The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are top-of-the-line noise cancelling (ANC) headphones. While they look similar to the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, they have CustomTune technology; the headphones can adjust their sound profile and noise cancelling based on your unique hearing capabilities and environment. Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, they also have Immersive Audio, which offers head tracking to give you a more exciting audio experience. They even support aptX Adaptive, a codec that dynamically adjusts its performance based on your usage, whether you're streaming high-quality audio or watching video.
Our Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are decent for sports and fitness, although over-ears may not be the best choice for this purpose. They're lightweight and feature outstanding noise cancelling to block out people at the gym and a transparency mode to stay aware outdoors. While they're very comfortable, they're also bulky and can fall off your head with moderate movement. They also lack an IP rating for water resistance, but that's very common for over-ears.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Can fall off of your head with moderate head movement.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are impressive for commuting and traveling. They have a well-built design that's comfortable for long days on the go. They're also equipped with a superb ANC system, so they can block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines and last almost up to 30 hours with their ANC on. Their carrying case helps protect the headphones from damage, too.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Very comfortable and well-built.
-
Can fall off of your head with moderate head movement.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are great for office use. They have a comfortable fit and will easily last through a couple of long work days, so you don't have to worry about recharging them every day. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. Thanks to their superb ANC system, you can easily block out chatty coworkers and the hum of computer fans.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Very comfortable and well-built.
-
Mic has very good recording quality.
-
Supports multi-device pairing.
-
Mic only does an alright job separating your voice from noise around you.
You can only use the Bose QC Ultra Headphones wirelessly via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, they have high latency using the SBC Bluetooth codec, so your audio and visuals won't be in sync. Luckily, they support aptX Adaptive, which is a codec that adjusts its performance based on your content. If you're gaming, it can ensure a lower latency experience. However, there's still some delay present. Since these headphones don't have a wireless dongle for a low-latency connection, we don't think they're suitable for wireless gaming.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are decent for wired gaming, though there are a couple of caveats. First, they only support audio via analog, and second, the headphones still need to be powered on to use the analog connection, so you'll still need to keep an eye on battery life while using them. These headphones have an extra dose of bass that can help emphasize sound effects in your gameplay while speech and soundtracks remain clear. They also have a comfortable fit that's suitable for long gaming sessions, but gamers with longer hair might notice a drop-off in bass.
-
Graphic EQ and presets available via companion app.
-
Needs to be powered on even when plugged in.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have alright audio reproduction accuracy. They don't deviate much from their warm sound, which makes EQing them fairly straightforward using the companion app. The left and right drivers are reasonably well aligned in terms of phase and frequency, so panning is generally rendered accurately, apart from in the treble region. Unfortunately, they have terrible group delay performance, so kick drums lack punch and feel slow and heavy instead of tight and precise.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have superb noise isolation. Whether you're on a plane, in a busy office, or walking down the street, the ANC system effectively blocks out surrounding noise, allowing you to stay focused on your audio.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a satisfactory mic. It captures your voice without any natural peaks or dips, but it only does an okay job of separating your voice from any noise around you. These aren't a great choice for taking calls in a noisy environment.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have decent frequency response consistency. These headphones use Bose's CustomTune technology to adjust noise isolation and sound based on your hearing. This constant retuning makes measuring frequency response consistency tricky. In general, listeners with long hair or glasses may notice reduced bass, while those with larger heads might hear a boost in bass response.
- 7.4 Sports And Fitness
- 8.2 Travel
- 8.0 Office Work
- 6.3 Wireless Gaming (In Development)
- 7.4 Wired Gaming (In Development)
Performance Usages
- 6.9 Audio Reproduction Accuracy
- 9.3 Noise Isolation
- 7.1 Microphone (In Development)
- 7.0 Frequency Response Consistency
Changelog
-
Updated May 01, 2025:
We updated the Controls and App Support sections of this review to clarify that you can cycle between ANC modes using the multifunction button, but you can't turn ANC completely off.
-
Updated Apr 25, 2025:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Apr 25, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.0, which updates our sound tests and adds performance usages. You can read more about this in our changelog.
