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- Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
- Best budget: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
- Best premium: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- Best for travel: Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) prioritize noise cancellation and provide up to 8.5 hours of listening per charge.
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use an open-ear clip design and provide up to 7.5 hours of listening per charge.
- Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds offer up to 10 hours per charge with ANC off.
- Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds are premium in-ear alternatives.
- Choose earbuds by fit, listening environment, battery needs and phone ecosystem—not by Black Friday positioning alone.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds suit different listening priorities: noise cancellation and a sealed in-ear fit versus open-ear comfort and awareness of surrounding sound. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends on where you listen, how much isolation you want and whether you prefer earbuds that sit in your ear canal.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across eight wireless earbud options. On paper, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) lead on battery life per charge, while Bose Ultra Open Earbuds stand out for their open design. The guide also compares premium, budget and ecosystem-focused alternatives, with key specs to help you find the right match.
How We Picked
- Compared published battery-life estimates per charge and with charging cases where available.
- Considered fit and design, including sealed in-ear, open-ear and ear-hook-style options.
- Reviewed stated water-resistance ratings and Bluetooth specifications when manufacturers publish them.
- Compared notable features such as active noise cancellation, open-ear audio, charging-case displays and phone integration.
- Used product specifications, reviews and owner feedback to identify practical strengths and trade-offs for different listeners.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Battery per charge | Total battery with case | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) | Commuting and everyday noise cancellation | Up to 8.5 hours | Up to 31 hours | IPX4 |
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Open-ear comfort and situational awareness | Up to 7.5 hours | Up to 27 hours | IPX4 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Premium Bose noise cancellation | Up to 6 hours | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds | Travel and Sony audio features | Up to 8 hours | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | Apple device owners | Up to 6 hours | Up to 30 hours | IP54 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds | Audio-focused listening | Up to 7.5 hours | Up to 30 hours | IP54 |
| JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds | A feature-rich charging case | Up to 12 hours, ANC off | Up to 48 hours, ANC off | IP55 |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds | Value-focused ANC listening | Up to 10 hours, ANC off | Up to 50 hours, ANC off | IPX4 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are the best noise-cancelling earbuds for commuters who want a sealed fit and up to 8.5 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Commuting and everyday noise cancellation
- Battery per charge
- Up to 8.5 hours
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Charging
- USB-C case
- Active noise cancellation in a conventional in-ear design
- Long stated battery life per charge
- IPX4 rating for sweat and splashes
- Sealed ear tips do not suit listeners who want open-ear awareness
- Charging case does not support wireless charging
Are Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for listeners who want noise cancellation, a sealed fit and up to 8.5 hours of listening per charge. Choose another design if you need open-ear awareness.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the best open-ear earbuds for listeners who want to hear their surroundings, with up to 7.5 hours of audio playback per charge.
Best for: Open-ear comfort and situational awareness
- Battery per charge
- Up to 7.5 hours
- Immersive Audio battery
- Up to 4.5 hours
- Case battery
- Up to 19.5 additional hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Open-ear clip-on design leaves the ear canal uncovered
- Useful for listening while staying aware of nearby sound
- Immersive Audio mode is available
- Open design does not provide conventional noise isolation
- Less suited to noisy commutes than sealed ANC earbuds
Are Bose Ultra Open Earbuds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are worth considering for listeners who dislike sealed ear tips or want more awareness of nearby sound. Their open-ear design provides up to 7.5 hours of playback, but does not replace noise-cancelling in-ear earbuds.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the best premium Bose earbuds for listeners seeking noise cancellation and immersive modes, with up to 6 hours of playback per charge.
Best for: Premium Bose noise cancellation
- Battery per charge
- Up to 6 hours
- Immersive Audio battery
- Up to 4 hours
- Total battery with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Premium Bose noise-cancelling feature set
- Immersive Audio listening mode
- Charging case adds substantial listening time
- Shorter per-charge battery life than Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
- Premium feature set is more than some listeners need
Are Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) suit listeners who want Bose noise cancellation alongside Immersive Audio modes. The earbuds provide up to 6 hours per charge and up to 24 hours with the case, making them a premium alternative to the standard QuietComfort model.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds are the best Sony option for frequent travelers who want ANC and up to 8 hours of playback per charge.
Best for: Travel and Sony audio features
- Battery per charge with ANC
- Up to 8 hours
- Total battery with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Active noise cancellation for travel and busy spaces
- Up to 24 hours of combined battery life
- Wireless charging case
- Foam-style tips do not suit every listener
- Controls and features take time to personalize
Are Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds are a strong fit for travelers who want ANC, a compact case and up to 8 hours of playback per charge. Their IPX4 rating also covers sweat and light splashes.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) are the best earbuds for Apple users who want ANC and up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Apple device owners
- Battery per charge
- Up to 6 hours
- Total battery with case
- Up to 30 hours
- Dust and water resistance
- IP54
- Charging connector
- USB-C
- Straightforward integration with Apple devices
- Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
- Case supports MagSafe and USB-C charging
- Some features work best within the Apple ecosystem
- Earbud fit is personal and depends on tip selection
Are Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) are a practical choice for Apple users who want ANC, Transparency mode and up to 30 hours of combined battery life. Android users receive fewer ecosystem benefits.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds are the best premium audio-focused alternative for listeners who want up to 7.5 hours per charge.
Best for: Audio-focused listening
- Battery per charge
- Up to 7.5 hours
- Total battery with case
- Up to 30 hours
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.4
- Dust and water resistance
- IP54
- Up to 30 hours of combined playback
- IP54 dust and water resistance
- Wireless charging case
- Premium feature set and price positioning exceed basic listening needs
- The in-ear fit requires a suitable ear-tip size
Are Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds suit listeners who prioritize a premium feature set and up to 30 hours of total battery life. Their IP54 rating offers added protection against dust and water compared with IPX4 earbuds.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
The JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are the best feature-rich option for listeners who value a display-equipped case and up to 48 hours of playback with ANC off.
