Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Wireless Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 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.

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 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 QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Wireless Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
6 sources$299as of Apr 17

Reviewers widely call the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, with comfort, powerful bass, and top-tier ANC behind that verdict. Two things to know before buying: switching on immersive audio cuts battery life sharply, and the case does not support wireless charging. The price is high, and they remain the top choice if sound quality and silence are what you are after.

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
5 sources$250as of Aug 1

Noise cancellation is where the Technics EAH-AZ100 shines, backed by LDAC support and a passthrough mode you can customize. Buyers should weigh the high price, the bulky design, and a sound profile some listeners find unusual. Even with those drawbacks, it stays a strong option for anyone who wants a distinct alternative to the mainstream picks.

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 QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsTechnics 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
Wireless ChargingQiQi
WaterIPX4IPX4
Quick Charge15 min = 90 min
Dimensions0.83 x 1.02 x 0.98 in
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