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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Nothing Ear (a)

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Product A: Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

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Product B: Nothing

Ear (a)

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Only differences

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

BNothing Ear (a)

General

5 of 8 differ

Series

QuietComfort1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Not available

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

441408, 408L, 408R, 882826-00105Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Regulatory page 6: Case Model 441408, Right Earbud Model 408R, Left Earbud Model 408L. The 2nd Gen owner's guide lists the same earbud models with case model 444965.14Retailer pageconrad.be/nl/p/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-in-ear-oordopjes-zwart-oplaadbox-waterafstotend-3334481.htmlRead 7 October 2026Adds exact Black retail manufacturer SKU 882826-0010 from product header. Original case regulatory model 441408 and earbud regulatory models 408L/408R remain separate. No second-generation 444965 case added.

B1623Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdfRead 8 October 2026

GTIN / EAN

001781784768114Retailer pageconrad.be/nl/p/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-in-ear-oordopjes-zwart-oplaadbox-waterafstotend-3334481.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact current Conrad Belgium Black Gen. 1 table identifies EAN 0017817847681 and manufacturer SKU 882826-0010. Independently opened actual public table. Netherlands route was shell-only in verification. Black original stock case scope, not every color or second generation.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

14 September 20236Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Dated September 14, 2023

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Status

Available1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Product heading, colour swatches, £299.95 price and Add to Basket. The German and French pages also list it at 299,95 €. New stock on bose.com US is gone and only refurbished units remain there.

Available1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Current US maker page with Black selected offers Add to bag. No current price is represented as launch MSRP.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II21Reviewsoundguys.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earphones-vs-bose-quietcomfort-earphones-ii-102644Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys calls the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds a direct successor to the QuietComfort Earbuds II.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)7Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-the-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-genRead 6 October 2026The 2nd Gen release says: Like its predecessor, the QC Ultra Earbuds feature Bose's proprietary CustomTune sound calibration technology.

Nothing Ear (3a)18Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-3a-review-159720Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys calls the Nothing Ear (3a) the successor to the Nothing Ear (a).

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$2994Maker product pagebose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-FR.htmlRead 6 October 2026Bose refurbished page: Original Price is $299.00. TechRadar and What Hi-Fi also give $299 at launch.8Press articletheverge.com/2023/9/14/23873671/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-earbuds-announcedRead 6 October 2026$299, available early October. Preorders opened September 14, 2023.

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Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

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MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, GB, DE, FR1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026GB from this page. DE and FR from bose.de and bose.fr pages of the same product. US from the bose.com refurbished page and the launch coverage.2Maker product pagebose.de/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 6 October 2026Listed at 299,95 €3Maker product pagebose.fr/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 6 October 20264Maker product pagebose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-FR.htmlRead 6 October 2026

US1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black, White Smoke, Lunar Blue, Moonstone Blue1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Colour swatches on the UK page: Lunar Blue (SKU QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-LBLU-WW) and White Smoke selectable, Moonstone Blue shown as out of stock4Maker product pagebose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-FR.htmlRead 6 October 2026Refurbished colour swatches: Black (SKU QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-BLK-FR-WW), Lunar Blue, Moonstone Blue, White Smoke8Press articletheverge.com/2023/9/14/23873671/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-earbuds-announcedRead 6 October 2026The QC Ultra Earbuds come in black or white finishes9Reviewtomsguide.com/reviews/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Two color variations at launch: black and white smoke

Black, White, Yellow1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Current maker selector offers Black, White and Yellow. The sole represented reference configuration is Black.

Segment

Music1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Maker explicitly positions these as music-listening in-ear earbuds with immersive audio, musical listening modes and customizable sound. Gaming codec capability does not make them a dedicated gaming edition.

Music2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Design

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Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

In-ear1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Technical Specifications: Headphone Fit In-ear

In-ear2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker product views and supplied sealing tips identify an in-ear stem design. No hook is pictured or listed, but a negative stabilizer claim is not inferred from this alone.