Best for: A feature-rich charging case
- Battery per charge, ANC off
- Up to 12 hours
- Total battery, ANC off
- Up to 48 hours
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Water and dust resistance
- IP55
- Charging case has a built-in touch display
- Long stated battery life with ANC off
- IP55 rating
- Battery life falls when ANC is enabled
- The case display adds controls some listeners do not need
Are JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are worth considering for listeners who want a touch-display charging case and long battery life. JBL states up to 48 hours total with ANC off; playback time decreases when ANC is enabled.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are the best budget-focused ANC pick for listeners who want up to 10 hours per charge with ANC off.
Best for: Value-focused ANC listening
- Battery per charge, ANC off
- Up to 10 hours
- Total battery with case, ANC off
- Up to 50 hours
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Long stated battery life with ANC off
- Active noise cancellation and app controls
- Wireless charging case
- Battery estimates decrease with ANC enabled
- App settings take time to tailor
Are Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are a value-focused option for listeners who want ANC and long battery life. Soundcore states up to 10 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case when ANC is off.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or Bose Ultra Open Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds suit noise reduction, while Bose Ultra Open Earbuds keep the ear canal uncovered so nearby sounds remain audible.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds use a sealed fit and active noise cancellation, with up to 8.5 hours of playback per charge. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds clip around the outer ear and provide up to 7.5 hours per charge.
Choose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for flights, offices and commutes. Choose Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for walks, desk listening and situations where hearing your surroundings matters.
Are Bose Ultra Open Earbuds good for running and outdoor use?
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer an open fit, up to 7.5 hours of playback and an IPX4 rating for resistance to sweat and splashes. They suit workouts and outdoor listening when awareness of nearby sounds is important.
The open design provides less music isolation than sealed earbuds, and IPX4 does not mean the earbuds are submersible. Check that the clip feels secure and comfortable. For more isolation at a gym or on public transit, consider Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or another sealed ANC model.
How long does each Bose earbud battery last?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide up to 8.5 hours per charge; Bose Ultra Open Earbuds provide up to 7.5 hours. Volume, features and connection conditions affect actual playback time.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer up to 19.5 additional hours from the case, for up to 27 hours combined. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer up to 2.5 additional charges, or up to 31 hours based on the per-charge estimate.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) provide up to 6 hours per charge and up to 24 hours with the case. Immersive Audio reduces playback time, so compare battery estimates for the mode you use.
Which earbuds are best for noise cancellation?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds all offer active noise cancellation.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide up to 8.5 hours per charge. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) add Bose listening modes and provide up to 6 hours per charge. Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds provide up to 8 hours with ANC enabled.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds leave the ear canal open, so they are not a substitute for sealed earbuds when blocking ambient sound is the priority. Fit and a secure ear-tip seal also affect isolation and comfort.
What should I compare before buying earbuds on Black Friday 2026?
Choose between a sealed fit with ANC and an open-ear design, then compare battery estimates for your listening modes. ANC, Immersive Audio and volume affect playback time; case totals include charging breaks.
Check water and dust resistance for your routine. IPX4 covers splash resistance, while IP54 and IP55 add dust protection. Also consider device compatibility and useful extras: Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) suit Apple users, and JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds have a display-equipped case.
Buying Guide
Choose a fit that matches your day
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide sealed in-ear listening; Bose Ultra Open Earbuds leave the ear canal uncovered. Choose based on comfort, stability and how much outside sound you want to hear.
Compare battery life in the right mode
Check whether estimates apply with ANC off, ANC on or Immersive Audio active. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide up to 8.5 hours per charge; JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds list longer playback with ANC off.
Match resistance ratings to your routine
IPX4 covers splashes and sweat, while IP54 and IP55 add dust protection. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are rated IPX4; Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds are rated IP54.
Check phone compatibility and extra features
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) suit Apple users. Compare app controls, charging options and case features, including the display on JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds.
Prioritize the feature you will use most
For ANC, compare Bose QuietComfort Earbuds with Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds. For open-ear listening, consider Bose Ultra Open Earbuds; for a value-focused ANC option, compare Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds.
FAQ
Which Bose earbuds are better for flying?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are the better Bose choice for flying because their sealed in-ear design and active noise cancellation help reduce surrounding sound. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds leave the ear canal uncovered and are better suited to listeners who prioritize awareness over isolation.
Do Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have noise cancellation?
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use an open-ear design rather than conventional sealed in-ear noise cancellation. The fit leaves the ear canal uncovered, allowing more surrounding sound to reach the listener. Choose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) if blocking noise is a priority.
Can I use Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for calls?
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds support calls as well as audio playback. Their open design leaves nearby sound audible during conversations, which some listeners prefer. Call quality also depends on microphone conditions, connection quality and background noise where the earbuds are used.
Do Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) support wireless charging?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) charge through the included case using USB-C and do not support wireless charging. Check the charging requirements before buying if a wireless charging case is important to your setup.
Which earbuds have the longest battery life in this guide?
JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds list up to 48 hours total with ANC off, while Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True-Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds list up to 50 hours under the same ANC-off condition. Battery time decreases when ANC is enabled.
Are open-ear earbuds better than noise-cancelling earbuds?
Open-ear earbuds suit listeners who want to hear more of their surroundings, while noise-cancelling earbuds suit people seeking more isolation in busy places. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) represent those different priorities; neither design is best for every setting.