Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

When it comes to noise cancellation, Bose has long been the gold standard. With the second generation of their QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, they’ve taken an already class-leading product and refined it, adding a few key features that make the best even better. This isn’t a revolutionary leap, but a masterful evolution that solidifies their position at the top.

Design & Comfort: Big but Secure

Bose hasn’t reinvented the wheel with the Ultra Earbuds’ design. They retain the familiar stem shape, which is a bit larger than some competitors, but the inclusion of three sizes of ear tips and stability bands ensures a secure, comfortable fit for most users. The buds are rated IPX4, making them perfectly fine for a workout or a light drizzle. One minor drawback is the touch controls, which can be a bit sensitive and are easy to accidentally trigger when adjusting the fit. However, this is a minor quibble given the overall comfort and stability.

The Undisputed ANC Champion

This is where the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds truly shine. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is simply phenomenal. Bose’s new algorithm for their ActiveSense technology provides smoother, more seamless transitions when faced with sudden loud noises like sirens or a passing train. Low-frequency rumbles are completely erased, and even higher-frequency sounds like office chatter are significantly muffled. In the “Quiet Mode,” the world simply falls away, leaving you in a blissful cocoon of silence. It’s a truly a premium experience and is still the best ANC on the market.

Sound Quality: Rich, Warm, and Personalized

The sound profile is rich and full-bodied with a punchy, musical quality. The bass is deep and taut, while the mids are warm and natural. Highs are clear and sparkly without being fatiguing. A standout feature is Bose’s CustomTune technology, which uses a calibration tone to tailor the sound and noise cancellation to the unique shape of your ear canal. It’s a subtle but effective way to get the best possible performance.

The big new feature is Bose Immersive Audio, a spatialized audio mode that moves the sound out of your head and places it in front of you, creating a wider soundstage. While it’s a compelling effect for some tracks, it’s not a must-have for every song. It also significantly impacts battery life, so you’ll likely use it sparingly.

Battery Life & Connectivity: Good, but Not Groundbreaking

Bose promises up to six hours of listening time with ANC on, which drops to four hours when using Immersive Audio. The case provides three additional charges, for a total of 24 hours. While this is competitive with rivals like Apple and Sony, it’s not an improvement over the previous generation. The addition of wireless charging to the case, however, is a welcome and long-overdue feature. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices.

Final Verdict: An Unmatched Audio Experience

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) are the definition of an elite audio product. They offer a level of noise cancellation that is simply unrivaled, paired with a warm, engaging sound signature and a comfortable fit. While they could have a longer battery life and a more precise EQ in the app, these are minor criticisms. If you prioritize world-class noise cancellation and a top-tier listening experience, these earbuds are an easy recommendation—and a worthy upgrade for anyone seeking a truly silent escape.

If you are looking for the best earbuds for you, be sure to check out all our headphone and earbuds reviews

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3

Samsung is no stranger to the true wireless earbud market, but with the Galaxy Buds 3, the company has made its most audacious move yet. Ditching the familiar bean-shaped design of its predecessors, Samsung has embraced a new stem-style aesthetic reminiscent of a certain market leader. But is this a case of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, or have the Galaxy Buds 3 carved out their own identity with a host of new features and AI-powered enhancements? We dive deep to find out.

Specs and Features

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 come packed with the latest technology, aiming to deliver a premium audio experience.

Key Features Deep Dive

• New ‘Blade’ Design: The most noticeable change is the new stem design, which Samsung calls the “Blade.” This aims to improve microphone quality for calls and provide a more secure fit for some users. The Buds 3 Pro model even features a unique light on the stem.
• Enhanced Audio Quality: With a new 11mm dynamic driver and support for Samsung’s high-fidelity Seamless Codec, the Buds 3 deliver crisp, clear audio with a respectable bass response.
• Galaxy AI Integration: For Samsung Galaxy phone users, the Buds 3 unlock a suite of AI features. This includes real-time Live Translate for phone calls and an Interpreter mode for in-person conversations, making these earbuds a powerful tool for communication.
• Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC): The ANC on the Buds 3 is effective at blocking out a good amount of ambient noise, particularly in the low-frequency range. The “Adaptive” part of the feature automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment.
• Intuitive Controls: The “blades” of the earbuds feature pinch and swipe controls, which are responsive and easy to use for managing music, calls, and other features.

