Bose Sleepbuds II vs. QuietOn Sleep Earbuds: The Sleep-Off You’ve Been Waiting For

Let’s face it, sleep can feel like a battlefield when snoring, traffic, or rowdy neighbors crash the party. Enter the Bose Sleepbuds II and QuietOn Sleep Earbuds, two gadgets designed to tackle those nighttime noise woes. They’re not your typical earbuds, though, they’re built from the ground up for sleep, each taking a different path to quiet things down. One plays soothing sounds to mask the chaos, while the other relies on tech to hush it outright. So, how do they stack up? This isn’t about crowning a champ, it’s about digging into what they offer so you can figure out what fits your sleep style. From how they feel in your ears to how long they last, here’s the full rundown, broken down like a chat with a friend who’s tried them both.

Overview of Bose Sleepbuds II

The Bose Sleepbuds II hit the scene as a follow-up to Bose’s first stab at sleep-focused earbuds. These aren’t your everyday wireless buds, they’re tiny devices made specifically for bedtime, skipping Bluetooth streaming to focus on playing pre-loaded sounds. Think of them as tiny earbuds that tuck into your ears and stay there all night.

Design and Fit

These buds are small, seriously small, and shaped to sit flush against your ear. Bose went all-in on comfort, using soft silicone tips that come in multiple sizes to fit different ears. The idea? No annoying pressure, even if you’re a side sleeper. The case they come in feels solid, with a sliding lid that’s oddly satisfying to open and close, plus little lights to show battery levels.

Thanks to their low-profile design and snug tips, they don’t budge much overnight. Testers have noted they rarely fall out, which is a big deal if you toss and turn.

How They Handle Noise

The Bose Sleepbuds II don’t use active noise cancellation (ANC), instead, they rely on passive noise blocking from the seal of the tips, paired with a library of sounds stored right on the buds. You’ve got options like nature noises, gentle music, or white noise, all meant to drown out stuff like snoring or street sounds. They’re not about total silence; they’re about covering up the racket with something calmer.

The Audio Catch

Here’s the trade-off: you’re stuck with Bose’s sound library. No streaming your favorite podcast or playlist, the audio’s pre-loaded via the Bose Sleep app. Some folks find plenty to like in there, while others wish for more variety.

Battery Life

Each bud runs for 10 hours on a single charge, enough for a full night. The case holds three extra charges, giving you around 40 hours total before you need to plug it in. It uses a USB-C cable, which keeps things simple and modern. One hiccup? You’ve got to charge them for six hours out of the box before first use, so no instant gratification.

Setup and Use

Getting them going is straightforward. The app walks you through pairing and picking sounds, with visuals to show how they should sit in your ears. Once set, they’re a breeze to use, just pop them out of the case, stick them in, and let the sounds roll.

Built-In Alarm

They’ve got a gentle alarm feature too, loud enough to wake you but not so harsh it jolts you out of bed. Still, if you rely on a softer external alarm, you might need to test how much it gets through.

Overview of QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

The QuietOn Sleep Earbuds (specifically the 3.1 model) come from a Finnish crew focused on cutting noise without adding any sound. These are the smallest ANC earbuds out there, designed to zap low-frequency disturbances like snoring or traffic hums. No music, no white noise, just pure, tech-driven quiet.

Design and Fit

These things are tiny, smaller than most wireless earbuds, and curved to nestle into your ear. They come with four sizes of memory foam tips that squish down for a snug fit. Side sleepers tend to like them since they don’t stick out much, though you’ve got to insert them quick before the foam expands.

The lightweight build and soft tips make them easy to wear for hours. They’re subtle enough that you barely notice them, even lying on your side, though some folks say getting the perfect fit takes a bit of fiddling.

How They Handle Noise

QuietOn leans hard into active noise cancellation, using mics to pick up ambient sounds and counter them with opposite waveforms. It’s especially good at tackling low stuff, think deep snores or engine rumbles, while the foam tips handle some of the higher pitches passively. They’re not perfect against voices or sudden noises, but they soften the background din noticeably.

No Sound, Period

Unlike Bose, there’s no audio playback here. It’s all about reducing what you hear, not adding to it. That means no Bluetooth or EMF radiation either, which some people appreciate.