-
Updated Jan 08, 2025:
We updated the Wireless Gaming verdict to clarify that Bluetooth is the only wireless connection these headphones use.
-
Updated Nov 29, 2024:
Wired Connection has been updated after a retest to check wired latency with and without EQ and in different listening modes.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones come in six color variants: 'Black,' 'White Smoke,' 'Sandstone,' 'Lunar Blue,' 'Deep Plum,' and a 'Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition.' We tested the 'Black' model, and you can see our model's label here. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are premium over-ears and are a step up from the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. There are new features like CustomTune technology, so the headphones can adjust their sound and noise cancelling adaptively based on your hearing characteristics and environment. Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, they also support Immersive Audio, a head tracking feature similar to Apple's Spatial Audio. As with most Bose products, you can expect a high level of noise isolation, outperforming similarly premium picks from competing brands like the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, and the Apple AirPods Max. Their warm sound suits a variety of audio, but fans of remarkably long battery lives may prefer the Sennheiser, which last over twice as long as the options from Sony, Bose, and Apple.
Check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling headphones, the best wireless Bluetooth headphones, and the best Bose headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable and better built. They also have a slight edge in noise isolation, but the difference is minor; both choices are still well-suited for noisy environments. The Bose also support aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio. Meanwhile, the Sony headphones support the LDAC codec, which is nice if you want to stream high-quality audio, and you can use them passively when wired. If you want to use the Bose wired, you'll have to turn them on.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless serve different purposes, largely due to their different designs. The Earbuds are obviously meant to sit in your ears, as they're smaller and more portable, so you can easily toss them in a pocket while on the go. While both pairs offer ANC, the over-ear Ultra Headphones do a much better job on this front, blocking out a remarkably high amount of noise. Both headphones offer fairly balanced sound profiles, though the Ultra Headphones are a little warmer out of the box; you can tweak both sets to taste in the Bose Music app. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your particular needs: fantastic ANC or high portability.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the Sony WF-1000XM5 are flagship options from their respective manufacturers that cater to similar usages despite their different designs. The Bose are over-ears, while the Sony are buds with an in-ear fit. You might immediately gravitate towards one design over another, and both are comfortable in their own right, though the Bose's thick padding is great for long-haul flights. That said, the Sony headphones have the edge regarding portability and stability, and their lightweight design is an advantage for sports and fitness. Interestingly, they have somewhat comparable sound profiles: both are warm-sounding, with elevated bass and smooth highs. The Sony deliver audio more consistently, though, and have better-matched drivers. Otherwise, two further differentiating factors are ANC and battery life. The Bose have the edge in both regards, with a superior noise isolation performance and a longer continuous (and total) battery life. The Bose even has a better mic that renders your voice more clearly for calls.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for most purposes. Both are higher-end headphones, but the Bose feel more comfortable fit, and they have a better noise isolation performance. However, the Sennheiser headphones last about twice as long off a single charge, so you might prefer them for long trips or if you don't want to recharge your headphones often. The Sennheiser offer greater sound customization via the app, too. Unlike the Bose, you can even save and rename EQ presets for future use.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Apple AirPods Max if you own an Android device, and it's a bit closer when it comes to Apple devices. While both headphones have a premium feel, the Bose are significantly more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. Their battery life is a bit longer, and they support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to two devices at a time. Their companion app offers sound customization features to help you tweak their sound. They even support aptX Adaptive, a codec that dynamically adapts to your content, giving you better sound quality or lower latency. The Bose and Apple both have spatial audio features to help your audio sound more immersive, and only the Apple headphones have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with iOS devices.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the Sonos Ace are both premium models, and deciding between them comes down to the details. They're equally comfortable and well-built, with outstanding ANC systems. However, the Bose headphones have a better overall microphone performance, and their app offers slightly more customizability in performance. You can adjust their sound using the graphic EQ or presets. Their virtual soundstage feature is also a bit more than on/off, as you can select if you want the virtual speakers to stay in front of you or if you want them to move with your head movements. If you're already a Sonos user, you'll get the most out of the Sonos headphones, especially if you have a compatible soundbar. You can use the TV Swap Audio to receive audio from your soundbar, though there's some audio delay present. However, there have been user reports of issues regarding the app's lack of functionality.