Skip to content
HearWiki

Audio-Technica R50x vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Outstanding overall at around $359.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica R50x
  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
HearWiki score
80
85
Sound
8.4
8.2
Noise cancelling
-
9.4
Battery
-
6.5
Calls
-
6.7
Value
8.7
7.5
Price (USD)
$170
$360

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) (2026) against Audio-Technica R50x (2025). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) adds USB-C.

  • R50x2025
  • QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)20261 yr newer
What differsR50xQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

R50xQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$170
$360
HearWiki score
80
85
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
45 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
45 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
50 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
93.3 dB/mW
110 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.4
Codecs
-
AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
24 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 2.5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Weight
207 g
236 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
velour
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
-
6

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica R50x

The Audio-Technica R50x is a lightweight, open-back wired headphone designed for studio monitoring and mixing tasks. It delivers a neutral-leaning sound with a wide soundstage, fast transients, and a boosted low end, while its 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from everyday devices. The package includes dual detachable cables, though the headband adjustment mechanism could be smoother.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Open, airy soundstage with fast transients
  • Pro:Easy to drive from phones or laptops
  • Con:Headband adjustment feels rough or not smooth
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets noise in
  • Con:Build quality may feel basic at this price

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined over-ear wireless option that prioritizes all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, with a noticeable bump in sound clarity over their predecessor. They pack a solid 24-hour battery, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a lightweight 236g frame, though the premium price and limited EQ tweaks keep them from being a universal slam dunk. Overall, they're a strong pick for frequent travelers or office workers who value silence and ease of wear over cutting-edge extras.

  • Pro:Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear, improved sound quality with LDAC support
  • Con:High price tag for a modest upgrade
  • Con:Limited EQ controls in the companion app
  • Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonAudio-Technica R50xBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)