Battery Life

These earbuds last a whopping 28 hours on one charge, way more than most. The case doesn’t store extra charges like Bose’s, but with that kind of runtime, you’re set for multiple nights. Charging takes about two hours via USB-C, and little LEDs show you how much juice is left.

Setup and Use

There’s no app or setup hassle, take them out of the case, and ANC kicks in after about 20 seconds. A “hearing mode” lets sound through if you hold the case up to the bud, but it’s tricky to trigger consistently. Otherwise, it’s plug-and-play simplicity.

Comparison: Bose Sleepbuds II vs. QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

Here’s where the rubber meets the road, a side-by-side look at how the Bose Sleepbuds II and QuietOn Sleep Earbuds (3.1 model) measure up. From how they fit to how they tackle noise, this section lays out the facts so you can see what each brings to the table. No fluff, just the nitty-gritty details pulled straight from real-world use and testing.

Comfort and Fit

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Shape and Size: These are tiny, about the size of a small coin, and designed to sit flush with your ear. They use soft silicone tips that come in three sizes (small, medium, large).

• Materials: The tips are smooth and flexible, paired with a lightweight plastic body.

• Side Sleeping: Their low-profile shape means no poking or discomfort when lying on your side. Testers found them unnoticeable even after hours.

• Fit Feedback: The snug seal keeps them in place, they didn’t fall out during testing, even with movement. Multiple tip sizes help most people find a good fit.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Shape and Size: Even smaller than most earbuds, with a curved design that tucks into the ear. They come with four sizes of memory foam tips (extra small, small, medium, large).

• Materials: Foam tips that compress for insertion, paired with a lightweight shell. They’re billed as the world’s smallest ANC earbuds.

• Side Sleeping: The flat, compact shape works for side sleepers, though some felt them slightly more than Bose if the fit wasn’t perfect.

• Fit Feedback: Secure once the right size is found, but the foam expands fast, inserting them quickly is key. Some users needed a few tries to get it right.

Takeaway: Both are comfy and side-sleeper-friendly. Bose’s silicone tips feel softer and adapt easily, while QuietOn’s foam needs a bit more finesse to nail the fit.

Noise Reduction Approach

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Method: Relies on passive noise blocking from the silicone tips’ seal, plus sound masking with pre-loaded audio tracks. No active noise cancellation here.

• Tech Details: Sounds are stored on the buds themselves, think nature tracks, ambient music, or white noise. The app lets you pick and adjust volume.

• What It Handles: Effective against snoring, traffic, or TV noise when the sound is playing. Without audio, it’s just the passive seal, which softens but doesn’t eliminate noise.

• Frequency Focus: Best with consistent mid-to-low sounds when paired with audio. Higher pitches like voices depend on volume and track choice.

• Limits: It’s not about silencing everything, it layers sound over noise. Sudden bangs or loud talking can still peek through.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Method: Uses active noise cancellation (ANC) with internal mics to counter ambient sounds, plus passive blocking from foam tips. No audio playback at all.

• Tech Details: ANC generates opposite waveforms to cancel low frequencies. The foam adds a physical barrier for higher pitches. No Bluetooth or sound output.

• What It Handles: Cuts low-frequency noises, like deep snoring (up to 80% reduction) or traffic hums, noticeably. Higher sounds like voices or music beats are softened but not fully blocked.

• Frequency Focus: Strongest on low-end stuff (e.g., bass, rumbles). Claims to outperform traditional earplugs in this range.

• Limits: Doesn’t wipe out all noise, sudden sounds or high-pitched talking still get through to some degree.

Takeaway: Bose masks noise with sound; QuietOn reduces it with tech. Bose needs audio to shine, while QuietOn goes for quiet without extras.

Battery Life and Charging

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Runtime: 10 hours per charge for each bud.

• Case Power: The charging case holds three extra charges, totaling 40 hours before needing a plug-in.

• Charging Details: Uses a USB-C cable. Case takes three hours to charge fully, buds take two hours in the case. Requires a six-hour initial charge out of the box.

• Indicators: Soft LED lights on the case show charge status for both case and buds.

• Travel Use: Enough juice for about five nights without recharging the case.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Runtime: 28 hours per charge, nearly three times Bose’s single-charge life.