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem10Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-reviewRead 6 October 2026Describes the outer-facing surface of the stems and earbuds with tails

Stem2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: the Single-bud Use feature lets you take calls and listen to music with one bud and switches automatically between the earbuds

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RGB lighting

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Drivers and sound

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Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Not available

BNothing Ear (a)

Type	Diameter (mm)
Dynamic	11

Source2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker identifies an 11 mm dynamic driver and PMI + TPU diaphragm. A separate explicit physical driver quantity was not found, so the count and derived per-bud quantity remain unknown.

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic18Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/wireless-earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-genRead 7 October 2026What Hi-Fi exact Gen 2 review Sound paragraph explicitly reports Bose confirmed the driver is the same between new and old Ultra Earbuds. This manufacturer hardware bridge supports first-generation driver technology using the reliable exact Gen2 dynamic-driver table. No tuning, measurements, new case or disputed diameter transferred. Main approved the unchanged-component chain.19Reviewtechradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact second-generation review Specifications explicitly states dynamic driver technology. What Hi-Fi separately reports Bose confirmed the same driver in Gen 1 and Gen 2, establishing applicability to retained original 2023 earbuds. Only technology transferred under this explicit manufacturer bridge. Its 9.3 mm versus 10 mm inconsistent diameter statements are omitted, along with all successor measurements and case features.

Dynamic2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

11mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

Not available

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Diaphragm material

Not available

PMI + TPU2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

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Impedance

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SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

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Sensitivity reference

Not available

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Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

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96kHz2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Up to 96 kHz / 24-bit over LDAC with a compatible source device. This is Bluetooth codec support, not acoustic frequency response or lossless playback.

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

24bits2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz over LDAC. The source phone must support and enable LDAC.

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

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Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026CustomTune technology paragraph explicitly analyzes ear shape and calibrates audio to each ear canal. This is acoustic ear-scan personalization, not a hearing assessment or medical hearing-aid claim.

No14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026The reviewed Ear (a) does not offer the hearing-test sound profile of B171 Ear. No later model capability is transferred.17Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-a-truly-wirelessRead 8 October 2026The public Differences section explicitly describes no custom sound profile based on hearing. Tested edition is White B162 Ear (a). All colors share the documented model hardware, but test configuration remains named. Paid numerical results and hidden data are not accessed.

Onboard EQ

Not available

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Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

31Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Bose app section: adjust the levels of bass, mid-range and treble. The battery footnote also names a 3-band EQ.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Battery footnotes use a 3-band EQ set to zero

314Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026Reviewer explicitly identifies a three-band equalizer, separate from the advanced equalizer on B171 Nothing Ear. Reviewed app version 2.3.16 and earbud firmware 1.0.1.41.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Bass Boost, Bass Reducer, Treble Boost, Treble Reducer12Reviewsoundguys.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-review-101362Read 7 October 2026Original 2023 review What do the different EQ modes sound like section explicitly names these four stock presets. Its Our Custom EQ attempt is reviewer-created and excluded.

Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, Voice11Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726159847057-How-many-equaliser-settings-does-Ear-a-haveRead 8 October 2026Four exact named sound effects plus a custom setting. Bass Enhance intensity and ANC strengths are separate controls.

Volume limit

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Spatial audio

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Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Bose Immersive Audio1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Bose Immersive Audio works with any source and content

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Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 31: Motion keeps the two virtual speakers following your head. Still keeps them in place when you move your head.6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Immersive Audio uses an onboard IMU. Still and Motion options.

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Noise cancelling

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Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Hybrid1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: active noise cancellation uses microphones both inside and outside the earbuds

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ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

Not available

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Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026CustomTune analyses your ears and automatically adapts the sound and active noise cancellation to their shape

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Adaptive ANC adjusts cancellation strength to surrounding noise. Smart ANC separately compensates ear-canal leakage. Neither proves automatic blending with transparency or adaptive sound EQ.

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

32Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Three selectable strengths, Low, Mid and High. Adaptive is separate and not counted as a fourth fixed strength.

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

45dB2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Up to 45 dB maker claim. The page also gives a 5000 Hz cancellation bandwidth, without locating the 45 dB maximum at a specific frequency. No measured overall attenuation is inferred.

