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

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

One review criticized the lack of built-in voice-assistant control, making this a weak point for hands-free assistant use.

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

One reviewer said the Clear Vocal preset effectively fixed a vocal-detail issue, supporting a strong score for preset EQ usefulness.

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

EQ customization was one of the strongest software features, with reviewers praising the ability to tune sound and create more personalized profiles.

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

One review described initial setup as simple and fast, supporting a strong software/setup score.

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

One review praised the four tip sizes as giving plenty of range to find a comfortable fit.

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

Battery life was the clearest consensus strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it epic, insane, best-in-class, or unusually long.

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

Reviewers described the overall tuning as balanced or safe, with the frequency range generally represented without harshness.

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

Microphone noise reduction was a repeated weakness, with reviewers noting struggles against noise, exterior sounds, or wind.

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.

ANC performance was the most divided feature: some reviewers found it strong or effective, while several called it average, mediocre, or disappointing versus leaders.

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

Case quality was generally positive for sturdiness, magnets, finish, or design, although size hurt portability rather than perceived construction.

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

Sensors were a clear weakness where reviewers wanted wear detection and criticized its absence.

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

Low-latency performance and video sync were a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly reporting little to no perceptible delay.

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

Design impressions were mixed to negative: some liked the subdued look, but many called the buds or case bulky, plain, or not especially attractive.

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

One reviewer noted that dynamics could feel slightly compressed at louder volumes, making maximum-volume clarity good but not perfect.

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.

The Connect app was broadly praised as thorough, useful, and feature-rich, with repeated appreciation for customization, updates, and extra controls.

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.

Value was generally positive because of battery life, sound, and features for the price, though one reviewer argued $150 was too high.

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

Android pairing was praised through Google Fast Pair and straightforward setup on Android devices.

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

Reviewers who commented on volume found adequate headroom and loud output, without major volume complaints.

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

Soundstage depth was praised by Expert Reviews but underwhelmed one YouTube reviewer who expected more depth from the large housings.

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

Portability was a recurring weakness because the case was often described as bulky, clunky, hard to pocket, or inconvenient, despite battery-life tradeoffs.

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

Spatial audio opinions were divided, ranging from disappointment or superfluousness to strong immersion and impressive 360 Reality Audio effects.

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

Comfort was mostly positive despite the bulky housings, with several reviewers wearing them for long periods, though one TW2 review found the design less comfortable.

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

Soundstage width drew strong praise from some reviewers for wraparound or convincing staging, while one reviewer expected more width from the large earbuds.

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

Multipoint was consistently valued for switching between phone, laptop, computer, or other devices, with reviewers describing it as useful, seamless, or reliable.

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

Instrument separation was praised when reviewers heard transient details and individual elements clearly, but one reviewer found separation below audiophile rivals.

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

Fit was generally secure and comfortable for some reviewers, but fit concerns remained for smaller ears or wind-noise isolation.

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

Passive isolation was usually strong when the seal fit well, though one review noted fit-related wind-noise leakage.

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

Button usability split reviewers sharply: some preferred responsive physical buttons, while others found them fiddly, hard to locate, or awkward to press.

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

Transparency/hear-through mode was useful for awareness and conversation, but reviewers disagreed on quality, ranging from invaluable to merely okay.

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

Build quality was mostly viewed positively, with reviewers praising sturdy construction or non-cheap materials, though one reviewer criticized the build as not amazing.

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

Reviewers found phone-and-laptop use helpful, with multipoint and cross-device switching making the earbuds practical across platforms.

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

aptX support was treated as a positive for higher-quality or potentially better fidelity, especially for compatible devices.

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

One review specifically described the earbuds as light and relatively inconspicuous, supporting a positive weight-comfort impression.

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.

Bass was a major strength for most reviewers, described as deep, warm, thumpy, or great, but a few noted it could obscure mids or lacked flagship-level cleanliness.

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

Midrange clarity was mixed: some reviewers heard clear vocals and lead instruments, while others said vocals or lower mids were pushed back by the bass-forward tuning.

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

Reviewers mostly found the earbuds enjoyable and capable, with repeated praise for warm, detailed, or impressive sound, though one reviewer found the sound merely okay.

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

Charging was mixed: fast charging drew strong praise, but multiple reviewers criticized the lack of wireless charging on the original model.

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.

Treble generally stayed clear and non-harsh, but several reviewers said highs lacked some sharpness, space, or detail compared with stronger competitors.

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

Stability ranged from excellent in workout/head-shake testing to less reassuring on the bulkier TW2 design.

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

Bluetooth performance was generally stable and reliable, with strong connection praise, though one reviewer reported random signal drops in some multipoint use.

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.

Call quality was usually acceptable to good in quiet conditions, with some strong praise, but several reviewers found it only average outside controlled environments.

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

Reviewers who evaluated the built-in microphones found them useful or strong for calls in favorable conditions, though noise handling could struggle outdoors or in busy spaces.

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

Water and sweat resistance was treated as useful for workouts, outdoor use, and peace of mind, though not as full waterproofing.

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

Codec support was praised as a strong spec highlight, especially around Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive.

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.

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

The snap-together magnetic bud design on the TW2 was strongly praised for reducing loss and battery drain outside the case.

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

Sidetone was treated as useful for calls, helping users monitor their own voice or making the earbuds more office-friendly.

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

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