Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Wireless Earbuds

Bose QC Earbuds Ultra vs Technics EAH-AZ100

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Bose QC Earbuds Ultra comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Best ANC — class-leading silence with weighty bass — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose QC Earbuds Ultra
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Wireless Earbuds
Bose QC Earbuds Ultra
$299as of Apr 17

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are widely praised as the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, offering exceptional comfort, powerful bass, and top-tier ANC. However, potential buyers should note that enabling the immersive audio feature drastically reduces battery life and the case does not support wireless charging. Despite the high price tag, they remain a top choice for those prioritizing sound quality and silence.

Strengths
  • Delivers punchy, musical sound with solid, weighty bass
  • Provides excellent active noise cancellation that outperforms rivals
  • Offers a comfortable, secure fit with a design similar to the QuietComfort Earbuds II
Watch-outs
  • Using Immersive Audio significantly slashes battery life
  • Lacks wireless charging support for the charging case
  • High MSRP of $299 makes them expensive compared to some competitors
Technics EAH-AZ100
Ranked #5 in Best Wireless Earbuds
Technics EAH-AZ100
$247.99as of May 29

The Technics EAH-AZ100 offers exceptional noise cancellation and a feature-rich experience with LDAC support and a customizable passthrough mode. However, potential buyers should be aware of the high price tag, the bulky design, and a sound profile that some find unusual. Despite these drawbacks, they remain a strong contender for those seeking a distinct alternative to mainstream options.

Strengths
  • Top-notch active noise cancellation that effectively blocks airplane engine noise
  • Supports LDAC codec for high-resolution audio streaming
  • Includes a highly effective passthrough mode for commuting
Watch-outs
  • Sound signature described by reviewers as 'odd' or unconventional
  • High price point of $299.99 may deter some buyers
  • Earbuds and case are notably large and chunky compared to competitors

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose QC Earbuds UltraTechnics EAH-AZ100
Driver6mm4.5mm Dynamic
Weight0.37 oz (10.5g) per earbud17g per earbud
ANCActive Noise CancellationYes
CodecSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Water ResistanceIPX4IPX4
Battery Life6 hours (ANC on)7.5 hours
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
WaterIPX4
Quick Charge15 min = 90 min
Wireless ChargingQi
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