Affordable Pro X earbuds may outperform Bose QuietComfort 2, offering similar quality at a lower price point
The new Status Audio Pro X earbuds are making waves in the premium true wireless earbuds market, challenging the well-established Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. These earbuds have been designed to address areas where the Between 3ANC earbuds could have been improved, positioning themselves as strong competitors.
Features
The Status Audio Pro X earbuds boast a hybrid triple-driver system with a 12mm dynamic driver plus dual Knowles balanced armature drivers. They offer hybrid active noise cancellation with up to -52dB reduction, an adjustable transparency (ambient-aware) mode, AI-powered Voiceloom for clearer phone calls, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, Auracast support, and multipoint connectivity (connect two devices simultaneously). The earbuds support SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 audio codecs, have IP55 water and dust resistance, and offer up to 8 hours playback per charge, 24 hours total with the case. They are High-Resolution Wireless Audio certified (Japan Audio Society), feature Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, and offer customizable EQ via app.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, based on the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds details, offer industry-leading active noise cancellation with dynamic CustomTune technology adapting to surroundings, strong bass and balanced sound tailored via Bose processing, high-quality voice call experience with natural and clear voice transmission, likely Bluetooth 5.x connectivity with multipoint, IPX4 water resistance, typically around 6 hours playback per charge, with additional charges in case totaling ~18 hours.
Performance
In terms of sound quality, the Pro X’s triple-driver system with balanced armatures plus dynamic driver suggests superior clarity and range, especially with customizable EQ and high-res wireless certification. Bose QC Earbuds 2 are renowned for excellent, well-rounded sound with adaptive noise cancelling, widely praised as market-leading in noise cancellation and sound tuning.
The Status Pro X offers hybrid active noise cancellation rated up to -52dB, which compares well to Bose’s top-tier adaptive ANC that is widely regarded as the best or among the best in the industry. Bose’s system also adapts in real-time to sudden noise changes, providing a very refined experience, although it can cause a vacuum sensation for some listeners.
The Pro X earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, LE Audio (newer, more efficient standard), Auracast (broadcast feature), and multipoint connection. Bose offers strong Bluetooth connectivity and multipoint but without LE Audio or Auracast, making Pro X potentially more future-proof in this regard.
In terms of fit and comfort, Status Audio highlights a slimmer, lighter, and more ergonomic design promoting longer wearing comfort. Bose QuietComfort earbuds also prioritize comfort but are bulkier, which may not suit all users for extended wear.
Price
The Status Audio Pro X earbuds are priced at £226 / €261 / $299 / AU$466, but pre-orders are currently discounted in the UK, US, and Australia to £189 / $249 / AU$389. The earbuds are scheduled to ship in September.
In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 typically retail around $279-$299 USD (current market pricing for QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen is similar).
Summary
The Status Audio Pro X earbuds offer a compelling package with advanced drivers, enhanced audio codec support, longer battery life, and better ingress protection at a comparable or slightly lower price point, making them a strong contender to rival the well-established Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 especially for users prioritizing advanced noise cancellation, high-res audio, and future-proof connectivity features. Bose remains superior in adaptive noise cancellation finesse and has an edge in voice call clarity and brand recognition.
For consumers choosing between the two, the decision might depend on the priority of brand reliability and established ANC performance (favoring Bose) versus advanced driver configuration, codec support, and battery life (favoring Status Pro X).
[1] Status Audio Pro X Earbuds [2] Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 [3] Comparison of Status Audio Pro X and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 [4] Review of Status Audio Between 3ANC Earbuds
- The hybrid triple-driver system with balanced armature drivers in the Status Audio Pro X earbuds sets them apart from smartphones, allowing for superior sound quality and a wider range of audio options.
- The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, with their industry-leading active noise cancellation and adaptive sound technology, are often compared to high-end gadgets, offering users an immersive and tailored listening experience.
