Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Nothing Headphone (a): which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 31, 2026

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) price: Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Nothing Headphone (a) price: Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Most people: get the Nothing Headphone (a), because it is the better fit for more of what people buy these for.

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if you want comfort.

Get the Nothing Headphone (a) for phone calls and sound quality.

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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Nothing Headphone (a)

BOSE

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

$369 at Amazon

NOTHING

Nothing Headphone (a)

$129 at Nothing

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): 264gWeight+46 gNothing Headphone (a): 310 g
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Up to 30 hrs in Quiet and Aware modes (23 with Immersive Audio on, 45 with ANC off); 15 min charge = 3 hrsBatteryNothing Headphone (a): Up to 135 hours with ANC off, up to 75 hours with ANC on (AAC, 50% volume)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint (2 devices); SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive; USB-C audio; 2.5mm audio cableConnectivityNothing Headphone (a): Bluetooth 5.4 with dual connection (two devices); USB-C and 3.5 mm wired audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Status light on the left earcupStatus lightNothing Headphone (a): White LED status light (breathing while charging, solid when full, flashing when pairing)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): $369Price today$240 apartNothing Headphone (a): $129

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

See Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) prices

Nothing Headphone (a)

Buy at Nothing$129

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Key differences

Weight: 264g vs 310 gBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): 264g (264g (0.583lb)) ConfirmedSourceNothing Headphone (a): 310 g ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed. Two figures measured under different conditions are shown side by side, not compared.

Who should buy which

The Nothing Headphone (a) Guide names it for travel, music and calls.Travel: On a trip, playback runs up to 75 hours with ANC on and 135 hours with ANC off. ConfirmedSourceMusic: Hi-Res certified wired and wireless, it uses LDAC to carry 24-bit/96kHz audio to a 40 mm titanium-coated driver. Source linkedSourceCalls: AI Clear Voice and three microphones keep calls crisp and echo-free in crowds, cafes and wind. Source linkedSource