Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review
Discover the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - a premium over-ear headphone offering exceptional sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort. Perfect for music enthusiasts and frequent travelers.
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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Bose QuietComfort 45 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or BOSE QuietComfort 35 II.
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Product Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have gained a reputation for being one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. They offer an immersive audio experience, exceptional build quality, and a comfortable fit. In this review, we will dive into the sound quality, build quality, comfort, features, styling, and what's included in the box.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones truly deliver. The active noise-canceling technology blocks out external noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without any distractions. The audio is clear, detailed, and well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. Whether you are listening to classical music or EDM, the headphones provide an impressive soundstage and immersive experience.
One minor drawback is that the bass can sometimes overpower the midrange, especially in bass-heavy tracks. However, this can be adjusted using the equalizer settings on your device or through the Bose Connect app.

Build Quality
Bose has always been known for its exceptional build quality, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are no exception. The headphones are constructed using high-quality materials that feel premium and sturdy. The headband is adjustable and flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit on various head sizes.
The ear cups are well-padded and provide a good seal around the ears, which helps in isolating external noise. The folding design makes them easy to carry in the included carrying case, making them ideal for travel.
One potential downside is that the headphones are not water or sweat-resistant, so they may not be suitable for intense workouts or outdoor activities. Additionally, the plastic hinges connecting the ear cups to the headband may be prone to wear and tear over time.

Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor when it comes to headphones, especially if you plan on using them for extended periods. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excel in this aspect. The ear cups are plush and provide a comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions. The headband is well-padded and distributes the weight evenly, reducing any discomfort or pressure on the top of the head.
The headphones are also lightweight, which further enhances the overall comfort. However, some users with larger heads may find the clamping force a bit tight initially, but it tends to loosen up over time.
Features
One standout feature of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the active noise-canceling technology. It effectively blocks out external noise, whether you are in a noisy office or on a plane. The noise cancellation can be adjusted using the switch on the ear cup, allowing you to choose between full noise cancellation or activating the "Aware" mode to let in some ambient sound.
The headphones also feature touch-sensitive controls on the right ear cup, allowing you to control playback, adjust volume, and answer calls with simple gestures. The Bose Connect app offers additional customization options, such as adjusting the noise cancellation level and accessing software updates.
One minor drawback is the lack of support for advanced Bluetooth codecs such as aptX or LDAC. While the headphones still deliver excellent audio quality over Bluetooth, audiophiles may miss the higher-quality audio offered by these codecs.

Styling
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a sleek and understated design. They feature a matte black finish with minimal branding, giving them a sophisticated and timeless look. The headphones have a compact and foldable design, making them easy to carry around in the included carrying case.
While some users may prefer a more flashy or eye-catching design, the simplicity of these headphones adds to their overall versatility and appeal.
What's in the Box
When you purchase the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, you can expect the following items in the box:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Carrying case
- 3.5mm audio cable
- USB charging cable
- Airline adapter
The inclusion of the airline adapter is a nice touch, as it allows you to enjoy your music and movies during long flights. The carrying case provides ample protection for the headphones, ensuring they stay safe during travel.

Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones to their direct competitors in the same price range, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser Momentum 3, the Bose headphones excel in terms of comfort and active noise cancellation. The Bose headphones have a more comfortable fit and offer superior noise-canceling capabilities, making them ideal for frequent travelers or those working in noisy environments.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 3 offer better audio quality and support for advanced Bluetooth codecs. Audiophiles who prioritize sound quality may lean towards these alternatives. Additionally, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers more advanced features, such as speak-to-chat and multi-device pairing.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a top-notch choice for individuals seeking exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and comfort. They provide an immersive audio experience, solid build quality, and a sleek design. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of their direct competitors, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer a reliable and enjoyable listening experience.
If you value comfort, effective noise cancellation, and a well-rounded sound signature, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a worthy investment. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a music lover, or someone who simply wants to enjoy their audio in peace, these headphones are a great choice.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation for a truly immersive audio experience
- Comfortable fit with plush ear cushions for long listening sessions
- Impressive battery life of up to 20 hours for uninterrupted use
- High-quality audio performance with deep bass and clear highs
- Convenient touch controls for easy playback and volume adjustment
Cons
- Expensive compared to other headphones on the market
- Not as stylish or trendy as some other headphone brands
- May feel a bit bulky and heavy for some users
- Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent at times
- Not ideal for intense physical activities due to their over-ear design
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer a battery life of up to 24 hours. However, this can vary depending on usage, such as when using Immersive Audio, which reduces battery life to around 18 hours.
No, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones do not support USB audio. They primarily use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
Yes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones support Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer several noise cancellation modes, including Quiet, Aware, Immersion, and Custom. These modes allow for full noise cancellation, transparency, or immersive audio experiences.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are made from a combination of plastic, aluminum, and protein leather, providing a durable and comfortable design.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones do not include a standard audio cable, but they do come with a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are controlled using a Bluetooth/power button, a multi-function button, and a capacitive volume strip on the right earcup. They also feature on-head/off-head detection for additional control.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones do not have specific water resistance ratings like some other models. However, they are designed for general use and not for exposure to water.
Yes, you can customize noise cancellation settings using the Bose app, allowing you to create up to seven custom modes tailored to your preferences.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are charged via a USB-C port. They come with a USB-C cable and can be fully charged in about three hours.
Important
Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.
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