When Bose releases a new flagship product, it’s always an event. With the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, launched in late 2023, Bose has reasserted its place in the competitive noise-canceling headphone market. Designed for high-performance audio enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and listeners, these headphones deliver advanced features, exceptional comfort, and cutting-edge sound quality. But are they seriously worth the premium price tag? Let’s dive in.
Pros
- High bass for a low price
- Lightweight and comfy
- Inline cups swivel for portability
- Great inline microphone
Cons
- Mids and Trebles suck at high volume
- Headband padding is poor, so comfort varies
- No ANC
The Bottom Line:
The Bose quiet comfort ultras start at a retail premium price of up to about $429 ever since its release back in October of 2023. With the price point that high we have some expectations—BIG expectations. It has an all metal construction with an over the ear earcup weighing in at about half a pound which is rather light for headphones of this quality.
It’s wireless, and has a “rated” battery life of up to 24 hours and 18 hours with immersive audio on. But that could easily be different… more on that later. You can connect via Bluetooth 5.3, aptX adaptive, and with a 2-1/2 millimeter audio jack. These headphones have no waterproofing so don’t sit them outside in the rain or leave them too close to water.
The durability of these headphones may make that a fair trade off. Inside of the box you get a carrying case, a 2-1/2 millimeter to 3-1/2 millimeter aux cable, and a usb-a to usb-c charging cable—which is very short.
| Sony MDR-XB450AP | |
|---|---|
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MSRP Price |
$429.99 |
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Headphone Style |
Over ear, closed back |
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Connectivity |
Wireless and Wired capability: Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-device connectivity and Wired with analog 2.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable |
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Weight |
8.96 oz. (average) |
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Battery Life |
24 hours (18 hours on immersive audio) |
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Cable Style |
Detachable 2.5mm to 3.5mm (1m cable provided) |
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ANC |
Yes |
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Microphone |
Adaptive Mic (8 onboard w/ ANC and voice pickup |
Design and Comfort
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones blend modern minimalism with practicality. The lightweight metal frame, weighing just 253g, makes them comfortable for extended use. The foldable design mkaes portability a dream. fitting snugly into the included compact carrying case—travelers rejoice! While the materials—a combination of plastic, aluminum, and faux leather—don’t scream luxury, they do feel durable and very solid.
Key Features:
- Plush earcup padding suitable for glasses wearers and longer on-ear use
- Foldable and flat-laying earcups for easy storage
- Available in multiple colors: Black, White Smoke, and Lunar Blue
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Compact carrying case ideal for travelers
Cons:
- Susceptible to smudging on darker finishes
- Hinges may wear down over time—a long time that could vary
Noise Cancellation and Controls
Bose’s reputation for ANC (active noise canceling) remains unmatched, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are no exception. With CustomTune technology, these headphones adapt to the environment and individual hearing profiles to deliver class-leading noise isolation. Whether you’re on a noisy subway or a long-haul flight, the ANC reduces external sounds by up to 87%—the key phrase there is “up to”.
The onboard controls include a mix of physical buttons and a capacitive volume slider:
- Multifunction Button: Playback, track navigation, ANC mode toggle
- Volume Slider: Adjust volume and customizable shortcut
- Power/Bluetooth Button: On/off and pairing mode
Pros:
- Best-in-class ANC performance
- Intuitive and responsive controls
Cons:
- No true “transparency” mode outside of app settings
- Volume slider can be finicky
Sound Quality
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer a rich and dynamic sound profile, elevated by Bose’s CustomTune technology. This feature personalizes audio to your ear’s anatomy, ensuring consistent sound quality across users. The bass is deep but controlled, the mids are natural, and the treble remains crisp without being fatiguing.
Immersive Audio
Bose’s new Immersive Audio feature simulates a speaker-like experience, making music feel more spacious. While this spatial audio mode shines for movies and certain tracks, it adds processing artifacts that may detract from the listening experience for purists.
Pros:
- Balanced sound signature suitable for all genres
- Immersive Audio adds a realistic dimension of sound for movies and casual listening
Cons:
- Immersive Audio reduces battery life to 18 hours
- Limited EQ adjustments in the Bose Music app
Battery Life and Connectivity
The headphones offer up to 24 hours of playback with ANC and 18 hours with Immersive Audio activated. While adequate for most use cases, the battery life falls short compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5, which boast 30 hours.
Connectivity Features
- Bluetooth 5.3: Stable and efficient wireless performance
- Multipoint Pairing: Seamlessly switch between two devices
- aptX Adaptive: High-quality audio streaming for Android users
Pros:
- Quick charging: 15 minutes for 2.5 hours of playback
- Multipoint pairing is reliable, convenient, and clear
Cons:
- No USB-C audio passthrough
- Limited aptX compatibility with some Android devices
What People Are Saying
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are widely regarded as a top-tier choice for noise-canceling and comfort, with opinions varying depending on user expectations. Many praise their unparalleled noise-cancellation capabilities, premium build quality, and cloud-like comfort, making them ideal for extended use and everyday scenarios. The immersive audio feature also adds a unique listening experience, simulating live sound placement.
However, audio fanatics have noted drawbacks in sound balance, such as overemphasized bass and rolled-off treble, which may disappoint those seeking highly detailed sound reproduction. While some users find the price justified for its advanced noise cancellation and luxurious design, others argue the sound quality does not align with its premium cost. Overall, the QuietComfort Ultra excels in providing a high-end consumer experience but may not satisfy purists looking for audiophile-grade sound
Longterm Thoughts and Criticism
Critical reviews of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones highlight several recurring concerns that renounce them from their premium pricing and reputation. Many users find the noise cancellation and sound quality impressive, with world class immersive audio features.
However, durability issues, such as peeling ear cups and flimsy hinges, frustrate buyers, as do usability flaws like inconsistent on-head detection, buggy Bluetooth connectivity, and the overly sensitive volume slider could deter some buyers for other options.
The headphones rely on a mediocre app and have limited EQ adjustments. That also leaves users wanting more customization. Some reviewers report discomfort during extended use and describe the sound profile as overly bass-heavy or flat, failing to justify the high price tag.
For a product in this range, these frequent functional and quality issues lead many to question the value proposition, with some expressing regret and exploring alternative brands.
These comments and thoughts come from people who have usually tried other headphones and are very aware of each leading bnrnads headphones issues. If you just want an excellent pair of headphones, you have nothing to ACTUALLY worry about.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver premium sound, industry-leading ANC, and thoughtful design. While they’re priced higher than some competitors, their performance justifies the investment for audioheads and frequent travelers.
Who Should Buy These?
- Frequent Travelers: Exceptional ANC and portability
- Audio Enthusiasts: Rich, customizable sound
- Comfort Seekers: Lightweight and plush design
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider the Bose QC 45 or Sony WH-1000XM4
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Opt for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Final Score: 8.5/10
For those who demand the best in sound and silence, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are hard to beat.
