Wireless Earbuds · owner-verdict comparison

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs EAH-AZ100: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 55% of 130 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds owners recommend it, vs 55% of 233 for the EAH-AZ100.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

55%of 130 owners recommend
55% recommend · 13% neutral · 32% don't
Owners praise
  • Class-leading noise cancellation, widely called the best in earbuds
  • Rich, immersive sound quality
  • Comfortable, secure fit for gym, cycling, and running
Owners complain about
  • Static, crackling, and buzzing noises in the earbuds
  • Bluetooth disconnects and connectivity issues
  • Bass-heavy stock tuning can sound harsh
Full owner report →

EAH-AZ100

55%of 233 owners recommend
55% recommend · 26% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Rich, detailed sound quality with strong bass, wide soundstage, and clear separation that many owners rank above rivals like the Sony XM5/XM6 and AZ80
  • Frequently called the best or most well-rounded earbuds owners have used, excelling across sound, features, and daily usability
  • Firmware updates have meaningfully improved sound tuning and ANC over time, with owners noting clearer vocals, better bass focus, and improved call quality after updating
Owners complain about
  • ANC is inconsistent across owners, described by many as mediocre, weak, or nearly nonexistent for the price, especially compared to Bose and Sony
  • Fit and comfort problems are common, including buds falling out, painful hard-shell pressure, and slick stock tips that don't stay seated
  • Stock tuning is often described as muddy or overly bass-heavy, requiring EQ adjustment to sound its best
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if
  • ✓Travelers wanting the strongest ANC on flights
  • ✓Gym and cycling users needing secure wingtip fit
  • ✓Commuters craving a silent bubble on transit
  • ✓Bass lovers who value immersive spatial audio
Skip it if
  • Anyone needing flawless connectivity without static or dropouts
  • People taking calls in noisy environments
Get the EAH-AZ100 if
  • ✓Listeners willing to EQ for detailed, audiophile-leaning sound and wide soundstage
  • ✓All-rounders wanting one bud for music, calls, movies, and long battery life
  • ✓Buyers who prioritize sound quality and deep bass over class-leading ANC
  • ✓Owners who find a snug alt-tip fit (Comply/Spinfit) for stability and comfort
Skip it if
  • Metal/rock fans annoyed by the bloated, muddy stock bass tuning
  • Gamers or video watchers sensitive to noticeable audio latency

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds owners say

“They’re my instant new favorite. I’ve never had ear buds that fit more securely without discomfort, the ANC really is amazing, and the sound quality is top-shelf.”
— @Thegonagle on YouTube
“These Gen 2s hit a home run. They are phenomenal for ANC. Music quality is superb.”
— @TormentedTantalus on YouTube
“I wish Bose would fix the microphone during calls most people tell me they hear excessive noise when I am on a call if I am in a noisy environment”
— @ait0317 on YouTube

What EAH-AZ100 owners say

“EAH-AZ100 is in another league”
— Master_Cartoonist_16 on Reddit
“I love them, got them $80 off.”
— Harkwit on Reddit
“I felt the same as well. These are so overrated”
— 1ElectricalZ1 on Reddit

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs EAH-AZ100: frequently asked questions

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the EAH-AZ100 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 55% of 130 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds owners recommend it, vs 55% of 233 for the EAH-AZ100.

Who should get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Owners point the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at travelers wanting the strongest ANC on flights, and gym and cycling users needing secure wingtip fit.

Who should get the EAH-AZ100?

Owners point the EAH-AZ100 at listeners willing to EQ for detailed, audiophile-leaning sound and wide soundstage, and all-rounders wanting one bud for music, calls, movies, and long battery life.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is static, crackling, and buzzing noises in the earbuds. For the EAH-AZ100, it's aNC is inconsistent across owners, described by many as mediocre, weak, or nearly nonexistent for the price, especially compared to Bose and Sony.