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Adjustable transparency

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Modes for any musical moment says full Aware transparency can be blended with Quiet through Custom Mode in Bose app. FAQ also permits intermediate sound levels between Quiet and Aware. No ANC step count inferred.

Not available

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 33: Aware mode with ActiveSense automatically increases noise cancellation when sudden or loud noises occur while you keep hearing your surroundings

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Conversation detection

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Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Call processing, not an ANC mode: FAQ says the adaptive microphone system isolates your voice from background noise and wind6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Dynamic microphone mixing picks the microphone on each bud with the least wind noise and selects noise filters for calls

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Clear Voice Technology describes a redesigned talk microphone and extra stem airway for wind passage. This is physical call-wind handling, not a separately selectable wind mode.

Measured

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Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Warm sound signature13Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-truly-wirelessRead 6 October 2026Sound Signature: Warm

Default response has elevated sub-bass, recessed 200 to 500 Hz mids and reduced output above 8 kHz relative to the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve.14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026Reviewer original default-response chart and discussion against SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. Firmware 1.0.1.41, app 2.3.16. No approximate chart amplitude is entered as an exact numerical metric.

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

4dB13Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-truly-wirelessRead 6 October 2026Bass Amount: Emphasized (4 dB), test bench 2.3

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Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

0dB13Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-truly-wirelessRead 6 October 2026Treble Amount: Balanced (0 dB), test bench 2.3

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Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

In controlled phone-call tests, transmitted speech retained substantial simulated cabin noise. Simulated restaurant noise was only partly suppressed.16Measurementtechadvisor.com/article/2117356/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review-2023.htmlRead 7 October 2026October 26, 2023 comparison explicitly includes original QC Ultra Earbuds alongside two over-ear models. Reviewer called a home answering machine from smartphone while playing cabin noise at 85 dB on Sonos Era 100, then restaurant noise at 75 dB. Earbud-specific result is retained, not over-ear result. Phone/codec, firmware, weighting and mic distance unstated. Qualitative call finding, no scalar noise ratio inferred.

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Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

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Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Hours (h)
6.18

Source12Reviewsoundguys.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-review-101362Read 7 October 20266 h 11 min (6.18 h) in the SoundGuys standardized battery test. Firmware 7.7.4, Bose Music app 8.0.6. ANC state not stated on the page.

BNothing Ear (a)

Hours (h)
8.82

Source14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026SoundGuys tested B162 Ear (a) over two weeks, firmware 1.0.1.41, app 2.3.16, visibly Yellow. One charge ran 8 h 49 min, converted to hours. Battery paragraph does not identify ANC setting, codec, host or playback level, so these conditions are left unknown. The iPhone/AAC anecdote is not assumed to be the battery test. Case runtime 42.5 h is a maker claim, not a measured result.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

6.18h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

8.82h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

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Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

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Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Microphones and calls

4 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

817Reviewon-mag.fr/index.php/topaudio/tests-auditions/25606-test-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-des-ecouteurs-true-wireless-excellents-partout-ou-presqueRead 7 October 2026Same exact original 2023 Specifications explicitly says four microphones per side in calls. Eight across both earbuds. Source explicitly names call role, rather than deriving role from existing eight-total count. ANC-only count remains unproved. No second-generation speech vibration sensor inherited.

62Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker explicitly lists Clear Voice Technology with three microphones per bud, six across the pair. Case microphones and vibration sensors are not included.

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

810Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-reviewRead 6 October 2026A four-mics-per-bud array, so eight across the pair. The 2nd Gen press release also states eight microphones.

62Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker Other features explicitly lists three microphones per bud. The six physical microphones across the pair are counted once, without adding ANC logical functions as extra microphones.

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

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Mic noise reduction

DSP6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Dynamic microphone mixing and adaptive filters select from a variety of noise filters in real time. No AI processing is named. The 2nd Gen added AI-powered noise suppression.

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Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

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Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

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SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: self-voice, adjustable in the Bose app, lets you hear yourself during calls5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 30: self voice is activated during calls and is adjustable in the Bose app

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Connectivity

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Chip

Qualcomm S517Reviewon-mag.fr/index.php/topaudio/tests-auditions/25606-test-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-des-ecouteurs-true-wireless-excellents-partout-ou-presqueRead 7 October 2026November 11, 2023 exact original-earbud review Specifications explicitly names Puce Bluetooth 5.3 Qualcomm S5. Independently read full original article via normal public HTTP 200 during verification. No S5 generation or exact QCC silicon part number inferred from successor/predecessor.

