Is the HiFiMAN Edition Xs worth the upgrade from the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Edition Xs actually scores 10.8 points below the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.5 to 9.3). On paper: driver size 40 mm to 80 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes Yes to No and weight goes 236 g to 405 g. It is at least $90 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.28.5
- Value7.59.3
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Edition Xs | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Weight | 236 g | 405 g | |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 80 mm | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 80 mm planar magnetic | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 8 Hz - 50 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) to Edition Xs". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.