REVIEW: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones hit the market with a lot of buzz around them, especially with their inclusion of spatial audio and other premium features. After living with them for a few weeks, I can confidently say these headphones are a some of the best premium ANC headphones I’ve tested. The sound, active noise cancellation (ANC), and overall comfort are all top notch. So, are they worth the hefty €499 price tag? Let’s dive in.

Design & Build Quality

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones come in a sleek, modern design that’s a clear departure from the older, more utilitarian looks of the Bose QuietComfort series. The shape is more plush and rounded, with softer plastic that feels premium to the touch. If you’re familiar with the earlier models, you’ll notice that the earcups are smoother and tapered, giving the headphones a more refined look.

The White Smoke model I reviewed doesn’t suffer from the fingerprint magnet issue that the black model does. I’ve seen a few online reviews mentioning how the black finish tends to show prints and smudges easily, but this wasn’t an issue at all with the white variant.

The foam earcups provide a snug fit around your ears, though I did notice some sweat buildup after long periods of use, as expected with any well-sealing headphones. For those with larger heads, (like myself) the headphones fit comfortably without causing discomfort, but those with smaller heads might find the headband to be a bit too narrow. A simple headband cushion could solve that issue, but it’s something to keep in mind.

On the left earcup, you’ll find the USB-C port (charging-only) and a 2.5mm jack, while the right earcup hosts the control buttons. The lack of a USB-C audio out is a minor disappointment at this price, especially when a more universal connection like 3.5mm or USB-C for audio could have been used. Still, the design is overall quite sleek and solid.

Software Features

Bose’s app, the Bose Music app, is straightforward to use. However, I did find that getting the headphones to appear in the app while Bluetooth multipoint was active took a little longer than expected. Once connected, the app offers some customisation options, though it’s a bit sparse compared to what you’ll find with Sony headphones, for example.

One of the standout features here is Immersive Audio, which gives you spatial audio without needing the source material to support it. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s a nice touch for those who like a more dynamic listening experience.

The app also allows you to toggle between different ANC modes, adjusting the level of noise cancellation to suit your environment. There’s a “Motion” mode that adapts to head movements, and a “Still” mode that’s great for more stationary use.

The addition of multipoint connectivity means you can be connected to two devices at once, which is handy for multitaskers. However, I found that the headphones occasionally switched back to my phone whenever a notification popped up, which can be a bit annoying when watching something on TV or using them with a laptop.

Sound & ANC Quality

Let’s get to the good stuff. The sound quality on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones is nothing short of impressive. While I’m not an audiophile, I can appreciate a good pair of headphones, and these hit the mark. The sound is balanced, with crisp highs, rich mids, and deep, satisfying bass that doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. Whether I was listening to classical music or jamming to pop, the sound quality remained excellent across genres.

When it comes to active noise cancellation, these headphones are some of the best in the business. Low-level background noise like air conditioning or street traffic is all but eliminated. Even with more erratic sounds, like voices or distant chatter, the ANC does a solid job of muffling those as well. Bose has truly upped their game here. The ANC is customisable too, allowing you to choose between different levels, so you can block out as much or as little sound as you want.

The Immersive Audio feature is another win for Bose. While spatial audio has been available on other headphones for a while, Bose has found a way to make it feel natural. It doesn’t try to force surround sound where it doesn’t belong; instead, it adds depth to the stereo sound and gives you a bit more of an “alive” listening experience. You can even adjust it depending on whether you’re stationary or moving around, which is a cool, subtle touch.

Battery Life

Bose promises up to 24 hours of battery life, and after extensive use, I can confirm that claim is accurate. I wore the headphones for long stretches, with the ANC running at full tilt and with Immersive Audio on, and they held up without issue. A full charge lasted me through a day of work, a few hours of media consumption, and more. If you’re in a rush, the 15-minute quick charge will give you enough juice for a few hours of use, which is perfect for when you need a quick top-up.

Charging is done via USB-C, which is always welcome. One thing I’d nitpick is that the included USB-C cable is a bit short, but most people will just use their own longer cables or a charger they already own. Overall, though, the battery life and charging options are solid, and I didn’t find myself worrying about running out of juice during use. Now, they’re still no match for the ridiculous 60 hour battery life of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones but that’s really for those of you who need heavy endurance battery life in your headphones.

Conclusion

After a few weeks with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, I can say with confidence that they live up to the hype. The sound quality is superb, the noise cancellation is industry-leading, and the comfort and fit make these headphones ideal for long listening sessions. While there are a few minor annoyances—like the somewhat clunky Bluetooth multipoint experience and the lack of USB-C audio out—the overall package is impressive.

If you’re looking for premium noise-cancelling headphones that deliver top-notch sound and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a solid choice. I can easily see myself using these for all my audio needs in the future.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Pricing & Availability

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are available in Ireland with an RRP of €499. They are available in 4 colour options, Black, White Smoke, Sandstone, Diamond 60th Edition (off white/cream colour) and Lunar Blue.

You can purchase them directly from Bose’s online store or from Currys.