• Case Power: The case doesn’t store extra charges; it’s just for charging and storage. Total runtime depends on the buds alone.

• Charging Details: USB-C cable, two hours to charge the buds fully. No long initial charge required.

• Indicators: Three LED sets, two for each bud, one for the case, show remaining power.

• Travel Use: 28 hours covers multiple nights, but no case backup means planning ahead.

Takeaway: QuietOn’s 28-hour stretch is a marathon; Bose’s 10 hours plus case flexibility is more travel-friendly. That six-hour first charge on Bose is a drag, though.

Ease of Use

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Setup: Needs the Bose Sleep app to pair with your phone, choose sounds, and set alarms. Takes about five minutes with step-by-step visuals.

• Daily Use: Pop them out of the case, and the pre-selected sound starts. Volume and track adjustments are app-only.

• Features: Built-in alarm with gentle tones, set it via the app. No manual buttons on the buds.

• ** Quirks**: Six-hour initial charge delays first use. App reliance means tweaks aren’t instant.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Setup: No app or pairing, just take them out, and ANC kicks in after 20 seconds.

• Daily Use: Stick them in, and they work. A “hearing mode” (ANC off) activates by holding the case to the bud, but it’s inconsistent, takes 2-10 seconds.

• Features: No extra controls or alarms; it’s all about noise reduction.

• Quirks: Hearing mode alignment is fiddly. No settings to tweak means less control.

Takeaway: Bose gives you setup steps and options; QuietOn’s plug-and-play with zero hassle. Pick based on whether you want control or simplicity.

Noise Blocking in Real Life

Test Results (Based on User and Reviewer Data)

1. Snoring:

• Bose: Scores around 6/10 without sound; jumps to 7-8/10 with audio masking deeper snores. Lighter snores still audible.

• QuietOn: Hits 6-7/10, reducing deep snoring by up to 80%. High-pitched snoring slips through more.

2. Traffic Noise:

• Bose: Around 7/10 with sound on, softens steady hums but not sudden honks. Passive seal alone is 5/10.

• QuietOn: 8/10 on constant low rumbles; tested well on city streets and trains for background noise.

3. Voices/TV from Next Room:

• Bose: 6-7/10 with sound; depends on volume and track. Talking can cut through without loud audio.

• QuietOn: 5-7/10, muffles bass and beats but struggles with mid-to-high-pitched speech.

4. Sudden Noises (e.g., Doors, Drops):

• Bose: Around 5/10, audio helps but doesn’t block sharp sounds fully.

• QuietOn: 6/10, ANC focuses on steady noise, so quick bangs still register.

5. Household Appliances (e.g., Oven Fan, Washing Machine):

• Bose: 6/10 with sound; passive seal alone is weaker against mechanical hums.

• QuietOn: 7/10, cuts low-frequency drone better than high-pitched whirs.

Additional Context

• Bose: Noise blocking hinges on sound choice, louder tracks mask more. Tested against snoring and TV with mixed results sans audio.

• QuietOn: Shines on low-end noise like train rumbles or snoring; tested in homes and outdoors, less effective on sharp or high sounds.

Takeaway: QuietOn’s ANC tackles low-frequency stuff head-on; Bose relies on audio to mask a broader range. Neither fully silences sudden or high-pitched noise.

Price and Availability

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Cost: $250 in the U.S.

• Trial/Warranty: 90-day return period (full refund), one-year warranty.

• Where to Buy: Discontinued by Bose in 2022, now mostly secondhand via eBay or resellers. Originally sold direct from Bose’s site.

• Shipping: Return shipping costs apply if you send them back during trial.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Cost: $289 in the U.S., £249 in the UK.

• Trial/Warranty: 30-day trial, one-year warranty.

• Where to Buy: Sold through distributors like Hearfit (U.S./Canada), Earjobs (Australia), or Pro Idee (Germany), not direct from QuietOn since 2024 company shift to Soundless.

• Shipping: Return shipping varies, $35-$50 in the U.S., per QuietOn support.

Takeaway: Bose is cheaper but a hunt to find new; QuietOn costs more and leans on third-party sellers. Longer trial with Bose offsets shorter QuietOn window.

