As a seasoned researcher and tech enthusiast with over 17 years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a game-changer in the world of audio technology. Having had the privilege to test a multitude of headphones from various brands, I’ve never been more impressed than with these Bose marvels.
For transparency: I’ve been a devotee of Bose headphones for quite some time now, dating back to the 2017 QuietComfort 35 II model. These headphones have been my constant travel buddy during my job on long 16-hour flights to Asia and other destinations. I also frequently utilize the Bose Sport Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds II for workouts at the gym. Important to note, Windows Central has no affiliation with Bose, as I personally purchased every pair.
Nothing prepared me for how good the Bose QuietComfort Ultra was compared to anything else, including Sony’s WH1000XM line. The good news is you don’t have to pay the admittedly absurd $429 like I did, as Amazon now has the QuietComfort Ultras for $329 (saving $100), which makes buying them more reasonable.
Here’s why you should get them.
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Sorry (not sorry), nothing beats Bose’s audio profile and ANC
I often get various types of headphones, such as those from brands like Sony, HP/HyperX, Razer, Dell, and others. These range from earbuds to premium over-the-ear models. Several of these are featured in our top picks for PC gaming headsets.
Among all the high-quality headphones I’ve encountered, none has left a greater impact on me than Bose. As a result, even though I own several excellent alternatives, I still choose to invest in Bose products. Additionally, being a resident of Massachusetts, where Bose is headquartered, adds an extra level of pride and admiration for the brand.
Although our company has only recently incorporated an Equalizer into its mobile apps, I usually keep them unaltered due to the exceptional quality of the speakerbox’s sound. However, the QuietComfort Ultras push the boundaries even further with a plethora of advanced features that are scarcely found in other Bose products, not even among those from rival brands. For instance:
- Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer the most effective ANC of any Bose over-ear model.
- Immersive Audio Modes: They introduce spatial audio modes for a more immersive listening experience.
- AptX Adaptive Bluetooth Codec: This codec supports high-quality streaming on compatible devices.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint Connectivity: This lets you connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
- CustomTune Technology: The headphones adapt their sound and noise canceling based on your hearing characteristics and environment.
- Touch Volume Control: A new feature for easier volume adjustments.
With Bose’s supposedly most comfortable headphones in tow, you have a keeper that I plan to hold onto for quite some time. Given my frequent travels to Asia over the past few years, which often involve long hours of airport rides, connections, and actual flight times adding up to 24 hours or more, having a battery life of 20 hours (and Type-C charging) is absolutely crucial for such extended journeys.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is also top-notch, and I find it better than my Sony WH1000XM’s. Besides quieting people talking, it also gets rid of airplane engine noise, which has been shown to increase fatigue, which is already bad enough when traveling for more than 10 hours, and newer research even links it to “cardiovascular disease including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure and stroke,” which is mind-blowing.
CustomTune Technology refers to a self-explanatory feature where your headphones fine-tune their audio and active noise cancellation (ANC) settings automatically, using external microphones to adapt to varying noise levels around you.
Qualcomm’s AptX technology, which offers superior sound quality compared to regular Bluetooth, works wonderfully with devices that have Snapdragon Sound. This includes modern Android phones and even Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs. The lossless AptX is perfect for listening to music on-the-go with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 or watching movies on a laptop, such as the Qualcomm-equipped Surface Pro 11 (currently discounted).
Sure, I paid $349 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, but I also have no regrets about doing so. Luckily, you can get them for a lot cheaper, and if you travel a lot or just want the best over-the-ear headphones (that are light and comfortable), you should get them right now.
Which color should you get?
Bose provides four primary options for the QuietComfort Ultras: black, blue, sandstone, and white smoke. However, there’s a fifth, lesser-known shade called “diamond” that marks Bose’s 60th anniversary. Sadly, this special edition isn’t currently available for purchase at this time. It’s quite cool though!
Instead of choosing sandstone, I opted for its muted grey-brown base color with a subtle bronze sheen. Compared to black, it has a slightly more vibrant appearance, yet it’s far from bold – a fact that contrasts with the stock photos. Previously, I owned the Class Bose blue version for my QC35 II headphones and found them quite appealing.
As a analyst, I’d describe black headphones as “discreet luxury” or “stealth wealth.” Their understated appearance ensures they won’t draw attention, making them perfect for individuals who prefer a low-key listening experience.
Are they really worth $329?
Yes.
Look, Amazon (and Best Buy) have super-simple returns. Buy ’em, try ’em, and if you think my recommendation was BS, then just return them. But I’m telling you, once you use AptX and immersive audio to listen to Pink Floyd’s ‘Have a Cigar’ from Wish You Were Here at full quality and try watching Interstellar (2014) on your PC, ideally wired, you’ll be sold.
I’ll also apologize in advance for making you spend $329 on headphones, but you won’t regret it.
Why should I listen to you?
For approximately 17 years now, I’ve been managing this website. Throughout this journey, I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge about audio equipment such as headphones, microphones, laptops, PCs, phones, and other tech-related items. Not only do I get to test the latest hardware, but I also have connections with many industry professionals who share insights on the latest technology trends. The consensus among my peers is that QuietComfort Ultras are exceptional, as evidenced by this glowing review from our sister site, Android Central.
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2024-10-09 00:39