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Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Bluetooth2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Bluetooth

5.34Maker product pagebose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-FR.htmlRead 6 October 2026Technical Specifications: Bluetooth Version 5.36Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Both QC Ultra products are Bluetooth 5.3 compatible

5.32Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 47: aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound-certified devices6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 202612Reviewsoundguys.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-review-101362Read 7 October 2026Bluetooth 5.3 over SBC, AAC or aptX Adaptive

AAC, SBC, LDAC2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Bluetooth profiles

A2DP, HFP, AVRCP1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Technical Specifications: Wireless Connectivity A2DP Bluetooth Audio Streaming, HFP Bluetooth, Snapdragon Sound15Maker product pagesupport.bose.com/article/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-specificationsRead 7 October 2026Official original Sold from 2023 support Specifications lists Audio/Video Remote Control Profile AVRCP, alongside A2DP/HFP. Existing A2DP/HFP retained. Listed Bluetooth Low Energy BLE is a radio/control transport, so it is not used to assert LE Audio content support or stored as an audio profile.

RFCOMM, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVDTP, AVCTP, AVRCP2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

LE Audio

Not available

No7Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726190280721-Does-Ear-a-support-LE-AudioRead 8 October 2026Exact maker FAQ explicitly says LE Audio is unsupported. Bluetooth 5.3 by itself does not establish LE Audio or Auracast. A SoundGuys sentence predicting Auracast from Bluetooth version is not treated as device support.

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: connects to two source devices at the same time. Added by a software update in July 2024. Not available at launch.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 42: up to two mobile devices actively connected at a time (multi-point connection). Audio plays from one device at a time.

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

21Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: two source devices at the same time5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026

22Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Not available

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

65Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 42: up to six devices in the earbud device list

88Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726184417937-How-many-devices-can-Ear-a-be-paired-withRead 8 October 2026Maker states a maximum of eight saved source-device records, distinct from two concurrent Dual Connection devices.

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Not available

Not available

Fast pairing

Google Fast Pair1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: Google Fast Pair for Android OS 6.0 or newer5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 46: Fast Pair for Android devices6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026

Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

9m4Maker product pagebose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-FR.htmlRead 6 October 2026Technical Specifications: Bluetooth Range 30'5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 43: devices must be within range (30 ft or 9 m)

Not available

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Latency

1 of 3 differ

Low latency mode

Not available

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

1 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

Android, iOS1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Bose app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store

Android, iOS13Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726160252817-Which-devices-are-compatible-with-Ear-aRead 8 October 2026Current exact maker support says Android 5.1 and later, iOS 13 and later. This is documented compatibility, without inferring other platforms from generic Bluetooth capability.

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

Not available

Not available

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Feature	Needs
Fast Pair	Android device running Android 6.0 or higher
Snapdragon Sound	Snapdragon Sound-certified device, such as a compatible Android mobile device
SimpleSync	Bose Smart Speaker or Bose Smart Soundbar
Multipoint	Earbud software update from July 2024 through the Bose app

Source1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Multipoint row: FAQ says multipoint is a July 2024 update received through the Bose app. Fast Pair row also needs location services and Bluetooth on.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Fast Pair needs Android 6.0 or higher (page 46). Snapdragon Sound needs a certified device (page 47). SimpleSync works with Bose Smart Speakers and Soundbars (page 48).

BNothing Ear (a)

Feature	Needs
LDAC high-resolution audio	Compatible Android source with LDAC enabled and high-definition audio enabled in Nothing X. For high-bitrate streams the maker recommends disabling Dual Connection.
Nothing X configuration	Android 5.1 or later, or iOS 13 or later according to current Ear (a) support.
Google Fast Pair	Supported Android device with Google Play services 11.7 or later, Android 6.0 or later.
Automatic Low Lag Mode	Game Mode on a compatible Nothing phone. Other users can enable Low Lag Mode in Nothing X.

