The catch
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
You also have to charge and carry the transmitter.
Side by side
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx vs Bose Ultra 2nd Gen Compared: Bose saves weight, JBL includes the transmitter
Quick verdict
Go with the JBL Smart Tx bundle to get a transmitter along with the headphones. Bose Ultra 2nd Gen saves some weight and folds for a travel setup.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx claims the equivalent of 5 days in standard ANC mode and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3.8 days. Leave headroom for real use.
Where this comes from
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, with 40 and 30 hours as inputs. It is a planning conversion of separate manufacturer maximums. No endurance was measured.
The catch
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Why pick it
- Require a transmitter for compatible wired sources
- Look for the longer standard ANC claim
- The catch
- You also have to charge and carry the transmitter.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- Want a lighter headphone
- Look for the Bose immersive listening modes
- The catch
- Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
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What this page compares
The JBL Smart Tx bundle is the choice when you want a transmitter included with the headphones. Bose Ultra 2nd Gen saves some weight and folds into a travel setup.
The JBL listing comes with more than headphones
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Require a transmitter for compatible wired sources
What is covered here is the Smart Tx bundle. The transmitter can connect to supported source outputs, so the exact package counts when you compare it with a headphone-only listing.
- JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Better fit
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
Want a lighter headphone
Ultra 2nd Gen weighs 264 grams, JBL 278. Folding inward and USB audio work on both, so those shared features do little to break the tie.
- JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Look at the source output, the supplied cables and how the transmitter charges. Having a transmitter does not guarantee compatibility with every aircraft entertainment system or console.
- JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
JBL claims 10 more ANC hours but comes with an extra device to look after
Tour One M3 claims 40 standard ANC hours to Bose’s 30. The transmitter in the box adds another battery and connection you need to keep an eye on.
- JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx claims the equivalent of 5 days in standard ANC mode and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3.8 days. Leave headroom for real use.
How we worked this out
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, with 40 and 30 hours as inputs. It is a planning conversion of separate manufacturer maximums. No endurance was measured.
Weigh what you will wear on your head
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx is 278 grams, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is 264 grams, and the gap is 14 grams. Comfort still comes down to clamp force, fit and padding.
How we worked this out
The absolute weight difference is |278 - 264| grams. Cases and most accessories are not part of manufacturer headset weights.
JBL claims 10 more ANC hours but comes with an extra device to look after
Tour One M3 claims 40 standard ANC hours to Bose’s 30. The transmitter in the box adds another battery and connection you need to keep an eye on.
How we worked this out
Working: 40 - 30 = 10 hours. JBL has transmitterIncluded true. Headphone battery claims say nothing about how long the transmitter runs.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
JBL, Tour One M3 Smart Tx
Tour One M3 Smart Tx
This ANC headphone package includes a separate Smart Tx transmitter for wired audio sources. USB digital audio can also go straight in.
- Best for
- Flights and desks with an audio source that lacks Bluetooth
Facts we checked
- The Smart Tx transmitter comes in the selected Amazon package.
- Direct USB-C audio works through the built-in DAC of the headphone.
- The manufacturer lists 40 hours of playback with ANC on, and 278 g.
Option B
Bose, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Ultra 2 beats the original Ultra on USB-C listening and on its longer 30-hour Quiet-mode claim. If analog playback has to keep working with a completely flat battery, pick QuietComfort 2 instead.
- Best for
- Direct USB-C audio and longer playback from Bose
Facts we checked
- In Quiet or Aware mode the rating is up to 30 hours, and with Immersive Audio it is 23 hours.
- Digital USB-C audio is supported, as is listening while charging.
- The headphones weigh approximately 264 g.
- Two-device Bluetooth multipoint is supported.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headphone weight | 278 g | 264 g | The figure leaves out the case, accessories and cables. |
| Standard ANC battery claim | Up to 40 h | Up to 30 h | Runtime can drop with volume, calls, codec choice and special modes. |
| USB digital audio | Yes | Yes | Having a charging port does not by itself mean audio is supported. |
| Battery-free analog playback | Not established | No | Powered noise cancellation is not part of passive listening. |
| Folds inward | Yes | Yes | Folding affects the shape you pack in addition to the headphone's weight. |
| Two-device Bluetooth multipoint | Yes | Yes | Automatic switching tied to one brand is a separate feature. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
- Turn ANC on and the 70-hour headphone rating falls to 40 hours.
With Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- A separate 23-hour battery claim applies to Immersive Audio.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick the JBL Smart Tx bundle for a transmitter that comes with the headphones. Pick Bose Ultra 2nd Gen for some weight savings and a design that folds for travel.
The JBL listing comes with more than headphones
What is covered here is the Smart Tx bundle. The transmitter can connect to supported source outputs, so the exact package counts when you compare it with a headphone-only listing.
Bose takes 14 grams off the headset
Ultra 2nd Gen weighs 264 grams, JBL 278. Folding inward and USB audio work on both, so those shared features do little to break the tie.
The transmitter comes with requirements of its own
Look at the source output, the supplied cables and how the transmitter charges. Having a transmitter does not guarantee compatibility with every aircraft entertainment system or console.
What this page can’t tell you
- These conclusions come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was done.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 60 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
60 models fit, out of 60 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
Require a transmitter for compatible wired sources
See price & reviews on AmazonBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Want a lighter headphone
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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