Is the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Edition Xs?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the HiFiMAN Edition Xs to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) buys you 10.8 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. It loses ground on value (9.3 to 7.5). On paper: active noise cancelling, weight 405 g to 236 g and usb-c. Worth checking: driver size goes 80 mm to 40 mm. That costs $90 more, or about $8 per point of score - reasonable value for the jump. If your current pair is worn out or the gains line up with how you listen, this one is worth the money.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.2
- Value9.37.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Edition Xs | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes | |
| Weight | 405 g | 236 g | |
| Driver size | 80 mm | 40 mm | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic | 40 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 50 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Edition Xs to QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)". 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.