Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds

Noise cancelling is repeatedly described as class-leading, with especially strong suppression of engine rumble and broad-spectrum everyday noise; a few reviews note minor hiss or occasional artifacts with sudden loud impacts, but overall performance remains top tier. Adjustability is strong via app modes and sliders, including custom levels and adaptive behavior (such as smoothing spikes), though some mode limitations and UI quirks are mentioned.

ANC is consistently present and useful, but reviewer opinion ranges from very effective to average or clearly behind stronger noise-canceling rivals.

Android support is repeatedly framed as a strong use case, with modern Bluetooth features and higher-quality codec options that cater well to Android ecosystems.

Android support is backed by Google Fast Pair, Android/Google device pairing, and aptX-related benefits for compatible Android phones.

The Bose app is generally seen as essential and functional for modes, device management, and settings, though some workflows (like mode creation) can feel limited or slightly confusing.

The Audio-Technica app is a major strength, repeatedly praised for controls, codec options, battery information, firmware support, EQ, and listening modes.

aptX Adaptive (including higher-quality variants cited by reviewers) is a key advantage versus some rivals for Android listeners who want better Bluetooth audio performance when supported by their phone.

aptX support is repeatedly confirmed, including aptX Adaptive in several reviews and standard aptX on compatible devices.

Audio/video sync is usually fine for casual viewing and even editing for some users, but multiple comments suggest latency is not ideal for competitive gaming or fast-reaction play.

Low-latency and video sync performance is consistently strong, with reviewers reporting no perceptible delay or only a tiny delay.

Bass is consistently described as deep, punchy, and satisfying; some listeners consider it aggressive or dominant, especially out of the box.

Bass is one of the most supported strengths, described as deep, warm, impactful, and well suited to bass-forward listening, though not every reviewer found it exceptional.

Battery life is consistently called average for the category: typically around 6 hours with ANC, dropping with immersive/spatial modes, and supported by multiple case recharges.

Battery life receives the strongest agreement, with nearly every review emphasizing unusually long playback and case endurance.

Bluetooth stability is generally reported as solid across iOS and Android devices, with few or no dropouts in typical use, though some reviewers mention earlier-gen complaints and suggest toggling certain features if problems appear.

Bluetooth support is generally strong through Bluetooth 5.2 and stable connection reports, though one reviewer experienced occasional signal drops.

Earbud build quality is generally considered premium, with durability expectations aligned to the price; the case gets more mixed feedback on feel and refinement.

Build quality is mostly positive, with sturdy earbuds and cases noted, though at least one reviewer criticized overall build confidence.

Controls are easy to learn and include useful gestures (notably swipe volume), yet multiple reviews mention finickiness and accidental activations; the ability to disable touch controls is an important mitigation.

Physical buttons divide reviewers: some prefer their tactility and reliability, while others find them fiddly, awkward, or disruptive to fit.

The case is frequently described as bulky and less premium-feeling than the earbuds themselves; some reviewers also note the buds can be awkward to retrieve.

The case is sturdy or sleek in some accounts but repeatedly criticized as large, bulky, or inconvenient for pockets.

Charging is a Gen 2 strong point thanks to wireless charging support, plus fast top-ups via the case; a few notes suggest wireless coil placement can be finicky on some pads.

Charging is helped by USB-C and quick-charge performance, but several reviews mark the lack of wireless charging as a drawback.

Codec support is a highlight for many reviewers, especially for Android users, with modern high-quality options noted alongside broad device compatibility.

Codec support is broad for the category, with SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive mentioned across reviews.

Comfort is widely praised for long sessions, especially once tips and stability bands are dialed in; a consistent caveat is that the shell size may not suit the smallest ears.

Comfort is generally better than the size suggests, but bulk and unbalanced weight make long wear more context-dependent.

Design is polarizing: many like the sleek, modern look, but the buds are visually and physically large, which can be a problem for smaller ears.

Design earns mixed marks because reviewers like some clean or sturdy elements but often call the buds and case large, plain, or bulky.

Fit is often secure and comfortable with the right tips, though some reviewers warn that larger ears or wind isolation issues can matter.

Tip and wing options are helpful for achieving a strong seal, but multiple reviews note the included range is adequate rather than expansive given the premium price.

Ear tip size coverage is solid, with multiple sizes included to help users find a seal.

EQ customization is a frequent criticism: it is typically described as a basic 3-band tool with limited precision, which may frustrate listeners trying to meaningfully reshape the tuning.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with reviewers highlighting five-band adjustment, custom presets, and meaningful tuning control.

Find My-style support is limited but present through the app’s ability to locate the earbuds.

Frequency balance is praised in the clearest review evidence, with the full range represented without obvious overstatement.

Accessories commonly include multiple tip sizes and stability bands plus a charging cable; a few reviewers wish for extras like more sizes or a longer cable.

Included accessories are basic but useful, especially extra silicone ear tips and charging cable references.

Instrument separation is repeatedly rated as strong, helping busy tracks stay organized and making details easier to pick out.

Instrument separation and detail placement are mostly strong, though one reviewer expected more from the large housings.

The earbuds include built-in or dual microphones, supporting calls and app-enabled voice features.

Left/right flexibility is a notable strength, with independent single-bud use and TW2 magnetic snap-together behavior documented.