Source12Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726219572881-How-do-I-use-the-LDAC-featureRead 8 October 2026LDAC FAQ recommends adaptive bitrate and, for a higher-quality stream, disabling Dual Connection. It does not categorically prohibit all concurrent LDAC/multipoint use, so multipoint_ldac is not set false. Current compatibility FAQ gives iOS 13 minimum, stronger than legacy full specifications iOS 11. Low-lag and Fast Pair conditions come from the original product page. An under-120-ms headline differs from the as-low-as-120-ms disclaimer, so no exact numeric latency is stored.16Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Product-page Disclaimers 8, 15 and 16 give Nothing phone Game Mode, dual-connection and Google Fast Pair conditions. ChatGPT integration is not stored as universal assistant support.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

12 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

46mAh2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Published 46 mAh per earbud. The maker does not label typical versus rated capacity. No energy or voltage is derived.

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Mode	Spatial audio	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	No	6
ANC on	Yes	No	4

Source20Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact manufacturer guide on printed page 39 gives up to 6 hours with Bose Immersive Audio Off and up to 4 hours with it On after a full charge. Both music rows use Quiet Mode with full active noise cancellation, Bluetooth A2DP streaming at 75 dB SPL playback loudness, and all three equalizer bands at zero. Manufacturer testing used production-representative units in June 2023 with a variety of music tracks. The Bluetooth codec and Immersive Still/Motion setting are unspecified, so neither is inferred. These are manufacturer claims, not independent reviewer measurements. Both rows are the earbuds alone from one charge. The case provides three additional full recharge cycles, but a total hour figure is not calculated.

BNothing Ear (a)

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	AAC	No	9.5
ANC off	AAC	Yes	42.5
ANC on	AAC	No	5.5
ANC on	AAC	Yes	24.5
Transparency	AAC	No	5.5
Transparency	AAC	Yes	24.5
Call	Not available	No	5.2
Call	Not available	Yes	23

Source4Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726182764305-What-is-the-battery-life-of-Ear-aRead 8 October 2026Exact Ear (a) support table separates earbuds-only and case-inclusive music runtimes. ANC on and transparency are each 5.5 h / 24.5 h. The call rows represent ANC-off 5.2 h / 23 h. Separate ANC-on/transparency talk claims are 4 h / 18 h, but the call enum cannot distinguish that condition, so they are stated here rather than duplicated as indistinguishable rows. Nothing laboratory conditions are 25 C, AAC music playback, 50 percent volume and default other features. The source applies these test conditions to the table without specifying a call codec, so AAC is omitted from call rows.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

9.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

5.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

9.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

Not available

42.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

Not available

24.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

Not available

5.2h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

120min1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Technical Specifications: Battery Charge Time 2 hours5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 39 charging time table: Earbuds up to 2 hours

80min2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Disclaimer 10 directly states 80 minutes for the earbuds to charge inside a case that is not connected to external power. Nothing lab conditions are 25 C and Nothing Power 45 W for the separate externally powered test. The 90-minute combined earbuds-and-case result is not stored as case-only timing.

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

Charge the earbuds in the closed case. Use USB-C to charge the case, with a 5 V / 1.5 A or higher adapter. The maker reports 80 minutes for an earbud charge in an unplugged case and 90 minutes for an empty earbuds-and-case set charged together. Ten minutes gives up to 3.2 hours of earbud playback with ANC off, or 2 hours with ANC on. The separate case-inclusive quick-charge claim is 10 hours with ANC off and 6 hours with ANC on in support, while the product-page footnote says 9.5 hours with ANC off. These are maker laboratory estimates, not case-only charge times.6Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Product-page Disclaimer 10 to 12 separates 80-minute buds and 90-minute combined timing, gives adapter guidance 5 V / 1.5 A or higher, and uses Nothing Power 45 W at 25 C. The adapter rating is not device input power. Disclaimer 12 gives 9.5 h case-inclusive after 10 minutes, conflicting with the 10 h headline and dedicated support article. Both source statements are retained without guessing a reconciliation.

