Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Headphones8.4
Excellent8.4
Excellent14 expert reviews
3800 user opinions
Nov 15, 2023
Updated Jun 1, 2024
High confidenceMay be outdated
Quick Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver on Bose's promise of best-in-class noise cancellation while adding spatial audio and improved sound quality over the QC45. The Immersive Audio feature creates a convincing surround-sound effect that enhances music and movies. Comfort remains excellent for extended listening sessions, and ANC performance is marginally better than the Sony WH-1000XM5. The trade-offs are a higher price, heavier weight than predecessors, and average battery life that drops significantly with Immersive Audio enabled.
Pros reviewers agree on
Strengths consistently called out across sources
- Noise cancellation is best-in-class — marginally better than Sony XM5
- Immersive Audio spatial sound is surprisingly convincing and enjoyable
- Comfort is excellent for long listening sessions
- Build quality and premium materials feel worth the price
- Call quality is very good with clear voice isolation
Cons reviewers agree on
Weaknesses flagged across multiple sources
- Battery drops from 24 to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled
- No multipoint connection out of the box (added later via update)
- Heavier than QC45 — noticeable during long sessions
What reviewers disagree on
Points where expert verdicts diverge — weigh based on your priorities
- Whether Immersive Audio is a gimmick or genuine value-add
- Sound signature — some prefer Bose's warmth, audiophiles want more neutrality
- Value vs Sony WH-1000XM5 at a lower price point
How This Review Was Created
7Publications
4YouTube Reviews
3Reddit Threads
14Total Sources
High ConfidenceOctober 2023 - January 2024
This is a synthesis of expert reviews and user discussions; we may not have physically tested the product. See methodology.
Detailed Breakdown
Bose reclaims the ANC crown with the best noise cancellation available in consumer headphones.
- The ANC is the best I've experienced — airplane cabin noise, office chatter, and street sounds are effectively eliminated.— The Verge
- Bose edges out Sony by a slim margin in ANC performance, particularly with low-frequency rumble.— CNET
Rich, warm sound signature that most listeners will enjoy, though audiophiles may want more neutrality.
- The sound is warm, rich, and engaging — Bose has clearly invested in tuning these for mainstream appeal.— Tom's Guide
- Immersive Audio is genuinely impressive for movies and spatial music mixes, but it's a battery hog.— MKBHD
Premium build and excellent comfort, though slightly heavier than the previous generation.
- These are incredibly comfortable for multi-hour listening sessions — the protein leather earpads are plush.— PCMag
- They're noticeably heavier than the QC45 — I felt it after 3+ hours of continuous wear.— Reddit r/headphones
Related Products
Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with
This synthesis review was compiled from 14 independent sources. TechTalkTown did not receive products or compensation from Bose.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
From $379 at Best Buy