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Bose eliminated the numbering system it had used for a decade and a half for its QuietComfort line, instead introducing an unnumbered QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra in 2023. The goal was presumably to streamline its offerings, but it may be confusing for the casual buyer to differentiate between the two models.
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth the extra $80 at full retail? And, crucially, what about when one is on sale (like right now)? We put both models to the test to find out which of Bose’s two over-ear headphones is better — or, more importantly, better for your needs.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
$249.00
$349.00
29% off
Buy Now at bose
Buy Now On Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
$429.00
Buy Now at bose
Buy Now On Amazon
Bose QuietComfort
List Price: $349.00
Stated battery life: 24 hrs
ANC: 10 levels
Wear Detection: No
Release Date: September 2023
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
List Price: $429.00
Stated battery life: 24 hrs
ANC: 10 levels, plus Immersive
Wear Detection: Yes
Release Date: October 2023
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Design and Construction
The QuietComfort Ultra and QuietComfort headphones (let’s call them QC Ultra and QC), share a similar design language started by the QC 25, with rotating oval-shaped earcups. The QC Ultra headphones have a more premium look, with aluminum headbands that create a stylish, contrasting accent.
The QC headphones don’t look as high-end, with a predominantly plastic build, but they are slightly lighter, which can make them more comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headband also extends slightly more.
Like the headphones, the QC Ultra case is more high-end, featuring cutouts that secure the earcups in place, but it is slightly bulkier than the QC headphones case. The QC Ultra case matches the headphones, whereas the QC case is black, regardless of the color of the headphones.
As for colors, the QC Ultra come in black and off-white, plus blue and deep plum, while the QC comes in more fun, youthful colorways like a pastel “chilled lilac” and a vibrant light blue. In terms of overall build and design, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones undoubtedly feel more premium, but some may prefer the lightweight construction of the QuietComfort headphones.
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Features and Controls
Both headphones utilize Bose’s app, which is straightforward and easy to use, although it occasionally experiences issues with pairing. For both headphones, users can set up to four noise-canceling modes. Quiet and Aware are not adjustable, but the other two modes can be customized with up to 10 levels of noise-canceling. The QC Ultra headphones add an immersive mode to the lineup.
The QC headphones use physical buttons, with volume, playback, and power/pairing controls on the right earcup and a multifunction button that toggles ANC modes on the left. The QC Ultra headphones instead feature two discreet buttons, plus a touch sensor that controls volume.
The minimalist buttons of the QC Ultra headphones undoubtedly contribute to their stylish appearance, but the QC headphones’ straightforward controls are more intuitive. On the QC headphones, a single press on the left earcup toggles through noise-canceling modes, and the physical volume buttons are easy to use for anyone who’s used a TV remote. Unlike the QC Ultras, the QuietComfort headphones can be used passively; if you plug in the audio cable, you can listen to music even if the battery is dead.
The Ultra controls, on the other hand, take a little more getting used to, with a single button that controls playback, ANC modes, and phone calls, and another button for Bluetooth pairing and power. Holding the volume strip accesses the shortcut, which can be customized to hear battery level, switch immersion modes, or access your voice assistant. The QC Ultra headphones also have wear detection, pausing the music when you remove the headphones.
The QC Ultra and QC share a decent number of features, including customizable ANC controls and multipoint pairing. The Ultras have a sleeker button layout, but it can take more getting used to than the QC’s simple controls.
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Sound Quality and Noise Canceling
The QuietComfort Ultras offer richer, more detailed sound than the standard QuietComfort headphones, and the Ultras have high-end features like Snapdragon Sound for a more reliable connection and higher-resolution audio.
The standard QuietComfort headphones also sound great and feature customizable EQ in the app, so while the QC Ultra headphones have an edge in audio performance, they’re not a huge leap above the QCs. If you’re looking for enjoyable performance across a variety of genres, both options sound great.
As for ANC performance, the Ultra headphones have the edge, boasting the best noise-canceling capabilities among headphones I have tested. If you’re frequently in noisy environments like planes or buses, the QC Ultra headphones can capably handle low frequencies, voices, and loud, sudden sounds.
Still, the QuietComfort has my favorite feature on Bose headphones, and that’s customizable ANC. Sometimes, the Quiet mode is too quiet, and being able to set different modes and easily toggle through them is a major advantage both the QC and QC Ultra headphones have over much of the competition.
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Verdict
Ultimately, the competition between Bose’s two current headphone models is close; both offer excellent, adjustable active noise cancellation, enjoyable sound, and utilize the same intuitive app. The more affordable QC headphones have more straightforward controls and fit better on larger heads.
The difference largely comes down to refinement, with the QuietComfort Ultra headphones offering more premium materials, a more secure fit in the case, and a sleeker, more stylish design. There are some audio advantages, too, like better ANC and sound quality.
If you prefer more straightforward controls, a more compact carrying case, the ability to use the headphones passively, and you don’t mind a more casual look, the QuietComfort headphones are an excellent option (particularly for $100 off).
The QuietComfort Ultra headphones make the grade for premium performance, comfort, and sound, and are simply the best headphones on the market if active noise-canceling is your top priority.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
$249.00
$349.00
29% off
Buy Now at bose
Buy Now On Amazon
Get this if: You like a simple, user-friendly design with a comfortable, lightweight fit.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
$429.00
Buy Now at bose
Buy Now On Amazon
Get this if: You want top-of-the-line ANC and prioritize a high-end design.