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

20min5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 39: a 20-minute charge in the closed case powers the earbuds up to 2 hours

10min5Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726182885393-Does-Ear-a-support-fast-chargingRead 8 October 202610 minutes corresponding to the ANC-off 3.2-hour earbud claim. The published support text does not state the initial case state for this standalone claim.

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

2h5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Earbuds-only playback. Quiet Mode, Immersive Audio off, 75 dB SPL, 3-band EQ zero.

3.2h5Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726182885393-Does-Ear-a-support-fast-chargingRead 8 October 2026Dedicated maker support states up to 3.2 h earbuds-only with ANC off after 10 minutes. Its ANC-on earbuds-only claim is 2 h. Test conditions are AAC, 50 percent volume, default other features and 25 C. The separately stated case-inclusive 10 h / 6 h figures are not substituted for earbuds-only playback.

Charging case

2 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

Not available

500mAh2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Published case battery-cell capacity 500 mAh. No USB output capacity or battery voltage is inferred.

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

USB-C1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Technical Specifications: Charging Interface(s) USB-C PORT

USB-C2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026USB Type-C charging is for the case. It does not establish wired audio playback.

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

180min5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 39 charging time table: Charging case up to 3 hours

Not available

Wireless charging

No6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026The case has no built-in wireless charging. An optional $49 silicone case cover, sold separately from October 20, 2023, adds it.

No2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Manufacturer comparison explicitly marks Ear (a) wireless charging No. B171 Ear wireless charging is not transferred.

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Not available

Not available

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Not available

Not available

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Controls

3 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Touch, Swipe1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ controls: swipe up or down for volume, tap, double tap, triple tap, press and hold for the shortcut5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Pages 24 to 27: tap and swipe the touch surface, touch and hold for the shortcut

Pressure2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker names pinch controls. The original guide labels a force sensor. Broad touch-control translations on another region do not change the pressure-control mechanism.

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Swipe1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 20265Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 24: swipe up or down on an earbud

Pressure9Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726233497489-How-do-I-adjust-the-volume-on-Ear-aRead 8 October 2026Assign Pinch and hold or Double pinch and hold to volume in Nothing X. Once held, volume changes by a step every 0.9 seconds. Phone controls alone are not counted.

Gestures

Tap, Double-tap, Triple-tap, Touch and hold, Swipe up, Swipe down1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ controls list. Names as in the owner's guide.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Pages 24 to 28

Single pinch: play/pause or answer/end call, Double pinch: skip forward or reject call, Triple pinch: skip back, Pinch and hold: switch ANC/transparency3Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original OPERATIONS panel shows force-sensor pressure controls. Custom volume and voice-assistant assignments are separate Nothing X options. Fitted tips are medium.

Remappable controls

Yes1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026The shortcut on one or both earbuds can be customised in the Bose app5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 28: change or disable the shortcut, or assign a different shortcut to each earbud, in the Bose app

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Voice assistant

Not available

Not available

Sensors and health

3 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 29: in-ear detection with auto play/pause, auto answer call and auto transparency

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Sensors

IMU6Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbudsRead 6 October 2026Onboard IMU for Bose Immersive Audio

Not available

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

Not available

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

No14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026Exact review explicitly says no hearing test compared with B171 Ear. This is the tested Ear (a) feature set, not a claim about unspecified future firmware.

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 33: ActiveSense raises noise cancellation for sudden or loud noises in Aware mode, then returns

Not available

Health features

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

3 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

S, M, L1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 20265Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 18: small, medium and large eartips are included. Medium comes attached.

S, M, L2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Ear tip materials

Silicone1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Soft silicone umbrella-shaped eartips

Silicone10Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726188190225-What-is-Ear-a-made-ofRead 8 October 2026Exact maker support explicitly names silicone tips. Plastic housing and stainless-steel hinge are also named, without a suitable separate schema field.

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

Stability bands1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Bose Fit Kit stability bands in sizes 1, 2, 3

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 16: Earbud Seal Test in the Bose app

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Dust and water rating, buds

IPX41Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026FAQ: passed IPX4 testing. The outside of the case should not be exposed to water, so no case rating is stored.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 14: the earbuds are rated IPX4

IP542Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Dust and water rating, case

Not available

IPX22Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

1 of 6 differ

Companion app

Bose app1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 20265Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 13: Bose app. Launch coverage names the earlier Bose Music app.

