Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 15 published reviews

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel at noise cancellation, calls, and immersive sound, but bulky design, touch-control quirks, and average battery life weaken their premium value.

Best for: Travelers and commuters prioritizing exceptional noise cancellation and clear calls
Skip it if: Avoid if compact design and long battery life are priorities

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Beats

Powerbeats Pro 2

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a strong workout-focused option with secure fit, punchy sound, effective ANC, and long battery life, but heart-rate accuracy and value are less compelling.

Best for: Android fitness users wanting secure earbuds and reliable workout heart-rate tracking
Skip it if: You need neutral sound, top-tier ANC, waterproofing, or continuous health tracking

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

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Specs side by side

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Best for	Music, Travel, Work & calls	Sport, Music, Travel
Fit	In-ear	In-ear
Connection	Wireless	Wireless
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Microphone	Built-in mic	Built-in mic

Rows where the two differ come first.

Where only one fits

use: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)Work

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Exceptional noise cancellation handles varied frequencies and noisy environments 1 2 3 4
Rich, bass-forward audio with clear vocals and instrument separation 1 3 6 7
Improved calls benefit from stronger noise suppression 2 3 4
Secure, customizable fit suits many extended listening sessions 2 3 4 5
Wireless charging and adaptable awareness modes add convenience 1 2 4 6
Bulky construction and oversized case reduce pocketability 1 2 6
Sensitive touch controls can cause unintended taps 1 2 6
Average battery life falls sharply in Immersive Audio 1 2 3 4
Premium pricing and mixed audio tuning may disappoint 4 5 7

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Secure, comfortable ear hooks stay stable during workouts 1 2 8
Strong bass and improved audio suit energetic listening 1 2 3 5
ANC and transparency handle typical gym and commute noise 2 3 5 8
Up to 10 hours per charge, roughly 45 hours with case 1 2 3 5
Built-in heart-rate tracking supports workout activity monitoring 2 3 5 6
Heart-rate readings can be inconsistent, particularly on iOS 1 2 3 6
Bulky case and ear-hook styling may deter some buyers 1 3 6 8
Sound and ANC can trail premium rivals 1 2 4 6
Premium price makes value weaker than cheaper alternatives 6 7 8

Ranked in our guides

Guide	QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Powerbeats Pro 2
Best noise cancelling headphones	#5	–
Best noise cancelling earbuds	#2	#5
Best headphones for travel	#10	–
Best wireless earbuds	#2	#5
Best workout earbuds	–	#1

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 15 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.