Pros and Cons

Product Comparison

How do the Galaxy Buds 3 stack up against the competition?

Q & A

Q: Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 work with iPhones and other non-Samsung Android phones?

A: Yes, they function as standard Bluetooth earbuds with other devices. However, you will miss out on key features like the Samsung Seamless Codec for high-quality audio and the full suite of Galaxy AI features, which require a compatible Samsung Galaxy device.

Q: How is the fit of the new design?

A: The fit is subjective. The new stem design is comfortable for many, but some users have reported issues with them staying secure, especially during vigorous activity. It’s recommended to try them on if possible before purchasing.

Q: Are the Galaxy AI features like Live Translate actually useful?

A: For those who travel or communicate with people who speak different languages, these features can be incredibly helpful and work quite well. They are a significant selling point if you are within the Samsung ecosystem.

Q: How does the battery life compare to other earbuds?

A: The battery life is competitive, offering a solid 6 hours with ANC on. While not the absolute best on the market, it’s more than sufficient for most users’ daily needs.

Q: Are they good for working out?

A: With an IP57 water and dust resistance rating, they can certainly handle sweat and rain. However, the security of the fit during intense workouts will vary from person to person.

The Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are a bold and successful reinvention. While the design may be polarizing, the improvements to sound and call quality are undeniable. For users embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy AI features are a game-changer, offering functionality that competitors simply can’t match.

While they may not have the absolute best noise cancellation on the market, they offer a compelling overall package. If you’re a Samsung user looking for a feature-packed and great-sounding pair of earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 3 are an excellent choice. For everyone else, they are still a strong contender, but the value proposition is slightly diminished without access to the full feature set.

Not sure which headphones are right for you? Check out our in-depth Wearables Reviews and make a smarter choice today!

In a significant move for Apple Watch owners, Apple announced it will re-enable a redesigned Blood Oxygen monitoring feature for specific models in the United States. The functionality will be restored for users of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 who purchased their devices after a sales ban temporarily removed the feature.

The restoration comes via software updates rolling out later today. To access the redesigned feature, users will need to update their paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and their Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1.

This development marks the latest chapter in the patent dispute that led to the feature’s initial removal from new units sold in the U.S. The change was made possible by a recent favorable ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The New Implementation: How It Works

The restored feature operates differently from the original version. While the Apple Watch’s advanced sensors will still measure the raw data for blood oxygen saturation, the actual calculation and processing will now be handled by the user’s paired iPhone.

Following the update, users will no longer see the immediate Blood Oxygen percentage on the watch itself. Instead, the collected sensor data will be securely transmitted to the iPhone, where the Health app will process it. The results can then be viewed within the Respiratory section of the Health app.

Apple has confirmed that this change will have no impact on two key groups:

• Apple Watch users who purchased their devices prior to the sales ban and have the original Blood Oxygen feature.
• Any Apple Watch units purchased outside of the United States.

These users will continue to experience the Blood Oxygen app as it has always functioned.

A Commitment to Health

In its announcement, Apple reiterated its dedication to user well-being, stating, “Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features that are grounded in science and have privacy at the core.”

The company highlighted that the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 continue to offer a robust suite of health and safety tools. These include:

• • Irregular rhythm notifications and the ECG app for heart health
• • Sleep Apnea Notifications
• • Fall Detection and Crash Detection
• • Detailed sleep tracking with sleep stages
• • Wrist temperature sensing for cycle tracking
• • The Vitals app for an at-a-glance health summary
• • The Noise app for hearing health
• • The Medications and Mindfulness apps

This software-based workaround is a strategic solution for Apple, allowing it to navigate a complex legal landscape while restoring a highly valued health metric to its U.S. customers. Users with eligible devices are encouraged to install the iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates as soon as they become available.

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