Nothing X2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

App platforms

Android, iOS1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Android, iOS2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

User firmware updates

Yes5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 52: the earbuds update through the Bose app. The case updates through btu.Bose.com.

Yes2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Finding network

Not available

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

Not available

Not available

Live translation

Not available

Not available

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

Not available

4.8g(0.2 oz)2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker 4.8 g for one earbud. A specific tip size is not stated.

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width20.1Height31.2Depth24.4mm(0.8 × 1.2 × 1 in)2Maker product pagebose.de/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 6 October 2026Einzelner Earbud 3.12 cm H x 2.01 cm W x 2.44 cm D. The US and UK pages give 1.23 in H x 0.79 in W x 0.96 in D, which agrees.

Not available

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

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39.6g(1.4 oz)2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Design specification states charging case 39.6 g, separate from 4.8 g per earbud and 49.2 g combined. Rounded 40 g in secondary specifications does not override the maker.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Width59.4Height66.3Depth26.7mm(2.3 × 2.6 × 1.1 in)2Maker product pagebose.de/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 6 October 2026Etui 6.63 cm H x 5.94 cm W x 2.67 cm D. The US and UK pages give 2.61 in H x 2.34 in W x 1.05 in D, which agrees.

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Certifications

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Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

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Hi-Res Audio Wireless2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Maker explicitly names Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification under the LDAC section. No separate wired acoustic Hi-Res certification is inferred.

Communication certifications

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FCC IDs

A94408L, A94408R5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026FCC ID: A94408L / A94408R, IC: 3232A-408L / 3232A-408R

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Other certifications

Snapdragon Sound1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Wireless Connectivity lists Snapdragon Sound. The FAQ names Snapdragon Sound certification.5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Page 47: the earbuds feature Snapdragon Sound technology

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In the box

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In the box

2 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, 3 pairs of eartips (S, M, L), 3 pairs of stability bands (1, 2, 3), Charging case, 30 cm USB-C® (A to C) cable, Safety sheet1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026What's in the box on the UK page. The US refurbished page lists the same cable as 12 inch.

Pair of earbuds, Charging case, Ear tips in sizes S, M and L, USB Type-C cable, Safety and warranty information, User guide2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Exact Ear (a) standard list. Ear tips S, M and L include the fitted medium pair. No external power adapter is listed.

Cables included

ABose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-C (A to C)	0.3	1

Source1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 202630 cm USB-C (A to C) cable

BNothing Ear (a)

Type	Count
USB Type-C	1

Source2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Links

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Product page

www.bose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.html1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026The US product URL now returns a 404. The UK page is the live maker page for the new product.

us.nothing.tech/products/ear-a1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.bose.com/article/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-specifications15Maker product pagesupport.bose.com/article/quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-specificationsRead 7 October 2026Official Product Specifications support article identifies QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, Sold from 2023. Public indexed specification body read. Direct page currently renders an empty support shell. This is an HTML specification sheet, not a claimed PDF download or second-generation page.

checkout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-a2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Original full manufacturer Ear (a) specifications remain public on this regional maker page. Hardware belongs to B162, distinct from B171 Ear and later Ear (3a). The current US Black offer supplies regional availability.

Manual

assets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdf5Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/157ea573fd945c2e/original/885502_OG_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_en.pdfRead 6 October 2026Owner's guide 885502 for QUIETCOMFORT ULTRA EARBUDS, support.Bose.com/QCUE. PDF revision dated January 2026.

cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdf3Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original maker-hosted Nothing Ear (a) English product guide, one-page folded sheet. Model B162 is printed on the title panel. English operations, pairing, charging and wear-detection panels were visually inspected because the PDF outlines most English text.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

2years1Maker product pagebose.co.uk/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact current original-earbud UK maker page Why buy direct from Bose explicitly promises 2-year warranty. Applies to new product purchased directly from Bose UK. Does not generalize to US refurbished units, statutory rights or separately sold BoseCare extension.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.