Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Introduction
The FoKus Prestige Encore and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 are premium TWS offerings from Noble Audio and Bose. Both TWS are designed to deliver high-resolution sound and convenient wireless features on the go.
We go over key differences in design, sound, features, and price to help you pick the right TWS for your audio needs.
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FoKus Prestige Encore vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 Price Comparison
The FoKus Prestige Encore and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 are flagship TWS models from Noble Audio and Technics. Here are their respective prices:
The FoKus Prestige Encore comes in at $699.00.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 comes in at $249.00.
The price difference is significant between these TWS models, with the Prestige Encore costing about $450 more than the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these wireless IEMs so you can get a better idea of what each brings to the table.
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore
The FoKus Prestige Encore is Noble Audio’s flagship next-gen TWS. It upgrades the original Prestige with a more advanced tribrid driver system, improved wireless tech, and a lighter, more ergonomic CNC-machined wood design.
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Features:
- Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood Earbuds and Charging Case
- Tribrid Driver System (Dynamic + Balanced Armature + Planar)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling + Transparency Mode
- High-Resolution Wireless Codecs (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC)
- Dual-Mic cVc Noise Suppression for Calls
- Multipoint Pairing + TrueWireless Mirroring
- Audiodo Personalized Sound Calibration
- Custom EQ, Touch Control Remapping, and Firmware Updates via App
- Wizard-Tuned Signature with Improved Detail and Imaging
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× 8mm Dynamic Driver, 2× Balanced Armature Drivers, 1× 6mm Planar Driver
Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3091
Bluetooth: 5.4 with Multipoint
Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, SBC
Noise Control: Hybrid ANC + Transparency Mode
Call Tech: Dual-Mic Qualcomm cVc
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (ANC Off), 7 hours (ANC On), approx. 35 hours total with case
Charging: USB-C, Qi Wireless Charging, 10-minute fast charge ≈ 2 hours playback
Body/Case: Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood
Touch Controls: Yes
Sound Signature: Wizard Tuned
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is a flagship TWS known for world-class noise cancellation, refined sound quality, and comprehensive features.
QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Top Features:
- Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation with AI-powered ActiveSense that smooths sudden noise spikes
- CustomTune technology that calibrates audio and ANC to your ear shape
- Cinema Mode with Bose TrueSpatial technology for theater-like immersive sound
- AI-based SpeechClarity for improved call quality with wind and background noise suppression
- Bose Immersive Audio with Still and Motion (head tracking) modes
QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Specs:
- Driver Configuration: Custom Dynamic Drivers (same as Gen 1)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Supported Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on. 24 hours total with case (4 hours with Immersive Audio)
- Charging: USB-C and wireless charging. 20-minute charge = 2 hours playback
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (earbuds only)
Design and Build Quality
The Noble Prestige Encore and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 feature completely different design goals. The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore leans into a bold, IEM-style handcrafted build for audiophile performance, while the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds goes for a sleeker, stem-style design for enhanced convenience and comfort.
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses CNC-machined solid wood shells and a matching wood case, giving each set a unique grain pattern that adds a premium, handcrafted feel. The earbuds are slimmer than the previous model, and their more ergonomic shape improves long-term comfort while keeping the bold Prestige aesthetic of the original model.
Metal-reinforced, triple-vented nozzles enhance durability and airflow for a more stable seal and consistent sound. Overall, the FoKus Prestige Encore delivers a luxurious build that looks unique and while also offering enhanced comfort and durability for day-to-day use.
The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) features a familiar ergonomic shape with subtle refinements. The earbuds have an oval-shaped stem with angled tips that fit snugly in ear canals, weighing 6.24g each. They look chunkier than AirPods-style stems but don't feel bulky or awkward when worn. The matte-ish plastic case contrasts with shiny, smooth plastic on the buds, plus a smooth metal strip with Bose branding.
A key upgrade is the new rubberized guard that prevents ear wax buildup on the buds. You get three ear tip sizes (S, M, L), each with rubberized rings. The earbuds have IPX4 water resistance for workouts and light rain. You get Black and White Smoke color options.
The charging case is bulkier than competitors and lacks a glossy, premium finish. However, it now supports wireless charging alongside USB-C. The case shows battery level in the Bose app, a new feature for Gen 2.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these TWS IEMs stack up in terms of sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
FoKus Prestige Encore Sound Signature
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses a hybrid three-way driver system with a balanced, warm-neutral sound signature. It features an 8mm dynamic driver, dual Knowles balanced armatures, and a 6mm planar-magnetic driver working together to give you a refined, full-spectrum sound with wide soundstage and precise imaging.
Bass
The dynamic driver delivers controlled, weighty low end with good texture and detail. It's got solid punch and depth without being overpowering. Kick drums and basslines hit with impact but stay refined and precise, sitting nicely behind the mids without dominating the signature.
Midrange
The balanced armatures handle vocals and instruments with clarity and natural texture. This is where the Encore really shines. Guitars, pianos, and voices come through articulate and lifelike, with that transparent quality that makes everything feel present and real.