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are both high-end headphones, and depending on your needs, you may prefer either pair. Both headphones have fantastic ANC systems, so you'll get top-tier noise isolation from either pair. The Bose are more comfortable and have a better-performing mic. They also support aptX Adaptive, which is a codec that automatically adjusts its performance based on your audio content, so you'll be able to listen to audio in higher quality or, if you're streaming video, reduce lip sync mismatch. The Sony headphones support passive playback and LDAC codec, allowing you to stream higher-quality audio than with the default SBC codec.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. While both models look similar, there are a couple of changes. The Ultra are better built and have a different control scheme with a volume slider. They also have CustomTune technology, which automatically adjusts their sound, and noise cancelling performances based on your unique hearing characteristics and environment. They support Immersive Audio, too, which is an adjustable head-tracking feature that can create a more immersive sound. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a greater codec selection, including aptX Adaptive. That said, the Ultra need to be powered on to be used via analog, while the QC45 support passive playback.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better for most usages than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). You might favor the Apple headphones if you already own products within the Apple ecosystem due to the seamless integration provided by their H2 chip. They're also more portable and lightweight, with an IPX4 rating, which adds up to a better performance for sports and exercising. While both headphones have somewhat warm sound profiles, the Apple rolls off the treble range quite a bit. Some users might prefer this veiled sound as it can be less fatiguing, but the Bose definitely comply with our target curve better. Otherwise, the QuietComfort Ultra are supremely comfortable over-ear headphones with a superb ANC system and a longer continuous battery life. While they're bulkier than the Apple, these factors make them a better fit for travel, and their superior mic performance makes them a better choice for office work and online meetings..
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless are premium, high-end headphones with similar specs, such as analog connectivity, high-quality aptX Bluetooth codecs with low latency, and comfortable designs. They have different strengths, and depending on your priorities, you may prefer one or the other. For a pair with better noise cancelling, choose the Bose; while the Bowers & Wilkins boasts a competent ANC system, it's not as powerful at cutting out noises in the mid-range and bass frequencies. They trade off advantages: for a longer battery life and the option of USB-C audio, the Bowers & Wilkins wins out. As for tuning, the Bowers & Wilkins frequency response is warmer with a touch more bass and low-mids, while the Bose defaults to a slightly more excited sound. The Bose also support Spatial Audio, which is more of a novelty, admittedly, but you get a three-band EQ versus the bass and treble sliders on the B&W, too.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are a step up from the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, but many differences are small. Both pairs use the same app, but the QuietComfort Ultra add virtual surround sound. They also have a bit better build quality, slightly better ANC, and mic and noise handling performance. However, the standard QuietComfort Headphones don't trail behind far and include an analog cable with an in-line, in addition to the integrated mic, which adds flexibility.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have different strengths. The Samsung are highly portable earbuds that can easily accompany you wherever you go. Even in their case, they take up barely any room, so you can toss them in a pocket or bag with ease. On the other hand, the Bose are premium over-ears. While they do fold up, they're nowhere near as portable as the Samsung, but they do offer better ANC. The Samsung are no slouch on that front, but if you plan to use these headphones mostly while commuting or at the office, the Bose are the better bet. Both pairs have a warm sound that suits a wide variety of audio content. If there's a potential dealbreaker, it's that the Samsung's companion app is only available on Android, while the Bose Music app is available on both Android and iOS.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the Technics EAH-AZ100 are fundamentally different products. While both offer some of the best ANC in their respective categories, the Bose over-ears have the upper hand in both battery life and comfort. If you're looking for portability, then the Technics in-ears win out. The Technics also have superior connectivity options, supporting three-way Bluetooth multi-point and the newer LC3 codec over Bluetooth LE. That said, both headphones have robust customization and app features, including virtual surround with head tracking for more immersive listening, though their implementation and compatibility differ.
