Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The QuietComfort Ultra is Bose's flagship over-ear headphone, sitting at the top of the brand's noise-cancelling lineup with a focus on immersive audio and long-haul comfort.
### Overview
The QuietComfort Ultra is Bose's flagship over-ear noise-cancelling headphone, retailing at $429 and featuring Bluetooth 5.3, a 24-hour battery, and Bose's proprietary Immersive Audio technology — the brand's answer to spatial audio. Bose has brought its best game here: these headphones deliver class-leading, customisable ANC while offering sound quality that is both accomplished and entertaining. They sit at the top of Bose's lineup and compete directly with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.
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### Standout Features
- **Active Noise Cancellation:** Testing shows the ANC dramatically reduces background noise in real-world environments, and reviewers consider it to have the edge over the Sony WH-1000XM5 — no small feat. - **Immersive Audio (Spatial Audio):** The headline Immersive Audio feature applies a spatial audio effect to any song, not just those available in Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio. - **Multi-Point Bluetooth:** The QC Ultra introduces multi-point Bluetooth to Bose's lineup for the first time, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices with seamless switching between them. - **aptX Lossless Support:** The headphones support aptX Lossless, a higher-bitrate codec capable of transmitting CD-quality audio — though this requires compatible Android hardware. - **Comfort & Build:** Generous padding around the headband and earcups gives the Ultra a plush feel, with spacious earcups wrapped in a breathable, buttery-soft faux leather material. - **Call Quality:** Bose has improved call quality with more advanced microphones in a beamform-array that reduce the impact of external noise.
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### Who It's For
These are a high-end premium set suited to anyone who wants immersive sound, impressive noise cancellation, and a standout user experience — including those who need to block ambient office sound for focused work or online meetings. The foldable design also makes them ideal for portable use and long commutes. Frequent travellers, remote workers, and audiophiles who prioritise ANC performance and comfort over all else will find the most value here.
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### Important Considerations
- **Battery life is a known trade-off:** Battery life is rated at 24 hours, but drops to 18 hours when Immersive Audio is enabled — shorter than some rivals at this price point. - **aptX Lossless is Android-only:** You'll need an Android smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or newer to take advantage of aptX Lossless — Apple iPhone users are excluded. - **No waterproofing:** The lack of any waterproofing rating is a letdown for a flagship headphone at this price. - **Premium price:** At $429, the cost is high compared to most rivals, though sales and refurbished options from Bose's official store can bring the price down meaningfully.
Key features
- Near-premium ANC performance
- premium build quality
- 24-hour battery
- superior sound
Seen at 4 retailers from $249.99 to $359.00 as of 2026-06-14. Prices change — check the retailer for the current price.
Bose's best noise cancellation yet, wrapped in a build that justifies the flagship billing.
What stands out
- Active noise cancellation ranks among the most effective available in consumer headphones, handling low-frequency drone and ambient noise with particular strength.
- Sound tuning is refined and full-bodied, with Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode adding genuine depth rather than feeling like a gimmick.
- 24-hour battery life comfortably covers long-haul travel and full working days without anxiety.
- Build quality is premium throughout, with materials and fit that feel durable and considered rather than plasticky.
What to weigh
- Sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, making it a significant outlay against strong competition from Sony and Apple.
- Immersive Audio mode is not available during calls, limiting its usefulness in mixed-use scenarios.
- On-ear controls have a learning curve and are less intuitive than some rivals.
Great fit if
- Frequent flyers or commuters who prioritise best-in-class noise cancellation above all else.
- Listeners who want a warm, polished sound signature without heavy EQ tinkering.
- Those who wear headphones for extended sessions and need all-day comfort.
Skip it if
- Shoppers on a tighter budget who would be better served by Bose's own lower-tier QC models.
- Audiophiles seeking a flat, reference-accurate sound profile.
- Users who rely heavily on hands-free calling and want spatial audio throughout.