The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose’s latest flagship model, replacing the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and building on the legacy of the QuietComfort series.
Priced at $429.95 (often discounted to as low as $299 during sales), these headphones combine unparalleled active noise cancellation (ANC), supreme comfort, and innovative features like Immersive Audio.
With a sleek design, customizable ANC modes, and support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs, they aim to compete with premium rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $449.00 (as listed on Amazon) |
| Color | Black (other colors may be available) |
| Audio Features | – Spatial Audio with CustomTune technology- Bose Immersive Audio- Adjustable EQ via Bose Music app |
| Noise Cancellation | – Quiet Mode (full noise cancellation)- Aware Mode (ambient sound)- Immersion Mode (full noise cancellation + immersive audio) |
| Microphone | Advanced microphones with voice focus and background noise reduction |
| Comfort | – Soft ear cushions- Lightweight, pressure-spreading headband- Designed for long-term comfort |
| Bluetooth | – Bluetooth 5.3- Wireless range up to 30 feet (approx. 9 meters)- Google Fast Pair & Snapdragon Sound (Android) |
| Battery Life | – Up to 24 hours (standard)- Up to 18 hours (with Immersive Audio)- 15-min quick charge = 2.5 hrs playback (2 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
| Controls | – Touch controls for volume, track, calls, and modes- On/off via head motions |
| App Support | Bose Music app for setup, updates, and EQ |
| Accessories Included | – Aux/Mic cable- USB-C charging cable- Premium carrying case |
| Other Features | – SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars- Over-ear, wireless design |
| Customer Ratings | 4.2 out of 5 stars (7,328 reviews on Amazon) |
Key Specifications
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones are widely praised for their class-leading ANC, outperforming competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max in reducing low-frequency rumbles (e.g., airplane engines) and higher-frequency chatter (e.g., office noise).
During testing, they dramatically muted background noise on commutes, such as the London Underground, though some users noted occasional quirks, like emphasized door clunks on trains.
The customizable ANC modes, including full transparency, allow you to tailor the experience to your environment, making them ideal for travel or focused work.
Out of the box, the QC Ultra delivers a warm sound with heavy bass, which some reviewers found overpowering for modern genres but ideal for classical music, mimicking concert hall reverberations.
Thankfully, the Bose Music app’s EQ lets you dial down the bass (e.g., -7) for a more balanced sound, revealing crisp mids and detailed highs. After EQ adjustments, reviewers describe the sound as “audiophile-level” for wireless headphones, rivaling the Sony WH-1000XM5 and even surpassing it in some scenarios.
The Immersive Audio feature, with its spatial audio modes, adds a wider soundstage, enhancing movies and orchestral tracks, though its effectiveness varies by genre.
Weighing just 253g, the QC Ultra are among the lightest in their class, slightly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5 (250g) but lighter than the AirPods Max (384g).
The plush earcups and headband, combined with a perfect clamping force, make them comfortable for hours, even for glasses wearers. The foldable design and slim carrying case enhance portability, unlike the bulkier Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Max.
However, some users reported smudges on the black finish and a fiddly headband adjustment process, requiring manual resizing each time they’re stored.
The 24-hour battery life is solid but lags behind competitors like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (up to 60 hours). A quick charge provides a few hours of use, and USB-C charging is convenient, though there’s no USB-C audio support.
Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity ensure seamless switching between devices, and aptX Adaptive offers high-quality streaming on compatible Android devices. However, some users noted that aptX Adaptive isn’t universally supported, limiting its benefits.
The QC Ultra’s beamform-array microphones deliver clear calls, effectively isolating your voice from background noise. Reviewers found call quality superior to the Bose QC45 and competitive with the Sony WH-1000XM5, though the microphones can’t be used in wired mode.
For those considering earbuds instead, the Sony WF-1000XM5 (priced at $248, originally $299.99) are a top alternative. These truly wireless earbuds also boast industry-leading ANC with two proprietary processors and a new Dynamic Driver X for rich sound.
They offer 8 hours of battery life (24 hours with the case), multipoint connectivity, and AI-based call quality improvements. However, their smaller size sacrifices some comfort for long-term wear compared to the QC Ultra’s over-ear design, and some users reported fit issues with the stock foam tips.
While the Sony earbuds excel in portability and are cheaper, the Bose QC Ultra provide superior comfort and a more immersive soundstage for extended use. If you prefer earbuds for compact carry, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are a strong choice, but for all-day comfort and unmatched ANC, the QC Ultra reign supreme.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a near-perfect choice for audiophiles, frequent travelers, and anyone seeking top-tier noise cancellation. Their lightweight design, plush comfort, and customizable sound make them stand out, despite a slightly shorter battery life and premium price.
Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, the QC Ultra offer a more immersive and comfortable experience for long sessions, though the Sony earbuds are a better pick for portability and budget-conscious buyers. If you’re ready to invest in the ultimate ANC headphones, the Bose QC Ultra are worth every penny.
Ready to experience world-class noise cancellation? Grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones at a discount today! Shop now at Amazon.