Between the Sony ULT WEAR and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, they have different pros and cons. The Sony have a much longer battery life, and despite being chunkier, they're a little more stable-fitting. Their group delay is much better, yielding tighter bass, too. For most people, though, the decision will either be determined by how much bass emphasis they want: the Sony's ULT mode outputs big doses of thumpy low-end, though you can tame the tuning a bit with EQ. Conversely, if you want a slightly more excited sound, the Bose might appeal instead; they also have a less plasticky feel. The Bose's ANC is stronger, though the Sony's ANC system is still good. While you get LDAC Bluetooth support on the Sony, the Bose have more choices with aptX, including adaptive and high-quality.
The Audeze Maxwell and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones share some similarities: they're both wireless, closed-back models with in-line controls. The Audeze headphones target gamers, while the Bose are better suited as a travel or casual-use option. The Audeze prioritize a low-latency performance via their dongle or wired interface but can also pair with Bluetooth, while the Bose are Bluetooth headphones with the option to use a wired connection. They both have in-line mics that capture your voice well, though the Audeze have better noise handling. Otherwise, one major difference is that the Bose come equipped with a class-leading ANC system that effectively block out a lot of external noise. Both headphones have warm sound profiles with boosted bass responses, though the Bose deliver audio much more consistently.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better over-ears than the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. The Bose are premium headphones with a more comfortable, well-built design and better overall noise isolation performance. They can access an Immersive Audio feature, which allows audio to follow your head movements, and they support aptX Adaptive, a codec that automatically adjusts to your content, ensuring either low latency or high audio quality. That said, the Anker are still worth considering if you're looking for significantly cheaper over-ears with excellent noise cancelling.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are a later generation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. While they look similar, the Ultra are better built and have CustomTune technology, so the headphones automatically adjust their sound and noise isolation performances based on your unique hearing capabilities and the environment around you. They also have a head tracking feature, whereby audio follows your head movements for a more immersive experience and a longer continuous battery life. However, the QC35 II have a more neutral sound, which some users may prefer, and they support passive playback. You have to turn on the Ultra to playback audio via analog.
The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are both closed-back, over-ear headphones, but they're designed with different use cases in mind. The Bose are premium, casual-use headphones. Their outstanding ANC does a remarkable job cutting down on noise around you, making them great for taking on train or plane rides. On the other hand, the Logitech don't have ANC at all, as they're really meant for use while gaming from a private or semi-private space. Where the Logitech shine is latency. If you connect them to your console via their dongle, you'll get low enough latency to game with, which makes sense. On the other hand, the Bose only connect via Bluetooth. While they support aptX Adaptive (Low Latency) and could maybe work for gaming in a pinch, you wouldn't want to rely on them for this purpose.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better than the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless due to significantly better noise cancellation. They also have better build quality and a greater Bluetooth codec selection. On the flip side, the Sony headphones are lighter and have a longer battery life, and the app supplies two extra EQ sliders.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless both sport over-ear, closed-back designs, but this is mostly where the similarities end. The Bose can connect via both Bluetooth and wired connection types and feature an ANC system, while the Beyerdynamic headphones are wired-only. While the Beyerdynamic's closed-back design passively attenuates some mid and treble-range noises, it's no match for the full spectrum attenuation provided by the Bose's ANC system. The Bose also come with a solid built-in mic and app compatibility, and their sound profile complies with our target better. This makes them well-suited for commuting, travel, and office work. The Beyerdynamic, by contrast, have a brighter treble range, with more peaks in the frequency response. That said, most people will purchase the Beyerdynamic as studio monitoring cans or entry-level audiophile headphones, for which they're well-suited. Their wired design provides a low-latency performance, they're well-built, and they provide some isolation against external noise without needing an ANC system.