Tech and Features

Bose Sleepbuds II

• Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy to the app for setup and sound transfer, no live streaming.

• Audio: 50+ pre-loaded tracks (nature, music, noise) stored on buds.

• Extras: In-ear alarm, adjustable via app. No ANC or EMF radiation from streaming.

• Case: Magnetic, with traction pads and LED indicators.

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

• Connectivity: No Bluetooth or wireless, zero EMF radiation.

• Audio: None, purely noise cancellation.

• Extras: Hearing mode (ANC off) via case proximity. No alarm or app integration.

• Case: Robust plastic with stainless steel inside, gold charging pins, LED indicators.

Takeaway: Bose packs sound and an alarm; QuietOn keeps it minimal with ANC only. Tech choice reflects their noise strategies.

Who They’re For

When it comes to figuring out who’d get along best with the Bose Sleepbuds II, it’s pretty clear they’re made for a specific crowd. Some people just can’t drift off without a little audio nudge, maybe it’s the sound of rain tapping on a window or waves lapping at the shore that does the trick for them. That’s where these buds come in handy, with their built-in library of soothing tracks ready to play all night. They’re not about streaming your latest podcast obsession; they stick to a set menu of sounds, which suits folks who don’t mind that limitation. Plus, the way they’re designed, small, flush against the ear with those soft silicone tips, makes them a natural fit for side sleepers who want something that won’t dig in or feel bulky after hours of snoozing.

On the flip side, the QuietOn Sleep Earbuds carve out their own niche, appealing to a different kind of sleeper. These are for the ones who’d rather have the world hush up entirely than add any extra noise into the mix. If low, rumbling sounds, like a partner’s deep snoring or the distant hum of cars outside, tend to jolt you awake, QuietOn’s active noise cancellation might feel like a lifeline. They don’t mess around with music or white noise; they’re all about cutting down what you hear, which keeps things simple. People who like their tech straightforward, with no apps or settings to fiddle with, often find these a good match, especially since that 28-hour battery life means less worrying about charging.

It really boils down to what keeps you tossing and turning at night. The Bose Sleepbuds II lean into the idea that a calming soundtrack can smooth over life’s noisier edges, perfect for anyone who’s already got a soft spot for nature sounds or ambient tunes. Meanwhile, QuietOn takes the opposite tack, betting on silence as the ultimate sleep aid, ideal for light sleepers who flinch at every creak or rumble but don’t need a lullaby to nod off. Neither one’s trying to be everything to everyone; they’ve each picked a lane and run with it.

So, who’s your sleep soulmate here? If you’re the type who finds comfort in a gentle audio cocoon, Bose has your name on it. But if you’re chasing pure, unadulterated quiet, and don’t mind popping in some foam tips to get there, QuietOn’s got the edge. It’s less about one being the “right” choice and more about what vibe fits your nighttime routine. Whether you’re a sound fan or a silence seeker, there’s something here that could click.

Alternative to Consider

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Conclusion

So, where does all this leave the Bose Sleepbuds II and QuietOn Sleep Earbuds? It’s pretty straightforward when you break it down. The Bose crew serves up a cozy little setup for folks who like a soundtrack, think crashing waves or soft tunes, to play through the night. Meanwhile, QuietOn’s all about dialing down the racket, no extras needed, made for anyone who likes a quieter vibe. Neither one’s going to zap every single sound out of existence (sorry, loud neighbors still might sneak through), but they each tackle the noise game in their own way, Bose with a gentle audio blanket, QuietOn with some clever tech hush. Oh, and if someone’s curious about another option, the Ozlo Sleepbuds throw a wild card into the mix, blending audio streaming with a comfy fit, thanks to some ex-Bose engineers who know their stuff.

At the end of the day, it’s less about picking a winner and more about what clicks with your nighttime groove. Bose keeps it simple with 10 hours of juice and a handy case, while QuietOn stretches out to 28 hours for the long haul. Comfort’s tight with both, though Bose’s silicone tips might feel a smidge softer, and QuietOn’s foam takes a quick hand. They’re not cheap, Bose at $250, QuietOn at $289, but trial periods give you a safety net to test the waters. Whether you prefer sound or silence at night, these earbuds (and Ozlo as a bonus) offer solid ways to handle the noise around you.

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