PCMAG
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Big-Time Bose Battle: QuietComfort Ultra vs. QuietComfort Headphones | PCMag
November 22, 2024 - The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones support Bluetooth 5.3 and include the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, which unlocks support for the AptX Adaptive codec in addition to AAC and SBC.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › bose quietcomfort ultra vs bose quietcomfort
r/bose on Reddit: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Bose QuietComfort
January 13, 2024 -
Hey y’all!
Currently in a bit of a dilemma on what headphones I should be getting.
My employer gets me access to Bose’s employee purchase program of sorts and I get a discount on certain products.
Currently, I can get The QC45 from BestBuy for $229 or the QC from my employer website for $269 or the ultras for $329.
Given these reduced prices, which one would be the best option especially given my levels of usage? I’d mainly wear them when I walk to work, travel or at the gym and that’s about it.
Top answer 1 of 5
12
One thing to consider...the Ultra's tap controls are maddening. Unless you turn them off altogether, there's no way to make a single tap do nothing. Also no way to make touch and hold do nothing. And because they're super sensitive to touch, this means that every time you do touch them (to adjust them in your ears for instance) the music will pause or the noise cancellation will change modes, because the buds think you're single tapping or touch holding. And let's face it, no matter how well earbuds fit, they tend to need occasional fiddling. On the QC model, you can opt for a single touch or a touch and hold to do nothing. Meaning you have to double or triple tap to pause/play, skip tracks, etc (but only if you decide to set it up this way). Why Bose made the decision to change how the tap controls operate on the Ultras is baffling to me. This may not matter to a lot of people, but for me it was a deal breaker for the Ultras and I returned them and went with the QCs. Sound quality is still excellent and I can't tell the difference in the effectiveness of noise cancellation. The QCs don't have as many bells and whistles but at least I don't get the urge to throw them across the room.
2 of 5
8
QC vs QC Ultra is pretty simple. Comes down to 1. design preference, 2. materials, 3. do you have the extra money to spend, 4. do you care about immersive audio and some new bells, 5. Do you care about the weight of the headphones ANC is pretty close in both. My preference is ultra because headphones are once in a few years purchase and I like to get the best possible one they offer. You can order both from Bose, try them for week, return them and get from Bestbuy after.
Videos
r/bose on Reddit: DHRME QC Headphones Ultra Gen 1 vs Gen 2 ...
r/bose on Reddit: Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen — Worth the Upgrade? ...
r/bose on Reddit: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 vs Gen 1 – Mic ...
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Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. Bose QC Ultra (1st Gen): Should you ...
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WTF Did Bose Just Do? QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 vs Gen 1! - YouTube
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I would buy these 3 headphones instead of the Bose QuietComfort ...
Are the ear cups on Bose QuietComfort Ultra and QuietComfort headphones replaceable?
The ear pads are replaceable, but the ear cups aren’t. You can find replacement pads on online retailers’ sites or the Bose site in your country.
soundguys.com
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones ...
What do the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores mean?
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones ...
How has this article been updated?
- This article was updated on November 13, 2025, to add a note about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen.)
- This article was updated on April 29, 2025, to correct outdated information.
- This article was updated on November 29, 2024, to update measurements for the comparison.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones ...
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-vs-quietcomfort-ultra
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Honest Review
April 1, 2025 - As such, they share most of the same modern features: 11 levels of Noise Cancelling and Transparency Modes, built-in microphones for phone calls, and the same Bose companion app with customizable EQ.
Rolling Stone
rollingstone.com › product-recommendations › tech › bose-quietcomfort-vs-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review-1235328730
Bose QuietComfort vs. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: We Put Both to the Test
May 1, 2025 - 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. Both headphones utilize Bose’s app, which is straightforward and easy to use, although it occasionally experiences issues with pairing.
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what are the differences? | What Hi-Fi?
February 13, 2025 - Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review · There's a fair price difference between the two pairs, so if you're wondering what you would be missing out on by opting for the most affordable one, this is the article for you. Below we compare the QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra for specs and features.
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones - SoundGuys
November 13, 2025 - The Bose QuietComfort Headphones, however, only has a Bluetooth 5.1 radio, which means that they won’t be able to keep up with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones’ features as time goes on. Specifically, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are compatible with Snapdragon Sound and the aptX Adaptive family of codecs — including their status as the only headphones on the market with aptX Lossless compatibility (the only other product with this codec support is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds).
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones › wireless earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: which are best?
August 8, 2025 - ... Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC, AAC) ... offer a lot of bang for your buck – they have a longer battery life than the Ultra, more equaliser options, voice controls and wireless charging....
