Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

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

Spatial audio is a clear missing-feature complaint from the available evidence.

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

Preset EQ profiles are generally useful, especially Dynamic, which reviewers said improved balance or impact.

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

Reviewers describe the frequency balance as generally accurate and controlled, with strong detail and tonality, though the bass region is less consistently weighted.

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

Volume output drew mild criticism: reviewers generally found it usable, but noted it was on the lower side and not ideal for listeners who want maximum loudness.

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

Ear tip size options are praised for helping users find the right fit and bass seal.

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

The integrated microphone setup is adequate in limited evidence, but not a leading strength.

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

The squeeze or pinch controls are usually considered reliable and customizable, though a few reviewers found them delayed or weaker than top competitors.

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

EQ customization is polarizing: reviewers like the depth and flexibility, but many criticize limited bands, poor bass impact, or weak responsiveness.

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

Portability has limited positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the charging case compact.

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

aptX support is treated as part of the product’s unusually broad high-resolution codec package, including aptX Adaptive and lossless-related support.

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

Lossless audio support is a strength within the broader codec package, with reviewers treating the support as unusually complete.

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

Passive isolation was described as decent with a proper fit, but the review evidence mainly focuses on ANC rather than unpowered isolation.

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

Soundstage depth is mixed: one reviewer heard no depth, another praised immersion, and another felt the presentation was pushed forward.

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

Latency and gaming support are viewed positively, with reviewers noting strong gaming performance and premium audio use beyond music.

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 is mixed: some reviewers heard good wind or background reduction, while others found ambient noise pickup and noisy conditions problematic.

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 mode is functional but not a standout; reviewers praised voice-focused tools in one case but often found it muffled, unnatural, or merely adequate.

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 is broadly seen as good to impressive for everyday noise, though several reviewers note it is not the strongest at this price or for deep low-frequency rumble.

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 and vocals are usually praised as clear, detailed, and natural, with one reviewer noting vocal volume could dip in the mix.

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 app is mostly praised as useful, stable, and customizable, although one reviewer found its look ugly and another noted missing device-list convenience.

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

Instrument separation is one of the clearest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising clean layering, precise reproduction, and strong detail retrieval.

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 compatibility is positive, with easy Android pairing and Android-only hi-res codec benefits noted.

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

Codec support is a major strength, repeatedly praised as exhaustive or unusually complete for high-resolution listening.

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

Included accessories get positive limited evidence, especially the multiple tips and protective pouch/case cover.

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

Design is subjective and split, with reviewers admiring its distinctive modern look while others called it unattractive, retro, or an acquired taste.

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

Carry case impressions are mixed: reviewers liked its secure magnets or compact/pocketable feel, but others criticized its size, looks, or chunkiness.

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

Build quality is mostly positive, with reviewers praising finish and construction, though one noted cheap-looking plastic.

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

Setup and software simplicity are mixed: pairing can be simple, but mode switching and Edifier-style configuration can feel sluggish or finicky.

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 detail is a major strength, often described as crisp, clean, or precise, but some reviewers found the highs bright, toasty, or potentially fatiguing.

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 is the most divisive sound attribute: some reviewers heard deep or strong bass with the right fit or preset, while others found it light, thin, or lacking punch.

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 for money is heavily split by region and priorities: sound-focused reviewers can justify it, but many think the price is too high versus competitors.

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

Bluetooth performance has limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer praising range after staying connected across an office.

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

Weight comfort is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers describing the buds as lightweight or far from heavy.

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

Multipoint is useful and sometimes seamless, but not consistently reliable; one reviewer had to switch manually while others reported smooth pause-and-play behavior.

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

Voice assistant use has limited but positive evidence, with voice commands described as swift.

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

Fit is highly important and mostly positive; reviewers found better bass and stability once the right tips or seal were achieved.

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

Charging is a positive convenience point, especially wireless charging and quick top-ups.

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 ranges from excellent to merely okay, with most reviewers finding voices intelligible but not always natural, loud, or class-leading.

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

Several reviewers heard an open, airy, expansive soundstage, with soundstage width treated as one of the planar driver strengths.

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 is average to mediocre overall; some reviewers found it acceptable, but many expected more from a premium-priced earbud.

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 are mixed: one reviewer found wear detection unreliable, while another said it worked well.

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

Long-use comfort is generally strong, with several reviewers wearing them for hours or all day, though one review found comfort only medium over time.

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

The water and dust rating is viewed as practical for rain, sweat, dust, and realistic everyday conditions.

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

Reviewers strongly agree the NeoBuds Planar are detail-first earbuds with unusually precise, clean sound, though a few found the tuning inconsistent or easier to admire than love.

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

Touch/tap responsiveness is mixed: one reviewer found the controls pretty good, while others said the tap system needs adjustment or works only most of the time.

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

Stability is mostly good for regular use and exercise, though some reviewers experienced shifting during runs or workouts.

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

Multi-platform compatibility is positive in limited evidence, with codec support framed as useful across Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Google Tensor phones.

Hi-res playback and audiophile-grade sound receive strong praise in the available evidence.

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.

LDAC support is repeatedly included in reviewers’ praise for the broad high-resolution codec package.

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

RGB/light customization has limited but positive evidence, with the case light colors treated as fun customization.

Smudge resistance has limited positive evidence, with the matte case finish praised for helping prevent fingerprints.

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