Overview

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2020 Model are a premium pair of true wireless earbuds from the renowned audio brand, Bose. Released in 2020, they belong to the popular QuietComfort series known for its superior noise-canceling technology. These earbuds are designed with comfort in mind, featuring StayHear Max eartips that ensure a secure fit for a wide range of users. The earbuds provide a seamless listening experience, with an emphasis on immersive sound and effective noise cancellation. Whether you're commuting or working out, these earbuds aim to deliver top-notch audio quality and reliable performance.

Features & Benefits

The active noise cancellation in these Bose earbuds creates an immersive listening experience, blocking out unwanted noise from your surroundings. With the added Transparency Mode, you can easily let in ambient sounds when needed, ensuring safety while listening in busy environments. The earbuds feature intuitive touch controls for adjusting volume, pausing music, or changing noise cancellation settings without reaching for your device. Plus, with an IPX4 rating, they're sweat- and water-resistant, making them ideal for exercise or outdoor activities. The battery life lasts up to 6 hours, with an additional 12 hours provided by the charging case.

Best For

These Bose earbuds are particularly well-suited for frequent travelers who need effective noise cancellation on the go. Commuters will appreciate their ability to block out the noise of buses and trains, offering a more peaceful ride. Fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from the earbuds' water-resistant design, making them perfect for intense workouts or rainy conditions. Those who prioritize comfort will find the secure fit of the StayHear Max eartips ideal for long listening sessions without discomfort. Overall, they're a great choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound and a versatile, all-day listening experience.

User Feedback

User reviews highlight the excellent sound clarity and impressive noise cancellation, making these earbuds a popular choice for those who need to tune out the world. Many users also praise the comfort and fit, noting that the StayHear Max eartips allow for hours of use without ear fatigue. On the downside, some have mentioned that the touch controls can be overly sensitive at times, which may require adjustment. While the battery life is generally praised, some users wish it could last longer, especially for extended trips. Overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a focus on the high-quality audio experience.

Pros

  • Effective noise cancellation blocks out background distractions, ideal for travelers and commuters.
  • StayHear Max eartips provide a comfortable, secure fit for long listening sessions.
  • Transparency Mode lets in ambient sounds when needed, offering a balanced listening experience.
  • IPX4 rating ensures sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
  • Up to 6 hours of battery life with an additional 12 hours via the charging case for extended use.
  • Touch controls make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and toggle noise cancellation without fumbling with buttons.

Cons

  • The 6-hour battery life may not be enough for long trips without access to a charging case.
  • Some users find the touch controls too sensitive, leading to accidental adjustments.
  • The charging case is slightly bulky, which can be inconvenient for pocket storage.
  • Noise cancellation may not be as effective in extremely noisy environments like crowded cities or concerts.
  • Price is on the higher side compared to some other wireless earbuds with similar features.
  • Plastic build may feel less premium compared to other high-end wireless earbuds.

Ratings

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2020 Model has received a mix of praise and constructive feedback from users worldwide, based on reviews from various platforms and languages. Our analysis, which filtered out spam and off-topic responses, reflects both the product's strengths, such as exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancellation, and areas where users have pointed out room for improvement. Across the globe, users have highlighted its superior comfort and ease of use, although some have noted that the touch controls could be more responsive.

