Which top-tier wireless earbuds should you pick: a comparison between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8?
In the realm of premium wireless earbuds, two standout models have emerged: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8. Both offer excellent performance in comfort, features, and sound quality, but they each excel in different areas.
Sound Quality: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Takes the Lead
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers superior sound quality with more refined, spacious, and detailed audio compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). With a focus on delivering a pure sound experience, the Pi8 is the winner in sonic sophistication.
Noise Cancelling: Bose Shines Brighter
On the other hand, when it comes to noise cancelling, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are more effective. They offer best-in-class noise cancelling with CustomTune technology that adapts smartly to your environment and suppresses sudden noise spikes better than the Pi8.
Comfort & Fit: A Tie with Differences
Both earbuds provide a comfortable fit, but the Pi8 features a smaller, more comfortable fit with hybrid foam-and-rubber tips that seal well and sit snugly. Bose’s fit relies on a concha fin and an ovoid nozzle that usually provides a solid seal but requires user adjustment.
Design & Features: A Matter of Preference
The Pi8's case uniquely doubles as a Bluetooth transceiver, a useful travel feature, whereas Bose’s case is more conventional. In terms of additional features, Bose uses CustomTune sound calibration to adapt ANC dynamically, while Bowers & Wilkins focuses on delivering a pure sound experience with less emphasis on extras.
Voice Call Quality: A Close Race
Both earbuds do well on voice call clarity, though Bose's ANC helps better block out background noise during calls. The Pi8 provides clear, natural voices but slightly lags behind Bose in this category.
Battery Life: Bose Falls Short
For battery life, the Pi8 provides about 6.5 hours per charge with ANC on and 13.5 hours total with the case. Bose’s battery life specifics weren't directly cited but their focus is more on noise cancelling effectiveness than battery endurance.
Price: A Matter of Priorities
Price-wise, both are premium models, but the Pi8 are noted as pricey and may be out of range for many, while Bose offers a competitive premium experience with better ANC, generally implying a difference in value based on priorities.
| Feature | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Excellent, clear and articulate, but less refined | More refined, spacious, detailed, best overall | | Noise Cancelling | Best in class, strong ANC with CustomTune tech | Good ANC but not as effective on higher frequencies| | Comfort & Fit | Solid seal with concha fin; some adjustment needed | Smaller, snug fit; hybrid foam-rubber tips | | Design & Features | Standard case, focus on ANC and adaptive sound | Case doubles as Bluetooth transceiver, wireless charging | | Voice Call Quality | Clear, better noise blocking in calls | Clear, natural voices but slightly behind Bose | | Battery Life | Not specified precisely | 6.5 hrs (buds) + 13.5 hrs (case) | | Price | Premium, competitive in ANC and features | Very expensive, justified by sound quality | | Winner per category| Noise-cancelling, call quality | Sound quality, comfort, features |
Choosing Between the Two
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if you prioritize top-tier noise cancelling and clearer calls. Opt for the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 if exceptional sound quality, refined design, and unique features like a Bluetooth transceiver case are more important.
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 support Bluetooth Multipoint and responsive touch controls. The Pi8 are more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), though discounts may equalize the price difference. The Pi8 have a more premium design and color options compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The Pi8 wireless earbuds are available in finishes x 4: Anthracite Black, Dove White, Midnight Blue, Jade Green. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are available in finishes x 3: Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds weigh 7g per bud, the same as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Both sets of earbuds support codecs AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive.
[1] Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review [2] Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Review [3] Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: Which should you buy? [4] Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bowers & Wilkins PI8: Which wireless earbuds are best for you? [5] Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi7: Which wireless earbuds are best for you?
- The user can consider buying the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if they prioritize top-tier noise cancelling and clearer calls in their gadgets.
- Alternatively, if exceptional sound quality, refined design, and unique features like a Bluetooth transceiver case are more important, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 could be a better choice.
- In the realm of premium technology, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offer streaming capabilities, responsive touch controls, and support for codecs AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive.
- The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) but may offer additional discounts to reduce the price difference.
- The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds are available in four finishes: Anthracite Black, Dove White, Midnight Blue, and Jade Green, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) come in three finishes: Black, White Smoke, and Deep Plum. Both sets of earbuds weigh 7g per bud.
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