Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Technics EAH-AZ100 Comparison

Compare Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Technics EAH-AZ100 side by side: specs, ratings, pros and cons, and which one fits your room best.

On this page
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds product image
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds
Launch price $299
Editor's pick
Technics EAH-AZ100 product image
Technics EAH-AZ100
Launch price $299.99

At a Glance

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

Travel often and want the strongest noise cancelling Bose fits into earbuds? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are premium noise-cancelling earbuds with CustomTune calibration, Immersive Audio, aptX Adaptive support and a wireless charging case.

Best For
Frequent flyers and loud commutes
Launch Price
$299
Dust/Water Rating
IPX4
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Noise Cancelling
Adaptive ANC (CustomTune)
Battery (Buds)
6 h
Battery (With Case)
—
Multipoint
Yes
Technics EAH-AZ100

Switching between several devices every day and care about sound? The Technics EAH-AZ100 are noise-cancelling earbuds with 10 mm Magnetic Fluid Drivers, adaptive hybrid ANC, LDAC and LC3 support, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint for up to three devices, Voice Focus AI call processing and up to 10 hours per charge with ANC on.

Best For
Audiophiles who juggle a laptop, phone and tablet
Launch Price
$299.99
Dust/Water Rating
IPX4
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Noise Cancelling
Adaptive hybrid ANC
Battery (Buds)
Up to 10 hours (ANC on, AAC)
Battery (With Case)
Up to 28 hours (ANC on, AAC)
Multipoint
Up to 3 devices

Review Scores Compared

How we score

Expert Score

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds8.2/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.0/10 Leads

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds8.0/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ10010.0/10 Leads

ANC & Transparency

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.5/10 Leads
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.4/10

Battery & Case Charging

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.8/10 Leads

Fit, Stability & Portability

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1008.2/10 Leads

Connectivity & UC Integration

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.0/10 Leads
  • Technics EAH-AZ1005.4/10

Sound & Audio Quality

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.1/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.4/10 Leads

Editorial Reviews Comparison

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds8.0/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ10010.0/10Leader

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

The second generation brought upgraded microphones and processing for calls, one of the main complaints about the first model. The mics focus on your voice and reduce surrounding noise and wind before the signal reaches the phone. Unlike many business earbuds, they ship without a USB adapter for laptop calls.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Voice Focus AI uses multiple microphones and processing to isolate your voice from background noise. Technics trained the algorithm to recognise voice versus ambient sound. For hybrid workers, this makes them a credible alternative to business-focused earbuds, especially when paired with three-device multipoint and a laptop that stays connected all day.

ANC & Transparency

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.5/10Leader
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.4/10

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

Bose's ActiveSense ANC is among the strongest in any earbud. It removes engine drone and air-conditioning hum, and does better than most rivals with voices and office chatter. Aware mode lets sound in naturally, and ActiveSense reduces sudden loud noises while staying in Aware. That is useful on city streets.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Adaptive hybrid ANC uses feedforward and feedback microphones to adjust to your surroundings and fit. An ambient mode is available for conversations and announcements. Noise cancelling is strong across low and mid frequencies, removing engine hum and office chatter effectively. It is not quite as aggressive as the best from Sony and Bose, but it remains well above average.

Battery & Case Charging

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.8/10Leader

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

Bose quotes about 6 hours of listening per charge, or about 4 hours with Immersive Audio, and the case adds roughly three more charges. That is enough for most flights and workdays, though Sony and Poly last longer per charge. Immersive Audio is the main battery drain, so switch it off on long trips and save it for films.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Technics rates up to 10 hours with ANC on using AAC, and 28 hours with the case. LDAC reduces that to 7 hours per charge and 18 hours total. Ten hours with noise cancelling on is excellent and covers a full workday of calls and music. The case supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C.

Fit, Stability & Portability

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1008.2/10Leader

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

The buds are larger than most, and they use ear tips plus stability bands in three sizes to hold them in place. The water rating is IPX4, which covers sweat on a run and rain on the way to the station, but not a drop into water.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Technics lists roughly 5.9 g per earpiece and redesigned the shell to be smaller and more ergonomic than the AZ80, with multiple tip sizes included in the box to suit different ear canals. They sit securely for long sessions and seal well, which helps both bass response and noise cancelling.

Connectivity & UC Integration

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.0/10Leader
  • Technics EAH-AZ1005.4/10

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

Bluetooth 5.3 brings two-device multipoint and Google Fast Pair, and aptX Adaptive kicks in on compatible Snapdragon phones. Switching from a laptop call to a phone call happens without re-pairing. Bose says the second generation has a more stable connection, especially in crowded places such as stations and airports. Bose offers no USB adapter and no meeting-platform certification for these buds.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Bluetooth 5.3 supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3. Multipoint connects up to three devices at once, which is rare among earbuds. Three devices means a laptop, a phone and a tablet can stay connected together, and the buds switch to whichever one starts playing. That is a big advantage for people who move between work and personal devices.

Sound & Audio Quality

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.1/10
  • Technics EAH-AZ1009.4/10Leader

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

CustomTune plays a chime when you put the buds in, measures your ear canal and adjusts EQ and ANC to match. Bose's Immersive Audio adds a spatial mode with Still and Motion settings. The tuning is warm and full, with strong bass and smooth highs. On Snapdragon Sound phones aptX Adaptive improves quality, while iPhones use AAC.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Each bud uses a 10 mm Magnetic Fluid Driver, a design Technics brought over from its high-end headphones. The fluid around the voice coil reduces distortion and allows more precise control of the diaphragm. LDAC support lets Android users stream higher-resolution audio, and Dolby Atmos adds spatial playback. They compete directly with the AirPods Pro 3 at the premium end.