Noise Cancellation
93%
Many users rave about the exceptional noise cancellation of these earbuds, noting how it effectively blocks out external noise in noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. The active noise cancellation feature truly enhances the listening experience, allowing for immersive sound without distractions.
However, a few users have mentioned that while the noise cancellation works well in most situations, it's not as effective in extremely loud environments, such as very crowded spaces or concerts. Additionally, some found that the ANC feature could cause slight discomfort during extended wear.
Comfort and Fit
89%
The StayHear Max eartips provide a secure and comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions. Many reviewers appreciate how these earbuds stay in place, whether running, working out, or commuting. The soft eartips also contribute to a snug fit that reduces ear fatigue.
Not everyone found the fit perfect, with a few users noting that the earbuds can feel bulky or too large, especially for those with smaller ears. A handful of buyers also reported discomfort after extended wear, although this was less common.
Battery Life
85%
The battery life is generally praised, with users enjoying up to 6 hours of playtime per charge. Many find the additional 12 hours from the charging case to be convenient, making these earbuds ideal for all-day use or long travel times.
Some users have expressed a desire for longer battery life, especially for extended trips or continuous use throughout the day. A few also mentioned that the charging case could be more compact, as it takes up a bit of space in pockets or bags.
Sound Quality
92%
The sound quality receives high marks for its clear, balanced sound profile. Users appreciate the deep bass and crisp highs, making these earbuds suitable for a variety of music genres, podcasts, and calls. The immersive audio experience is further enhanced by the active noise cancellation feature.
Some buyers feel the sound could be a little more dynamic or powerful, especially in comparison to other premium wireless earbuds. A few also mentioned that the sound quality can slightly drop when using Transparency Mode.
Touch Controls Responsiveness
73%
27%
The touch controls are convenient for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and managing calls. Users appreciate the simple, intuitive interface that avoids the need for physical buttons, contributing to a sleek design and easy operation.
However, several users have found the touch controls to be overly sensitive, leading to accidental adjustments during use. Some also noted that it can take a few tries to get the gestures right, which can be frustrating during active use or when wearing gloves.
Water Resistance
80%
20%
The IPX4 rating ensures that these earbuds are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them a great choice for workouts and outdoor activities. Many users have tested them during runs or at the gym and found them to hold up well against moisture.
While the IPX4 rating is sufficient for casual water exposure, some users have expressed concerns about the earbuds' long-term durability in more intense conditions, such as heavy rain or high-intensity workouts. A few even mentioned that prolonged exposure to moisture led to minor performance issues.
Ease of Use
88%
Users find these earbuds easy to set up and connect to their devices via Bluetooth 5.1. The seamless pairing process and stable connection are praised, as well as the ability to switch between devices without much hassle. Overall, the controls are straightforward and user-friendly.
A few users reported issues with connectivity dropping unexpectedly, particularly when switching between multiple devices. Some also mentioned that the earbuds occasionally take a little longer than expected to pair, which can be inconvenient when in a rush.
Build Quality
90%
The build quality is solid, with users noting that the earbuds feel premium and durable without being too heavy. The compact, well-designed case also receives praise for being easy to carry and protecting the earbuds effectively.
However, some have pointed out that the charging case could feel a bit bulky in pockets or small bags. A few also mentioned that while the earbuds are sturdy, the plastic build may feel slightly less premium compared to higher-end competitors.
Portability
84%
The earbuds' lightweight design makes them easy to carry around in a pocket or bag, with many users appreciating how they take up minimal space. The compact charging case also contributes to their portability, making them a great travel companion.
While the earbuds themselves are small, the charging case can feel a bit bulky, especially for those who prioritize ultra-portable accessories. Some users have found it slightly inconvenient to carry around during daily commutes or when trying to minimize pocket clutter.
Value for Money
86%
Most buyers consider these earbuds to offer good value for money, given the excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit. While they are on the pricier side, users feel they deliver in terms of performance and long-term usability.
However, some users have mentioned that the price point may be too high for those who don’t need all the advanced features, like active noise cancellation or high-end sound quality. A few feel that there are more affordable options with similar features available on the market.
Connectivity (Bluetooth)
91%
The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity is praised for its stability and long-range performance. Users appreciate that they can walk around freely without losing connection, even in areas with some interference, such as busy streets or crowded cafes.
A small number of users have reported occasional issues with connectivity, especially when switching between devices or using them in areas with heavy signal interference. This was not a widespread issue but was noted by a few buyers.
User Support & Warranty
79%
21%
Bose’s customer support has received generally positive feedback, with users mentioning quick responses and helpful guidance when issues arise. The warranty also provides peace of mind, especially for those concerned about potential malfunctions.
Some buyers have expressed frustration with longer-than-expected response times or difficulty reaching a support representative. A few also felt that the warranty coverage could be more comprehensive, given the price of the earbuds.

Suitable for:

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2020 Model are an excellent choice for frequent travelers and commuters who need to block out distractions and enjoy high-quality sound. Their effective noise cancellation makes them ideal for long flights, train rides, or any environment where outside noise is a concern. Fitness enthusiasts will also benefit from the sweat-resistant design, as these earbuds stay secure during exercise, even during intense workouts. Additionally, those who value comfort will appreciate the StayHear Max eartips, which provide a snug and comfortable fit for extended wear. With their long-lasting battery life, they are also great for individuals who need reliable, all-day audio on the go.

