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 - Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Headphones are constructed mainly of plastic and protein leather (whatever the hell that means), with very understated design choices. Both are light, coming in at 253 and 240 grams ...
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
08:01
Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. Bose QC Ultra (1st Gen): Should you ...
03:44
I would buy these 3 headphones instead of the Bose QuietComfort ...
13:21
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Which Bluetooth ...
13:31
WTF Did Bose Just Do? QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 vs Gen 1! - YouTube
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Best ANC ...
01:15
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Honest Comparison in 2025 ...
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
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones ...
What is the difference between QuietComfort 45 Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and QuietComfort Headphones?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the successors to QuietComfort 45 Headphones. They deliver high-fidelity audio performance and world-class noise cancellation that allow you to hear more of your music and movies — while traveling, at the office, or at home.QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer our most premium design and our most advanced technologies, for the best Bose listening experience in a headphone. With QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, you will enjoy our best headphone noise cancellation, audio quality personalized with CustomTune, and voice pickup, among other premium features.
bose.com
bose.com › home › headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Bose
What is the range of QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have a range of up to 30 ft (9 meters) from the source device. This range may be reduced by physical obstructions, such as walls and doors, or by interference from other electronic devices. Pops or a cracking noise may be heard if there’s interference with the Bluetooth connection. If that happens, move away from wireless routers or microwaves and bring your headphones closer to the Bluetooth device.
bose.com
bose.com › home › headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Bose
PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › comparisons › audio › headphones
Big-Time Bose Battle: QuietComfort Ultra vs. QuietComfort Headphones | PCMag
November 22, 2024 - The QuietComfort Headphones are $349 and come in Black, Cypress Green, Moonstone Blue (also a Bose.com exclusive), or White Smoke. ... When it comes to price and color variety, there's a clear winner here, as the QuietComfort Headphones cost $80 less than the QuietComfort Ultra and come in an extra variant.
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-vs-quietcomfort-ultra
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra: Honest Review
April 1, 2025 - For a $400+ headphone, the Ultra has a slightly questionable amount of plastic, but they do use metal in the most important places like the hinges (take note, Sony XM5). The regular QuietComfort has roughly same design as all the way back to the QC35, but it’s sturdy and reliable. I think Sony’s XM4 even copied this design with success. I think both headphones look good and sleek, but I’m really loving the Cypress Green colorway on this regular Bose QuietComfort 2023 model.
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) Noise-cancelling: Yes Wireless charging: No Battery life: 6hrs (+18hrs from charging case) Weight: 6.2g (per earbud) Thanks to their peerless noise cancellation and very good sound quality, the Ultra are some of the ...
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.
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-ultra-review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review: WORTH IT in 2025?
June 3, 2025 - The Ultra carries on this tradition, and is one of the lightest headphones tested, only slightly heavier than the Sony XM4/XM5, and “little brother” QC45: ... As you can tell from the list above, the Momentum 4 and the Apple AirPods Max, ...
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what are the differences? | What Hi-Fi?
February 13, 2025 - 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. Today's best Bose QuietComfort Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deals
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 - The Ultra have more metal in their build, and the QuietComfort are lighter as a result. Both are supremely comfortable — you won't be disappointed with either. ... Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — this is the pair you should buy for Black Friday
Bose
bose.com › home › headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Bose
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the perfect audiophile headphones, with both noise cancelling and Immersive Audio technology.
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).
Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › tech › what to buy › bose quietcomfort ultra vs. bose 700: which headphones are best?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Bose 700: Which Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
March 18, 2024 - They're just as comfy when wearing ... headphones are the same weight. When choosing between the two it'll come down to personal preference as both pairs are carefully and meticulously designed to suit a variety of users.
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort 45
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 45 - SoundGuys
April 30, 2025 - The QuietComfort 45 can fold down as well. Plus, the lineage is clear as the QuietComfort 45 wear easily for long periods of time. Even the weight of 240 g gets quite close to the QuietComfort Ultra.