Michael Fil
michaelfil.com › blog › bose-quiet-comfort-ultra-vs-bose-qc-35-ii-review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Why new isn’t always better — Michael Fil
May 20, 2025 - The QC 35 II had the Bose Connect app and the Ultra uses a new app. I didn’t care much for the original one, but the new one is painfully slow to react to inputs, particularly when it comes to volume. I don’t feel like there is much use for the added noise-cancellation modes and the gimmicky mode where the sound follows you. Just let me choose between ANC, no ANC, and strength of ANC. The photos above are of my original Bose QuietComfort 35 II
RTINGS.com
rtings.com › home › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless: Which Headphones Are Better? - RTINGS.com
April 5, 2016 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless. That said, the differences between them are fairly minimal. Both buds share a similar sound profile that you can further tweak via the Bose Music app, and they're both equipped with Bose's excellent ANC technology.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › audio › headphones › over-ear headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra: Which should you buy? | Tom's Guide
July 24, 2025 - What about the QuietComfort Headphones then? They're $100 cheaper than the Ultra Headphones, but feature comparable sound and noise canceling. You might miss out on some of the fun extras, like Immersive Sound, but that's all sacrificed at the altar of affordability. ... Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — this is the pair you should buy for Black Friday
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › wireless earbuds › bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds vs bose quietcomfort earbuds ii
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II - SoundGuys
November 13, 2025 - Despite the similarities in outward appearances, there are a couple of new features in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds to talk about here — mainly the addition of Snapdragon Sound compatibility and a little nub to hold the ear fin in place. You might scoff at that last feature, but we had one heck of a time with the concha fin rotating in the charging case when we reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › product reviews › tech reviews › bose quietcomfort vs quietcomfort ultra: which noise-cancelling headphones are best?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Bose QuietComfort headphones
June 17, 2024 - The QuietComfort headphones are enough for most people, while the upgraded Ultra pair sounds better, cancels more noise and is slightly more comfortable. Here are the specifications and pros and cons for each pair. ... The design of the QuietComfort headphones is quite reminiscent of older Bose designs, having an almost identical look to the QuietComfort 45, SE and 35.
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › wireless earbuds › bose quietcomfort earbuds (2024) vs bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds: which bose earbuds should you buy?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Which Bose earbuds should you buy? - SoundGuys
October 10, 2024 - The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds come in purple, if you’re feeling funky. Since the QuietComfort Earbuds no longer have a protruding stem design, they are slightly smaller and lighter than the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. In terms of comfort, we found both are on about equal terms, as we could wear either for hours at a time.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › bose quietcomfort's vs bose quietcomfort's ultra, which is worth it?
r/bose on Reddit: Bose QuietComfort's vs Bose QuietComfort's Ultra, which is worth it?
August 4, 2025 -
I can get the Ultras for £270 from the Bose refurbished site which is a lot cheaper than on amazon or I can get the base QuietComfort's for £180. People who have bought from the refurbished website are the products still good quality? I've also heard from videos that there's not much difference in the sound quality and the ANC between them but correct me if I'm wrong? I also currently have a pair of Sony WH-CH720N which have lasted me like 3 years but would like a decent upgrade.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › bose quietcomfort vs quietcomfort ultra
r/bose on Reddit: Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra
January 4, 2025 -
Hi! I’m a female college student looking to invest in a pair of Bose headphones. I’ve never owned any headphones before, only the Apple AirPods, so I’m not very experienced or knowledgeable about headphones. The AirPods I have aren’t noise canceling and they tend to make my ears hurt after about 45 mins of wear which is pretty annoying.
I’ve been looking into buying the Bose headphones based on recommendations from friends and reviews I’ve read online, but wasn’t sure if I should spend the extra money for the Ultras.
I’m mainly focused on noise canceling and comfort, since I tend to spend hours in the library, cafes, and other study spots on campus. Sound quality isn’t that big of a deal for me, but I’ve heard Bose is good in that aspect too.
What do you all recommend? I was thinking of just going with the basic QuietComfort headphones because there doesn’t seem to be enough justification to splurge on the more expensive Ultras but would love your thoughts!
Top answer 1 of 5
12
I went and tried both of them on yesterday at best but - they feel very similar on the head and both felt super comfortable. I’m probably going with the QC just because they go on sale and have purple :)
2 of 5
7
Just ordered the quietcomfort sc myself after many reviews. Anc isn't much better on the ultra and they cost so much more. Just not worth it and you get better controls (buttons).
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds (2nd gen) vs bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds: seeing double?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Seeing double? - SoundGuys
July 22, 2025 - Aside from some mic upgrades, small design tweaks, and a wireless charging case, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is virtually identical to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Mashable
mashable.com › home › tech › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones: 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen | Mashable
November 9, 2025 - However, that doesn't mean the QuietComfort Ultra line goes down without swinging. Bose knows how to make a balanced sound profile, and with the second-generation headphones, they upped the ante. While I wouldn't call the difference night and day, the second-gen headphones generally sounded richer and more well-rounded compared to the first-gen headphones.
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-45-vs-ultra
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Ultra: 2025 Comparison
May 1, 2025 - I’d say if you’re specifically looking for Renewed pairs of the QC45, it is a pretty tasty value. But no way would I spend over $200+ when the newer (and better) QuietComfort 2023 can be found for $249. In my opinion, the QC Ultra’s superior sound quality is easily worth its premium over the QC45. ... The Bose QuietComfort Ultra beats the older QC45 in today’s head-to-head comparison, due to having slightly better comfort and vastly superior sound quality.