Treble
The planar driver gives you airy, extended highs with speed and micro-detail. Cymbals and hi-hats sparkle with a clean, defined quality without any harshness or fatigue. The treble has just enough air and extension to keep things open and spacious.
Best Genres for the Prestige Encore
The Prestige Encore handles pretty much any genre you throw at it. It's incredibly balanced and dynamic, so you can do serious analytical listening or just kick back and enjoy your music. It really excels with vocal-heavy tracks, acoustic music, jazz, and classical where that transparency and detail shine.
Rock, pop, EDM, and orchestral tracks sound great too, with the controlled bass and wide soundstage keeping everything engaging and immersive.
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Sound Signature
The EAH-AZ100 uses a 10mm magnetic fluid driver with a balanced, even-handed sound signature that leans slightly warm. It's got an ultra-thin free edge structure and aluminum diaphragm with an acoustic control chamber delivering natural, high-resolution audio across all frequencies.
Bass
The driver delivers deep bass with solid punch without smothering detail. Bass response is slightly backed off from the Gen 1's "Bosey" warmth, offering tighter control and clarity. Kick drums and basslines hit with authority while maintaining excellent texture.
Midrange
Mids are warm and natural with good body and presence. Vocals slot neatly in the middle with clear articulation, and instruments maintain their texture. The midrange feels balanced without being recessed or overly emphasized.
Treble
The highs are smooth and sparkly without fatigue or harshness. Treble is brighter than Gen 1 and with better extension. Cymbals shimmer longer and hi-hats brake faster, adding air and detail without sibilance.
Best Genres for the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) handles any genre with its balanced, musical tuning. It's equally at home with acoustic singer-songwriter tracks, dense electronic productions, orchestral scores, pop, and rock. Everything feels balanced and refined with enough energy for long listening sessions.
Price and Value
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore is the more expensive TWS in this comparison, costing around $450 more than the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Is the Prestige Encore Worth It?
At $699, the Prestige Encore sits in premium territory alongside flagship TWS like the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.
What sets it apart is that hybrid tribrid driver setup with the planar tweeter, which you just don't see in most wireless earbuds. You're also getting that full wooden construction on the housings and case, Audiodo personalized sound calibration that is stored directly on the buds, and support for high-res codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC.
If you're an audiophile who wants serious sound quality without being tethered to a wire, the Encore delivers performance that rivals wired IEMs. It's definitely a luxury purchase, but the craftsmanship, tech, and sound quality back up the price tag.
Is the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Worth It?
At $299, the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) competes with TWS like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Technics EAH-AZ100, and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.
What sets it apart is the industry-leading ANC performance (widely considered the best available in wireless earbuds). The AI-powered ActiveSense now adjusts more smoothly for sudden loud noises, and the new SpeechClarity technology significantly improves call quality over Gen 1.
The sound quality is genuinely impressive with refined tuning that's better balanced than the first generation. The CustomTune technology adapts sound and ANC to your ear shape automatically. Battery life is average at 6 hours with ANC on, though competitors like Sony and Technics offer longer runtime. The wireless charging addition is welcome, and multipoint connectivity works seamlessly.
If ANC for travel, commuting, noisy environments is your top concern, these earbuds are among the best you can buy right now. The sound quality backs up the price with warm, musical tuning and wide soundstage that works well for a wide array of genres. They just don't offer the absolute longest battery life or hi-fi sound of some competitors.
Our Thoughts
Each option delivers a different balance of sound quality, features, and value. Whether you prioritize audiophile-grade sound, ecosystem integration, or premium craftsmanship, there's a standout choice for you here.
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore - Who Is It For?
The Prestige Encore is for audiophiles who want the best wireless sound quality money can buy.
You get a unique tribrid driver setup with a planar tweeter, premium wooden construction, personalized sound tuning, high-res codec support, and wired IEM-level performance in a truly wireless package.
At $699, it's competing with flagship TWS but offers something most can't: that refined, balanced signature with exceptional detail retrieval and soundstage. Skip it if you need aggressive bass, long battery life beyond 8 hours, or can't justify spending this much on wireless earbuds. But if sound quality is your top priority and you want the craftsmanship to match, the Encore is one of the best TWS on the market.
The Prestige is perfect if you want bold, exciting sound with powerful bass in a premium wireless package. You get beautiful wooden construction, a hybrid driver setup, expansive soundstage, 10-hour battery life, and that signature Noble Audio tuning.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - Who Is It For?
The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is perfect if you want the absolute best noise cancellation available in wireless earbuds.
You get world-class ANC with AI-powered environmental adaptation, refined balanced sound, improved call quality, wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, and 6-hour battery life. At $299, it's ideal for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who prioritizes blocking out the world above all else.
Skip it if you need longer battery life or want hi-fi audiophile tuning (the Prestige Encore beats it here). But if you value powerful noise cancelling above everything else and want a refined, balanced sound to go with it, the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is the clear choice.
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