Why Bose QC Ultra Earbuds Beats Technics EAH-AZ100 (and Vice Versa)

Why Bose QC Ultra Earbuds beats Technics EAH-AZ100

  • Better connectivity & uc integration: 7.0 vs 5.4 out of 10
  • Driver Type: Dynamic vs Magnetic Fluid Driver

Why Technics EAH-AZ100 beats Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

  • Better battery & case charging: 9.8 vs 7.5 out of 10
  • Better voice & call noise isolation: 10.0 vs 8.0 out of 10
  • Better fit, stability & portability: 8.2 vs 7.5 out of 10
  • Bud Weight: About 5.9 g per bud vs 7.3 g
  • Case Weight: 42 g vs 59.9 g
  • Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 vs SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive

Review-score leads of 0.5+ points out of 10 first, then specs where only one comes out ahead.

Full Specifications

General

Bose QC Ultra EarbudsTechnics EAH-AZ100
Best ForFrequent flyers and loud commutesAudiophiles who juggle a laptop, phone and tablet
Fit TypeTrue wireless in-earIn-ear
Release Year20252025
Launch Price$299 Better$299.99
Case Weight59.9 g42 g Better
Water ResistanceIPX4IPX4 equivalent
MaterialsPlastic (PC-ABS), silicone, metal—
Hi-Res Certified—Yes (LDAC)
Head TrackingYes (Immersive Audio Motion mode)—
ANC LevelsAdjustable (Quiet, Aware, Immersion, plus custom modes in the Bose app)—
Microphone SetupBeamforming microphones in each bud—
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Case Recharges3—
Charging Time2 h2 h
Wireless Range9 m10 m Better
LE Audio / Auracast—LC3
Google Fast PairYes—
Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP, HFP—
Single-Bud UseYes—
ControlsTouchTouch
Companion AppBose appTechnics Audio Connect
Wear DetectionYes—
Custom ControlsYes—
In the BoxEarbuds, wireless charging case, ear tips and stability bands, USB-C cableEar pieces (XS/S/M/ML/L), USB-C to USB-C charging cable (0.2 m)
Warranty1-year limited—
Model NumberQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)EAH-AZ100
OS CompatibilityiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Windows, macOS

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds8.0/10Technics EAH-AZ10010.0/10 Better
Wind Noise ReductionYes (SpeechClarity filters wind on calls)—
Call Noise ReductionVoice-focused noise rejectionVoice Focus AI Better

ANC & Transparency

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.5/10 BetterTechnics EAH-AZ1009.4/10
Noise CancellingAdaptive ANC (CustomTune)Adaptive hybrid ANC
Adaptive ANCYesYes
Transparency ModeYes (Aware mode with ActiveSense)Ambient mode
Active Noise CancellingYesYes

Battery & Case Charging

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10Technics EAH-AZ1009.8/10 Better
Call Time4 h—
Battery (Buds)6 hUp to 10 hours (ANC on, AAC) Better
Battery (With Case)—Up to 28 hours (ANC on, AAC)
Wireless ChargingYesYes (Qi)
Fast ChargingYesYes

Fit, Stability & Portability

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.5/10Technics EAH-AZ1008.2/10 Better
Bud Weight7.3 gAbout 5.9 g per bud Better
Ear Tip SizesThree sizes of tips and stability bandsXS, S, M, ML, L
Dust/Water RatingIPX4IPX4
Ear Hooks / WingsYes (stability bands)—
Case Dimensions66.0 x 59.7 x 26.9 mm—

Connectivity & UC Integration

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds7.0/10 BetterTechnics EAH-AZ1005.4/10
USB DongleNoNo
MultipointYesUp to 3 devices
Bluetooth Version5.35.3

Sound & Audio Quality

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds9.1/10Technics EAH-AZ1009.4/10 Better
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 Better
Driver Size—10 mm
Driver TypeDynamic BetterMagnetic Fluid Driver
Custom EQYes (CustomTune and app EQ)—
Frequency Response—20 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Spatial AudioYes (Immersive Audio)Dolby Atmos

Takeaways

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds costs the least ($299), and Technics EAH-AZ100 the most ($299.99).
  • Our pick: Technics EAH-AZ100, with the highest spec-based rating (4.5/5).
  • Choose Bose QC Ultra Earbuds for frequent flyers and loud commutes.
  • Choose Technics EAH-AZ100 for audiophiles who juggle a laptop, phone and tablet.

Pros and Cons

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

PROS

  • Class-leading noise cancelling
  • Secure fit with stability bands
  • Wireless charging case
  • Immersive Audio for films and music

CONS

  • Large case
  • Battery drops with Immersive Audio
  • No dongle or UC certification

Technics EAH-AZ100

PROS

  • Detailed, refined hi-fi sound
  • Three-device multipoint
  • Strong call noise reduction
  • Long battery with ANC on

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Case is larger than some rivals
  • Touch controls can be sensitive

Similar Comparisons

Quick Verdict

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 8.2Leads in ANC & Transparency, Connectivity & UC Integration
  • Technics EAH-AZ100 9.0Best overallLeads in Voice & Call Noise Isolation, Battery & Case Charging, Fit, Stability & Portability