RTINGS.com
rtings.com › home › headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless: Which Headphones Are Better? - RTINGS.com
April 5, 2016 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. While both models look similar, there are a couple of changes. The Ultra are better built and have a different control scheme with a volume ...
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones review: sony has serious competition
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Sony Has Serious Competition - CNET
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose's new flagship QC Ultra Headphones make a very compelling alternative to both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › quietcomfort or ultra?
r/bose on Reddit: Quietcomfort or Ultra?
May 24, 2024 -
Hoping the community can help with some simple insight. I’m currently rocking the corded QC25 that I’ve had for the past ~10 years. Looking to upgrade to either the quietcomfort or the quietcomfort ultra and would appreciate any guidance.
Trade-in program would get me the ultras for about $320 whereas the quietcomfort are on sale for $250 right now. I wouldn’t consider myself an audiophile but do fly for work about once a month, so quality noise cancelling is top of my list. Anything special about the ultras worth the extra $70? Clearly I don’t upgrade my headphones that often, so want to ensure I get a solid set that will last awhile. Appreciate any insight!
Top answer 1 of 8
2
One thing to consider is that there are no replacement ear pads for the ultras available right now. The ultras have slightly better sound, and Spatial Audio (although it’s generally considered a gimmick). It also has slightly better codecs if you are on android. That said, the ultras are also less comfortable apparently (I personally can’t tell trying them in a shop), and it’s received wisdom on this sub that the ultras have terrible quality control, so people have had to send back 2+ ultras. That said be aware that the qc will souls about the same as your qc25s.
2 of 8
1
the ultra uses same hardware as 700 if I am not mistaken,I literally replaced it 5 times on warranty for random issues and other people have similar experience
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 › quietcomfort ultra or normal quietcomfort?
r/bose on Reddit: Quietcomfort ultra or normal quietcomfort?
August 7, 2024 -
I have been wanting Bose headphones because I have heard the noise cancelling is good, but I don't know is I should get the ultra or normal quietcomfort headphones. Which one of those headphones have better noise cancellation?
Top answer 1 of 3
3
I had the same question before buying the Ultras, but I'm glad I did. I can't compare them to the regulars, but I can say that the noise canceling is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. They really outdid themselves. I must admit that the "immersion" feature is a bit strange (and I don't really see the point so I usually leave it off), but the different modes are fantastic (quiet, focus, aware, outside, etc.). Expensive, but so far, I feel that they're worth it. Coupled with a 3rd party EQ you'll be golden (the Bose EQ in the companion app is way too basic, IMHO). *UPDATE* I gotta go a complete 180 degrees on my original post. Although the Ultras sound great and the noise cancelling is amazing, I returned 2 pairs that had the same issue. Walking heavily, taking the bus, jogging (any kind of activity that makes you move), makes these headphones distort something awful. Just try taking the bus or riding in a car on a bumpy road or even jogging... constant distortion. I sent the first pair back for a replacement and the 2nd pair had the SAME issue. I ended up getting some the Skull Candy Crusher Evo with haptic bass ($400 dollars less that the QC, by the way) and they sound GREAT.
2 of 3
2
I was considering this decision as well but ended up going with the regular qc. Mainly because there was a sale so I got them for $250 and I didn't care so much about the additional features. If you want the additional Bluetooth codecs (I think it's apt x adaptive with the ultras so make sure your phone can play it if that is a priority for you) and the NC is still really good on both. The difference is less buttons on the ultras and better build quality. I dont know much about the spatial audio modes but usually they are kind of gimmicky and not going to be a huge feature. I'd say if there is a sale on the qc regulars they are worth it but if there are any sales on the ultras eventually they will be more in line.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › audio › headphones
Bose QC Ultra Headphones vs. Bose QC Headphones: What's the difference? | Tom's Guide
October 19, 2023 - Bose surprised us with two new over-ear headphone releases for 2023. While most of the attention has gone to the masterfully engineered QuietComfort Ultra Headphones as the flagship successor to the Bose 700, it turns out that it also released a replacement for the QC45 simply called the Bose ...