At higher volumes, clarity generally holds up well according to multiple impressions, though overall tonal preference still depends on how you feel about the bass-forward tuning.

Maximum-volume clarity is mixed: one review notes slight compression at louder volumes, while another praises detailed treble at high volume.

Noise reduction for calls is frequently praised (including AI-style voice isolation), yet a minority of measurements-based reviews report that wind and background sound can still bleed through depending on scenario.

Microphone noise handling is the weak side of call performance, working better in quiet settings than in wind, music, or busy streets.

Call quality is widely reported as improved versus earlier generations, often sounding clear and intelligible; however, some tests still find it can struggle in very windy or extremely noisy environments.

Call quality is generally usable to good, with several positive comments, but some reviewers rate it merely adequate or average.

Midrange presentation is generally clear enough for vocals and instruments, but opinions vary: some hear warmth and natural tone while others cite recessed or uneven mids that can affect certain voices.

Midrange clarity is mixed because vocals and mids can be clean and natural but are sometimes recessed by the bass-forward tuning.

Cross-platform use is broadly positive across phones, tablets, and computers; iOS works well, though several reviewers still note Apple ecosystem extras remain a separate advantage for AirPods users.

Multi-platform use is supported by evidence of quick switching and pairing across a phone and tablet.

Multipoint is a meaningful quality-of-life feature and is mostly described as seamless for switching between two devices, with occasional notes that pausing one stream before starting another helps.

Multipoint connectivity is repeatedly confirmed and generally described as useful for switching between computers, phones, tablets, or calls.

No summary yet.

Passive isolation is strong when the seal works, aided by the earbud housing and silicone tips.

Portability is mixed: the case is pocketable but noticeably larger than key competitors, and runners often find it inconvenient to carry during workouts.

Portability is a recurring weakness because the case is often described as too large, bulky, or hard to pocket.

Preset EQ profiles are described as basic and not always effective at fixing core tuning preferences, especially for listeners sensitive to boosted bass or treble.

Preset EQ quality is supported by the Clear Vocal preset fixing a vocal detail issue in one review.

In-ear detection and related sensors are supported and configurable; at least one review suggests turning detection off if it contributes to unwanted playback behavior or stutters in edge cases.

Sensors score poorly because multiple reviews mention missing wear detection or desired auto-pause behavior.

Sidetone is a useful call feature, helping wearers hear their own voice naturally during calls.

Setup is usually straightforward, but several reviews emphasize the app is effectively mandatory for fully managing features like multipoint, modes, shortcuts, and certain tuning behaviors.

Setup is generally simple through automatic power-on, fast pairing, Google Fast Pair, and quick reconnection.

Overall sound is widely praised as rich, engaging, and detailed, though it is not tuned for strict neutrality; a few reviewers find the stock profile too boosted at the extremes and harder to correct due to limited EQ.

Overall sound quality is widely liked for warm, satisfying, bass-friendly performance, though a few reviewers stop short of flagship praise.

Soundstage depth is mostly respectable, but the image can feel close or less expansive than some reviewers hoped.

Soundstage is commonly described as roomy and spacious for earbuds, with immersive modes able to expand the sense of space further (sometimes with tonal side effects).

Soundstage width is often praised as wraparound, broad, or convincing, despite one reviewer wanting more width.

Spatial/immersive audio features are robust and can sound more natural than many implementations, but not everyone prefers the processing, and it typically reduces battery life.

Spatial audio is split: some reviewers found 360 Reality Audio immersive, while one found the 3D effect disappointing and others note service limits.

Fit security is a major strength thanks to stability bands/wings, with several reviews calling them suitable for workouts and even running, though some users mention footstep thud in ANC mode.

Stability is generally good for workouts and head movement, though one TW2 review finds the bulky fit unsteady.

Touch responsiveness is generally strong and often praised for quick gesture recognition, but sensitivity can lead to accidental triggers during fit adjustments or certain activities.

Transparency/Aware mode is generally clear and natural, with useful loud-spike handling in some implementations, but several reviewers still place it behind the very best competitors and note occasional hiss or wind sensitivity.

Hear-through mode is useful and often decent, but reviewer praise is less consistent than for battery or EQ.

Treble is often described as crisp and detailed without obvious harshness for many, though some reviews report boosted regions that can fatigue sensitive listeners and note limited EQ control to tame it.

Treble is usually clear and present, but some reviews find it subdued, less sharp, or deliberately softened.

USB-C charging is standard and widely appreciated, with fast-charge behavior commonly referenced for quick listening time boosts.

USB-C charging is repeatedly documented and functions as the main wired charging method.

Value is mostly favorable because battery, features, and sound compete well around the price, though one reviewer strongly prefers a lower sale price.

Voice assistant support is present via shortcut customization, with practical use reported (including Google Assistant), though it is not typically positioned as a headline differentiator.

Voice assistant support is basic and mixed, with device-assistant access noted but no built-in voice-assistant control.

Volume output is frequently described as loud and satisfying, with enough headroom for travel and commuting environments.

Volume control is flexible through app step options and the earbuds can get loud.

An IPX4 rating is repeatedly cited as sufficient for sweat and light rain, appropriate for workouts but not for full submersion scenarios.

Water and sweat resistance is consistently supported, with IPX4 for the original model and IP55 noted for the TW2.

Weight comfort is mixed because the buds are heavier or unbalanced for some but still wearable for others.