Not suitable for:

However, these earbuds may not be the best option for those seeking a truly compact or ultra-portable solution. The charging case, while protective, can be bulky, and some users have found it inconvenient to carry in tight pockets. Those who prioritize extremely long battery life might find the 6-hour playtime a bit limiting, especially for extended use without access to a charging case. Additionally, while the noise cancellation is effective in many situations, it might not be as effective in extremely loud or crowded environments, making these earbuds less suitable for individuals who frequently find themselves in such environments. Users looking for a truly premium build quality may also feel the plastic construction is a bit lacking compared to other high-end competitors.

Specifications

  • Model: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2020 Model, part of Bose's premium QuietComfort line.
  • Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology reduces external noise for immersive audio.
  • Transparency Mode: Allows ambient sounds to pass through for situational awareness when needed.
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of playback on a full charge, with an additional 12 hours provided by the charging case.
  • Charging Method: Supports both USB-C and wireless charging options for convenience.
  • Water Resistance: IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, suitable for light exercise or outdoor use.
  • Bluetooth Version: Uses Bluetooth 5.1 for stable wireless connectivity with a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters).
  • Eartips: Includes StayHear Max eartips in three sizes (small, medium, large) for a secure and comfortable fit.
  • Microphone: Noise-rejecting microphone system for clear calls and voice commands, even in noisy environments.
  • Driver Type: Dynamic drivers deliver deep bass and clear highs for balanced sound quality.
  • Weight: Each earbud weighs approximately 9 grams, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended use.
  • Frequency Range: Supports a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz for full-range audio playback.
  • Control Type: Touch controls on the earbuds allow easy management of music, calls, and noise cancellation.
  • Connectivity: Compatible with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth, providing broad device support.
  • Charging Case: Compact charging case provides additional battery life, charges via USB-C or wireless.
  • Compatibility: Works with Bose Music app for additional customization, including noise-cancellation settings.
  • Driver Sensitivity: High sensitivity drivers offer clear and dynamic sound at various volume levels.
  • Earbud Size: Each earbud measures approximately 1.1 inches in length and 0.7 inches in width.
  • Warranty: Comes with a standard 1-year warranty, providing coverage against manufacturing defects.

FAQ

These true wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation for immersive sound, along with Transparency Mode to let in ambient sounds when needed. They are equipped with StayHear Max eartips for a comfortable fit and an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance. The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of battery life, with an additional 12 hours provided by the charging case.

To connect the earbuds, enable Bluetooth on your phone and open the Bluetooth settings. Once you take the earbuds out of the case, they will enter pairing mode automatically. Select the earbuds from the list of available devices, and you should be connected. You can also use the Bose Music app for easier setup and to customize your listening experience.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2020 Model offers up to 6 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge. The charging case provides an additional 12 hours of battery life, so you can get a total of 18 hours of use before needing to recharge both the earbuds and the case.

Yes, these earbuds have an IPX4 rating, meaning they are sweat and water-resistant. They are suitable for exercise, outdoor activities, or light rain, but should not be submerged in water. The snug fit provided by the StayHear Max eartips also helps keep them securely in place during workouts.

Transparency Mode allows you to hear ambient sounds, like voices or traffic, while still enjoying your music. This is useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as when you're walking in a busy area or waiting for announcements at the airport. You can toggle this feature using the touch controls on the earbuds.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds come with touch-sensitive controls. To adjust the volume or skip tracks, simply tap on the earbuds' touch surface. The controls are customizable via the Bose Music app, so you can set them up according to your preferences.

Yes, these earbuds are fully compatible with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth. You can pair them with smartphones, tablets, or laptops that support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. For additional features, such as customization options, you can download the Bose Music app from the App Store or Google Play.

Yes, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are an excellent choice for travel. The active noise cancellation helps block out engine noise, chatter, and other distractions during flights. The long battery life and compact design also make them convenient for extended use on long-haul trips.

Yes, these earbuds come with built-in microphones designed to capture your voice clearly during phone calls. They also feature noise-rejecting technology to minimize background noise, ensuring that your calls are as clear as possible, even in noisy environments.

If the touch controls are too sensitive and causing accidental actions, you can adjust their sensitivity through the Bose Music app. Alternatively, you can try adjusting the way you tap or swipe on the earbuds, as a lighter touch may reduce accidental inputs.