The Sennheiser HD 560S and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are very different over-ear headphones with very different usages. The open-back Sennheiser have a more open sound, with better driver matching and a more studio-ready sound profile that rolls off some bass. The Bose's stellar ANC system, comfortable fit, and Bluetooth connectivity make them a better fit for non-professional applications and on-the-go use. They also feature a built-in mic for calls, with integrated controls for on-the-fly adjustments.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless and the CMF Buds Pro 2 serve different purposes and different market price points. The Bose are premium over-ears, designed for people willing to pay top dollar for outstanding ANC. And to that end, they deliver. The Bose block out everything from the low rumble of plane engines to higher-pitched office chatter. On the other hand, the CMF are affordable in-ears that are extremely portable and still offer very good ANC. Their bass-heavy sound isn't as balanced as the Bose, but you can tweak the sound of both pairs in their companion apps.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. The Bose have a more comfortable fit and a better build quality. Their ANC feature blocks out more noise across the entire range, and they have a better app with sound customization features. However, the Beats can connect via USB-C, which gives them lower latency than a Bluetooth connection and lets you connect to PlayStation consoles with full mic and audio support.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better overall headphones than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95. Both headphones have a lot of bass on tap, but the Bose also have a better ANC system that does a great job of tackling low-frequency sounds, like engine rumble. They're also more comfortable and have an immersive audio feature. That said, the B&O have a longer continuous battery life, and the Bose have terrible group delay in the bass region, which causes kick drums to lose punch.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better noise cancelling headphones than the Dyson OnTrac. The Bose headphones offer better isolation performance and weigh less. Plus, their app offers a few extras like surround sound and a bit more control over the EQ compared to the Dyson. That said, the Dyson have a longer battery life and a flashier metal frame with softer ear pads.
Video
Test Results
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones have a warm sound profile with a relatively flat mid-range. Their treble range is slightly subdued, but it's still clear, if a bit uneven.
If you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers EQ presets, which retain the extra low-end. You can also fine-tune their sound to your liking by using the custom equalizer. They also sound slightly different with less treble emphasis if you use them wired rather than wirelessly.
These headphones have Bose's CustomTune technology, which allows the headphones to automatically adjust their noise isolation and sound profile based on your personal listening capabilities. As a result, it's difficult to get consistent measurements for these headphones, as they constantly adapt and retune their sound. That said, you'll likely experience a drop in bass if you have long hair or wear glasses, while those with larger heads will experience an increase in bass response.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones' bass target compliance is excellent. The response is elevated from the low-bass through mid-bass for extra thump and rumble. The high-bass adheres to our target tightly for a good amount of boom on kick drums without any extra mud. This can be pleasing if you're listening to especially bass-heavy mixes like Starboy by The Weeknd because the bass sounds exciting, but the vocals still sound clear and present.
The mid-range's target compliance is outstanding. The response is pretty flat and neutral, resulting in natural-sounding and present vocals and instruments.
The treble's target compliance is superb. It lands close to our target response from the low-treble through mid-treble for a bright, detailed sound. It wavers slightly, but vocals remain articulate, and sibilants (like S and T) sound detailed. This smoother treble might sound slightly dull in comparison to the elevated bass, but you can adjust the equalizer for a different frequency response.
The peaks and dips performance is great. These headphones don't deviate much from their warm sound profile, apart from a few peaks and dips in the treble range, which can make sounds like cymbals harsh, dull, or piercing depending on their pitch.
The left and right drivers have okay stereo matching. They're well-matched in terms of amplitude throughout the bass range and most of the mid-range. The biggest deviations are in the treble region, where a couple of big deviations mean sounds like distorted electric guitars might feel slightly imbalanced in the stereo field. The drivers are very well matched in terms of phase. The slight deviations shown on our graph are inaudible with regular content.
These headphones have terrible group delay performance. Kick drums feel noticeably loose, lacking the punchy, impactful attack you'd expect. Similarly, bass guitars lack definition. This is especially disappointing given these headphones' otherwise warm and bassy sound profile. There are no issues in the mid or treble ranges, though, so high percussion sounds crisp and clear.
The PRTF measurements indicate a disappointing amount of interaction between your audio and pinna, meaning these headphones lack the qualities of an angled reference speaker. Their soundstage doesn't feel very open or spacious, and the audio seems like it's coming from inside your head.
These headphones have great harmonic distortion performance. Even at impressively high volumes, your audio will sound clean and free from harmonic distortion artifacts.
These active headphones only work when they are powered on, so we didn't take impedance or sensitivity measurements.
Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, these headphones support Bose's Immersive Audio. This is a head-tracking feature that can make your audio feel more spacious and real-life. It doesn't utilize any surround content, though, and only uses regular audio content. There are two settings (other than off): 'Still,' which virtually places the speakers in front of you and tracks your head to keep audio placed in relation to your original position, and 'Motion,' which allows the virtual speakers to move as you move your head, always keeping them placed in front of you. That said, these headphones can't play surround content like Dolby Atmos as they have to downmix this content to stereo. That said, they use digital sound processing (DSP) to virtually create a wider stereo soundstage.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. We also used the CustomTune feature on our test rig so that it could adapt to its ear shape. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones look very similar to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. Overall, they look fairly minimalist, especially with the manufacturer's name modestly embossed on the center ear cup. The most noticeable difference is that the yoke is silver instead of completely black, and a similar design choice is made on the other color schemes. The 'White Smoke' model has silver yokes, while the 'Sandstone' model has gold yokes.
These headphones are pretty comfortable. They're quite similar to their predecessors but have plusher, thicker padding on the top of the headband and around the ear cup. The ear cups are angled to give you more depth without rubbing against your ears.
The control scheme is different than the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless with a touch-sensitive slider so that you can adjust the volume and only two buttons. All the controls are on the right ear cup, and there are chimes to let you know when you've powered the headphones on and off and when you've reached min or max volume. There are also voice prompts to indicate the battery level, ANC status, and pairing. There isn't feedback if you're pausing or skipping tracks, though. The volume slider is also a bit inconsistent, and you must use the tip of your finger to get the right volume increment. This slider also lets you access a shortcut command (which is settable in the companion app) by pressing and holding it in place.
Power button:
- Single press: Turns the headphones on and off.
- Press and hold: Activates Bluetooth pairing.
Multifunction button:
- Single press: Plays and pauses audio. Also answers calls.
- Double press: Skips the track forward. Also ends calls.
- Triple press: Skips the track backward.
- Press and hold: Cycles through ANC modes. To access modes via this control, they must be set as favorites in the App. By default, Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes are set as favorites (you can't turn ANC completely off).
Like most over-ears, they don't have the most portable design. That said, their ear cups can swivel to lay flat, helping them save some space.
The carrying case is great. It's very similar in quality to other Bose products but is rounded. It's still very sturdy, though, and is made from plastic and faux leather. It has a zipper that's covered to protect it from damage and soft, molded padding to ensure you place them correctly within the case. There's even a pouch to store your cables when not in use.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a great build quality. They're mostly made of plastic with aluminum and leather detailing, which makes them feel durable and sturdy. There's also a good amount of plush padding. That said, the folding hinge can wear down with time and lose its snappiness. Leather can also wear down with continual use.
These headphones are decently stable. They'll stay on your head if you jam to music at your desk or on the couch. However, they can shift around in place with head movements and can even fall off if you're vigorously moving your head. As a result, they're not the best choice if you want to use them during tough workouts.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- 1/8" to 1/16" (3.5 mm to 2.5 mm) TRRS audio cable
- Carrying case
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Manuals
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones' full-range noise isolation performance is outstanding, which is on par for a brand built on noise cancelling (ANC) technology. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, they support Bose's CustomTune feature, so their ANC automatically adjusts to your hearing capabilities and surroundings. As a result, they can easily block out the low, bassy rumbles of bus and plane engines as well as mid-range noise like ambient chatter. They also reduce the high-pitched hum of AC units very well.
If you're looking for a bit more customization and control over your noise isolation performance, you can access ANC modes in the companion app, as well as adjust and set your own ANC presets. Although there's an ANC slider, it doesn't affect the strength of the ANC itself but the strength of talk-through (labeled as 'Aware' in the app) mode, which allows the headphones to let in your desired amount of ambient sound. Also, the headphones only have ANC or 'Aware' modes, which you can modify the strength of and adjust to your preference, but there's no mode without noise cancelling or transparency enabled.
In response to user feedback of a high noise floor when ANC is enabled and volume set low, we retested the headphones but couldn't replicate the issue. However, noise sensitivity is a subjective experience.
