Premium Wireless Earbud Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen versus Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 - Making the Right Pick for High-End Audio Enthusiasts
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are two of the most highly-regarded wireless earbuds on the market, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences.
Sound Quality
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds are renowned for their superior sound quality. They deliver rich, refined, and spacious audio with tight, textured bass and clear vocals. These earbuds are generally regarded as some of the best-sounding wireless earbuds, especially favored by serious music listeners [1][2][3]. In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer very good sound quality, but it is less refined and spacious than the Pi8.
Noise Cancelling
When it comes to noise cancelling, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) excel. They provide industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) that outperforms the Pi8, especially in handling sudden noise spikes. However, some users might notice a slight "vacuum" effect [1]. The Pi8 also have a noise cancelling feature, but it is less effective on higher frequencies.
Call Quality
In terms of call quality, the Pi8 provide natural, clear voice capture that sounds expressive. Bose calls, on the other hand, may sometimes sound a bit artificial but remain very clear. The Pi8 also provide better voice isolation in calls [1][3].
Design and Comfort
The Pi8 earbuds have been praised for their more comfortable and secure fit compared to previous Bowers & Wilkins models, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They feature a smaller design with improved fit and a premium feel, although some critics mention the materials don’t fully match the high-end price [2][3]. Bose’s design specifics were not extensively detailed, but their QuietComfort Ultra buds continue Bose’s reputation for ergonomics and comfort suitable for extended wear [1].
Codec Support and Battery Life
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Pi8 support Bluetooth Multipoint and have responsive touch controls. The Bose earbuds support AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless codecs, while the Pi8 support AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless codecs. The Bose earbuds weigh 7.7g per bud, while the Pi8 weigh 7g per bud. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have a battery life of 6 hours (earbuds) and 24 hours (total), while the Pi8 have a battery life of 6.5 hours (earbuds) and 20 hours (total).
Availability and App Support
Both sets of earbuds offer app support via their respective platforms, with Bose and B&W each providing comprehensive, easily navigable, and pleasingly intuitive services. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are available in three finishes: Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum, while the Pi8 wireless earbuds are available in four finishes: Anthracite Black, Dove White, Midnight Blue, Jade Green.
In summary:
| Aspect | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Very good, but less refined and spacious than Pi8 | Better refinement, spacious, detailed, and tight bass | | Noise Cancelling | Best-in-class ANC, very effective especially for sudden noises | Good ANC but less effective on higher frequencies | | Call Quality | Clear, blocks external noise well, slightly artificial | Natural, clear, expressive voice capture | | Design & Comfort | Comfortable, Bose’s usual ergonomic fit | Very comfortable, secure fit, smaller and improved design, some premium feel complaints |
Overall, if your priority is exceptional noise cancelling and call clarity, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the better choice. If you prioritize sound quality and comfort for music listening, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 excel [1][2][3].
- If you're looking to buy a pair of earbuds with superior sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 might be the gadget for you, as they deliver rich, refined, and spacious audio with tight, textured bass and clear vocals.
- Streaming music enthusiasts who prioritize codec support might find the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) appealing, as they support AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless codecs, whereas Pi8 supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless.
- For those attending events or shows who value noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) that outperforms the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, especially in handling sudden noise spikes.
- Technology enthusiasts searching for wireless earbuds with intuitively designed apps for easy navigation, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Pi8 wireless earbuds offer app support via their respective platforms.
- If you're in the market for a pair of hi-fi headphones that offer a pleasant audio experience during long listening sessions and also provide a comfortable and secure fit, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 could potentially meet your needs, as they have been praised for their comfortable and secure fit compared to previous Bowers & Wilkins models.
