pairing, and strong ANC value with Android phones.

Android users are treated as a strong audience because the earbuds support advanced options and Snapdragon-related features, though some phone compatibility limits remain.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised for staying clean and distortion-free even at high levels.

Maximum-volume clarity is strong in the running review, which heard clarity and no distortion even when volume was raised.

Multi-platform compatibility is praised because the app and customization work across iOS and Android.

Cross-platform use is positive, with reviewers recommending Bose for both Android and iPhone users and reporting smooth use on both platforms.

Instrument separation is a standout strength, with reviewers hearing layers, voices, and complex arrangements as distinct and clearly placed.

Instrument separation is widely praised, with reviewers hearing open mixes, distinct sections, and easy-to-pick-out track elements.

Charging is viewed positively where evaluated, especially wireless charging and case convenience.

Charging is a notable upgrade thanks to wireless charging and case improvements, although one running-focused review found quick charging slower than ideal.

Weight comfort is praised because the earbuds feel better distributed, light, and easier to forget during use.

Weight comfort is positive despite the buds being chunky or slightly heavier; reviewers said the weight was not annoying and still felt fine.

Touch controls are generally responsive and customizable, though sensitivity and personal preference create some mixed reactions.

Touch controls split reviewers: some find them responsive, intuitive, and complete, while others call them fussy or hard to use precisely during runs.

Treble is usually considered clear, airy, detailed, and non-harsh, though one review says the default tuning lacks high-end content.

Treble is often described as clear, sparkly, or balanced, but measurement-focused reviews say it can be overemphasized or occasionally hard to fix with EQ.

Design and aesthetics are generally praised as premium, sleek, compact, or classy, though a few reviewers find the look plain.

Design impressions are mixed-positive: some like the sleek, subtle, creative look, while others note the chunky or busy shape may divide people.

Volume output is praised as top-tier and very loud in the reviews that discuss it.

Volume output is strong in the one direct measurement-style review, which says Bose makes loud earbuds.

Build quality is praised as premium, tactile, mature, and a substantial step forward.

Build quality is described as premium for the earbuds themselves, even when the case does not always feel equally high-end.

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the AZ100's sound as clear, detailed, musical, and high-end, though one review found the stock tuning odd.

Sound quality is broadly strong, with rich, detailed, bass-forward playback praised by most reviewers, though a few disliked the stock tuning.

Codec support is praised for LDAC/LC3 breadth, but the absence of aptX is called a mild limitation.

Codec support is praised as premium because the earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs.

Eartip fit is generally good with the right size, but some reviewers report looseness, bulk, or falling out.

Fit is generally secure and seal-friendly, helped by the ovoid nozzle, ear tips, and stability bands, though individual ear shape still matters.

Spatial audio is mixed: reviewers appreciate Dolby/head-tracking support, but several find it merely decent, distracting, or less clear than stereo.

Spatial audio is divisive: some reviewers find it natural, cool, or useful, while others prefer standard stereo or dislike the processing.

Transparency mode is mixed: some find it natural or useful, while others hear hiss, over-processing, or weaker situational awareness.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, especially Aware/ActiveSense, but several reviewers still prefer Apple or note wind, hiss, or manual-adjustment limits.

Passive isolation is viewed positively when the tips seal well, with reviewers noting isolation even before ANC is active.

Passive isolation benefits from a tight seal and secure nozzle shape, with reviewers noting strong sealing and little noise bleed.

Soundstage width receives strong praise, with reviewers describing the presentation as spacious, broad, expansive, and room-like.

Soundstage width is praised for an open, wide, detailed presentation that helps mixes feel bigger than typical earbuds.

Call quality is mixed, ranging from serviceable or excellent in some reviews to choppy, robotic, or poor in others.

Call microphone quality is mixed: some reviewers call it exceptional or much improved, while others say it is merely fine or still affected by noise.

Microphone noise reduction is polarized: several reviewers praise wind and background suppression, while one reports failed clarity and cutouts.

Microphone noise reduction ranges from excellent SpeechClarity performance to weaker lab samples, but the overall reviewer consensus is improved and often strong.

Comfort trends positive thanks to smaller, lighter ergonomics, but fit fatigue and bulk remain concerns for some ears.

Comfort is a major strength for many reviewers over long sessions, flights, runs, and daily use, though very small ears may struggle.

Soundstage depth is usually strong, with reviewers praising depth, immersion, and layering, though one long-term reviewer wanted more depth.

Soundstage depth is praised in orchestral and spacious listening comments, though evidence is less extensive than for overall sound quality.

Voice assistant integration is limited in coverage but works reliably where tested or described.

Voice assistant integration gets limited but positive evidence, with reviewers saying Google Assistant or assistant shortcuts worked without hassle.

Auracast support is a concern in one scored review because the reviewer criticizes its absence.

Hi-res playback is praised in the one scored review, where LDAC/FLAC listening brought more detail, solidity, and space.

The included cable drew a minor complaint because PCMag wanted a longer USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Several runners or active users noticed footstep thud or earbud movement noise, especially during runs or with sweaty ears.

Find My support is useful for peace of mind, though one reviewer is disappointed by the location behavior.

Integrated microphones are praised in stronger call-focused reviews for clear voice pickup and background rejection.

Independent left/right earbud use is praised as convenient and useful when scored.

LDAC is received positively for higher-quality playback and better sound from compatible Android or hi-res sources.

Lossless support through aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound is treated as a useful premium feature for compatible devices.

Sensor behavior is a weak spot in the few comments available, with reviewers criticizing early CustomTune firing and suggesting in-ear detection be disabled.