Some of our readers have reported that vibrations from places like buses and trains can cause distortion problems with these headphones' audio output. It could be due to the headphones' ANC, which is always active. We've been unable to reproduce this issue with our unit, but if you encounter it, please let us know in the comments.
Just like with our Noise Isolation - Full Range test, these headphones do an incredible job of blocking out ambient sound in more dynamic environments. Whether traveling by plane, hanging in a busy office, or walking down the street, the ANC system can reduce a significant amount of sound around you so that you can focus on your audio. If you plan to use your headphones while out and about, check out our recommendations for the best travel headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a wind noise reduction feature called Wind Block. The manufacturer advertises that it mutes the ANC microphones located on the exterior of the ear cups to limit the ANC from picking up this sound and amplifying it. Overall, it helps tackle wind a little more efficiently than when this feature is disabled. When used, the ANC can reduce some bass to mid-range frequencies. This reduction is also better than headphones without a wind reduction feature like the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless.
That said, wind directly interacts with the ANC's microphones. The ANC system tries to cancel it out, even though this sound doesn't reach your ears, but, as a result, it causes loud and unwanted noise. Using the Wind Block feature could also impact ANC performance when wind is present.
The leakage performance is decent. Leakage is most significant in the mid-range and sounds somewhat full. If you like to crank up the volume on your favorite tunes, others around you won't hear it unless you're in a very quiet environment.
The mic's recording quality is very good. Your voice sounds natural and clear, although a bit thin. Although Bose advertise these headphones to have a 'Self Voice' feature, which allows you to hear your own voice while on the phone (this is also known as sidetone), we couldn't get it to work. Our experience also appears to be a common one.
The mic's noise handling performance is fair. If you're taking calls in a moderately noisy environment like a train station, it can partially drown out your voice. It's still audible, but it'll be hard for the other person on the line to hear you clearly.
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones' battery performance is great. The manufacturer advertises them to last 24 hours continuously, but we measured 29 hours. That said, battery life varies on use, including your volume levels. Unfortunately, unlike other models like the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, you can't use these headphones passively. You can use them wired, but the headphones must be on to work.
The Bose Music app is great; you can see a video of it here. You can access a graphic EQ, presets, and Immersive Audio, a head-tracking feature for a more immersive experience. You can switch between different ANC modes and create ANC presets and immersion modes. You can also set ANC modes as favorites to be accessed via the Action button. There's an ANC slider, but it doesn't adjust the strength of the ANC. Rather, it adjusts the talk-through strength, which is the amount of ambient sound the headphones let in. Additionally, you can adjust features like the auto-off timer, on-head detection, and Bluetooth source detection (if you want to connect the headphones to more than one device at a time).
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones come with a 1/8" TRS to 1/16" TRS cable that you can use for analog audio. However, like the Sonos Ace, you have to turn on the headphones to use this connection. There's also some latency when using this connection. While minor, the delay can be frustrating if you're gaming competitively or working on sync-sensitive content. The headphones perform an analog-to-digital conversion, so they need to be on. This conversion adds a bit of latency when wired, and it's about the same amount regardless of whether you apply additional EQ or change listening modes.
They also come with a USB-A to USB-C cable for recharging the headphones. However, you can't use it to pass through audio.
These headphones have good Bluetooth connectivity. They support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected with two devices, like a PC and smartphone, simultaneously. While they have high latency if you're using the default SBC codec, they also support aptX Adaptive, which automatically adjusts to your audio content. If you're listening to high-quality audio, it'll enter its High-Quality mode; however, expect a lot of latency. However, this codec can also shift into a low latency mode. If you're streaming videos, latency is significantly reduced, but it's still noticeable. That said, some devices compensate for latency.
You can pair these headphones with Bluetooth-enabled PCs with full audio and mic support. However, if you connect them via analog, you'll only be able to receive audio.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones only support audio via analog on PlayStation consoles.
You can plug their audio cable into your Xbox controller's AUX port, but this only provides audio support, so you won't be able to use their mic.