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

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 generally useful to strong, with several reviewers praising it, while others note it is not always class-leading or fit-proof.

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 and Samsung compatibility is useful but restrictive, since the best features require Galaxy devices and some are Android-only.

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 feature-rich, but one review called the Galaxy Wear app bare-bones and another notes a learning curve.

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 effectively absent based on evidence that the buds are not compatible with AptX hi-res formats.

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.

Latency evidence is mixed: common codecs are said to lag minimally, but hi-res settings and missing low-latency modes add caveats.

Auracast support is clearly present and repeatedly noted as useful for public or shared broadcasts.

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

Bass is a consistent strength, described as deep, energetic, punchy, and extended, though one review found it too strong on some tracks.

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 adequate but not a standout, with repeated six-hour ANC evidence and several concerns versus rivals.

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 modern and generally stable, centered on Bluetooth 6.1, with one review noting some dropouts.

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 evidence is limited but positive, including a reviewer saying the redesigned case feels more durable.

Hi-res playback is a strong Galaxy-specific feature, with repeated 24-bit/96kHz UHQ or SSC evidence.

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.

Pinch and stem controls are generally effective, though one review found the pinch area somewhat painful or awkward.

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 carry case is generally praised for its clear lid, magnetic feel, easier bud placement, and visibility.

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 a strength because reviewers cite wireless charging plus wired USB-C case charging.

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 strong inside the Samsung ecosystem, but non-Samsung devices fall back to common lower codecs.

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 widely praised, including long listening sessions, flights, and multi-hour use without fatigue for several reviewers.

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 sentiment is positive overall, with reviewers calling the buds premium, sleek, more polished, and better differentiated.

Fit is polarized: several reviewers found a secure seal, while others could not get the tips to seal or stay put.

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 included, but proprietary tips and fit complaints reduce the practical flexibility.

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 major strength, with a nine-band EQ, custom mode, presets, and Wear app adjustment all supported.

Find My support is clearly present through Find My Earbuds and map-based finding references.

Frequency-response evidence is mixed: detail and clarity improve, but one review notes bass/high balance issues that may need EQ.

Head gestures are supported for calls and assistant interactions, though some reviewers had not fully tested them.

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-accessory evidence is limited to bundled ear tips and documentation.

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

Instrument separation is repeatedly praised through comments about separated instruments, centered guitars, and textural detail.

Integrated microphones are clearly present and usable, but mic impressions range from ordinary to very good.

LDAC support is effectively absent based on evidence that the buds are not compatible with LDAC formats.

Lossless support is mixed because Samsung hi-res playback is supported, but one review stresses true lossless Bluetooth is not available.

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.

Reviewers who addressed clarity at output levels described clean, dynamic, distortion-free playback.

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 clear strength in wind, traffic, and background-noise scenarios, though not every voice sample was perfect.

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 usable to strong, but evidence is mixed because some reviewers heard fuzziness, digitization, or fit-related variability.

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 generally strong, with vocals, mids, and clear signatures receiving positive notes across several reviews.

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 limited because non-Samsung devices can leave the product feeling incomplete.

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 a weakness outside Samsung devices, with several reviews noting no true multipoint or manual switching limitations.

No summary yet.

Passive isolation is strong when the tips seal well, but the benefit depends heavily on fit.

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 strong, with the case described as small, pocketable, and easy to carry.

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 evidence is positive, especially for Samsung's Dynamic profile, which reviewers used to add punch or emphasize strengths.

Lighting customization is not a feature here; evidence says the lighting element is gone.

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.

Sensor-like smart features are strong, especially voice detection, siren detection, and adaptive behavior.

Sidetone support is present and lets users hear their own voice in the buds.

Smudge resistance is a weakness because the transparent case section shows scratches and fingerprints.

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 and software access are workable, but reviewers note a learning curve around where controls live.

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.

Review evidence is strongly positive on overall sound, with reviewers calling the audio excellent, very good, or among Samsung's best.

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).

The available evidence points to a wider, more expansive stage rather than a cramped in-ear presentation.

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 support is clearly present through 360 audio and head tracking, though some features are Android or Samsung-focused.

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 strong for reviewers whose ears matched the shape, with evidence of perfect fit and secure wear.

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.

Touch and gesture controls are mostly praised as responsive and easy to use once learned.

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 and ambient modes are a highlight, often described as natural, clear, or useful for conversation.

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 mostly praised for crispness, clarity, and sparkle, but one lab-style review found the highs weaker than ideal.

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

USB-C support is consistently evidenced through case port mentions.

Value is context-dependent: Samsung users often get strong value, while non-Samsung users and upgraders face more caveats.

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 broad, with Bixby, Gemini, Google assistant, and built-in voice controls mentioned.

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

Direct evidence is limited but positive, with one review saying maximum volume is far higher than needed.

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

Water and dust resistance is a strong point thanks to repeated IP57 evidence.

The earbuds are described as light, with roughly 5g weight contributing to comfort.