Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4

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 available, but reviewers consistently treat it as limited by the open-fit design; one comparison piece expects improvement over Buds 3, while hands-on reviews still call it modest or not serious noise blocking.

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 strong for everyday use, especially on Galaxy phones, and non-Samsung Android users can still use the Wearables app, though some Galaxy-only features remain locked down.

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 app and settings experience is broad on Samsung and Android, with Wearables support for non-Samsung Android phones and Galaxy settings integration for Samsung users.

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.

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.

Auracast is explicitly included among the shared features across the Buds 4 lineup.

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

Bass earns positive notes across reviews, ranging from punchy and crunchy to loud, wide, fuller and more refined.

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 is serviceable rather than standout, with reviewers citing 6 hours without ANC, 5 hours with ANC and 30 hours via the case.

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 a strength because the Buds 4 include Bluetooth 6.1, which reviewers connect to range, stability and future-proofing.

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 impressions are positive: reviewers describe a premium feel, refined stems and a cleaner physical design.

Hi-res playback is a Galaxy-centered strength, with UHQ and 24-bit Hi-Fi audio noted when paired with compatible devices.

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.

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 viewed positively for its translucent lid, updated flat-bud layout and physical pairing button.

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 evidence centers on the case reserve, with reviews citing up to 30 hours of total listening time through the charging case.

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

Codec and high-quality audio support is represented by UHQ and 24-bit Hi-Fi playback on compatible Galaxy devices, not by aptX or LDAC.

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 a clear strength in the Tom's Guide review, including for small ears.

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 feedback is broadly positive, describing the Buds 4 as polished, premium and more refined, even while acknowledging the AirPods-like stem style.

Fit evidence is mixed to weak: the open design can require adjustments and lacks a seal, though one review still found the earbuds comfortable.

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 options are effectively absent because the Buds 4 use an open-fit, no-silicone-tip design.

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 strong, with access to a 9-band equalizer in the app/settings experience.

Head gestures are a supported modern control feature, with reviewers noting nods or shakes for calls, Bixby prompts and notifications.

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.

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

Instrument separation is supported by a detailed listening note about synth effects layered between bassline and percussion.

The mic hardware is described as upgraded, with multiple microphones and voice pickup units.

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.

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 reduction is a strength, with reviewers saying background roar, white noise and wind/background noise are reduced or blocked.

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 good and intelligible, though one review says the voice can sound muffled and another notes processing in noisy places.

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 praised through adequate mids, clean vocals and strong mids/treble performance.

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 compatibility is limited: basics work outside Galaxy, but advanced features and seamless switching are restricted by ecosystem.

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 is context-dependent, working best in the Galaxy ecosystem and improving in Samsung contexts while remaining limited for non-ecosystem devices.

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Passive isolation is weak because the open-fit, no-seal design lets external noise seep in.

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

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 support is good, with six presets including speech and instrumental options.

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.

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 simplest on Galaxy devices through Bluetooth/settings integration and remains available through Wearables on non-Samsung Android.

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.

Sound quality is the product's strongest theme, with reviewers calling it richer, cleaner, clear, balanced and better than expected.

Soundstage depth is supported by listening impressions of deeper low-end and expansive playback.

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 supported by the UHQ soundscape and wide bass impressions.

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 present as 360 Audio/360° sound, though one reviewer does not personally use it.

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.

Fit stability is a concern because one review calls out constant fit adjustments from the open design.

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.

Controls are well regarded, with swipe, press and pinch gestures described as straightforward, precise and easy to locate.

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.

Transparency is improved by the addition of a proper Ambient Sound mode.

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 clarity is praised alongside mids, with reviewers noting crunchy highs and strong mids/treble performance.

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

Value is positive for Galaxy or Android users because reviewers frame the $179 Buds 4 as compelling and able to challenge bigger rivals.

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 clear, with Bixby and Gemini assistance plus head-gesture responses to Bixby prompts.

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

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 protection is adequate but not rugged, with IP54 covering sweat and splashes while dropping below Buds 3's IP57 rating.