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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is best for: Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Ranked #8 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
4 sources$359as of Oct 30

Bose's QuietComfort Headphones (2023) replaced the QC45 as the company's mainstream over-ear, one tier below the QuietComfort Ultra. TechRadar gave them 4 stars for 'flagship noise-cancelling for less,' and SoundGuys clocked 27 hours of real-world battery along with excellent ANC. There is no Immersive Audio and no high-res codecs, but at 240g they are the most comfortable headphone in this guide and the easiest recommendation for long-haul flights.

Strengths
  • — Plush memory foam earcups, only 240g — the most comfortable pair in this guide
  • — Excellent Bose ANC, only narrowly behind the QuietComfort Ultra
  • — Tested ~27 hours real-world battery life
Watch-outs
  • — Only SBC and AAC codecs — no aptX or LDAC
  • — 3-band EQ is more limited than rivals' parametric tools
  • — No spatial audio (saved for the QuietComfort Ultra)
$359 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
3 sources$327.99as of Oct 12

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
  • — Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
  • — Plush, glasses-friendly ear cushions and a light, comfortable fit for long sessions
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
  • — Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
$327.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones weigh 240g against 254g for the Sony WH-1000XM6, but support only SBC and AAC where the Sony adds LDAC, and their 24-hour rated battery compares with the Sony's 40 hours. They cost far less than the Sony. Against the Apple AirPods Max they are lighter by nearly 150g and cost far less, and their ANC is described as only narrowly behind the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones add Immersive Audio spatial sound over the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, whose entry says spatial audio is saved for the Ultra, and they cost considerably more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 they give up LDAC playback and battery life, at 24 hours against 40. At 253g they are lighter than the 386g Apple AirPods Max and fold flat, and they cost less than the Apple.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Driver40mm dynamic35mm dynamic
Weight240g253g
ANCAdaptive ANC with Aware mode and adjustable Quiet modesYes, adjustable + Immersive Audio
CodecSBC, AACSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1 with multipoint, USB-C, 3.5mmBluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm
Battery Life24 hours rated (~27 hours measured)24h (18h Immersive)
Folding—Folds flat, hinged
← See the full ranking of best over-ear headphones