Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review: The New King of Quiet?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose has long been synonymous with industry-leading noise cancellation, and their QuietComfort line has consistently set the bar for peace and quiet. With the introduction of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the company aims to redefine the premium earbud experience, not just with superior noise cancellation but also with a new “Immersive Audio” feature. Do these earbuds live up to the hype and justify their premium price tag? Let’s dive in.

Features

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are packed with technology designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.

• World-Class Noise Cancellation: This is Bose’s bread and butter. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds boast Bose’s most advanced noise cancellation to date, effectively silencing everything from roaring airplane engines to bustling office chatter. Users can adjust the level of noise cancellation, including a “Quiet” mode for maximum isolation and an “Aware” mode for environmental awareness.
• Immersive Audio: This is the headline new feature. Bose’s Immersive Audio is a spatial audio technology that aims to make your music, movies, and podcasts feel more lifelike and engaging. It offers two modes: “Still” for a fixed soundstage (ideal for sitting) and “Motion” which tracks your head movements, keeping the audio source in front of you (great for walking or moving around).
• CustomTune Technology: This feature automatically optimizes the sound performance and active noise cancellation to your ears’ unique shape, ensuring a personalized and consistent experience.
• Comfort and Fit: Bose has refined the fit with soft silicone ear tips and stability bands, ensuring a secure yet comfortable seal for extended wear. They come with multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands to find the perfect fit.
• Crystal-Clear Calls: Integrated microphones with noise-rejecting technology ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments.
• Long Battery Life: The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation and Immersive Audio enabled, and an additional 18 hours with the charging case, totaling 24 hours. A quick 20-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback.
• Touch Controls: Intuitive touch controls on the earbuds allow for playback management, call handling, mode switching, and volume adjustment.
• Bose Music App: The companion app provides further customization options, including EQ adjustments, noise cancellation levels, and firmware updates.
• IPX4 Water Resistance: This rating means the earbuds are resistant to splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.

Specifications

• Dimensions (Earbuds): 1.2″ H x 0.7″ W x 1″ D (3.05 cm H x 1.78 cm W x 2.54 cm D)
• Weight (Earbud): 0.22 oz (6.24 g)
• Dimensions (Case): 2.61″ H x 2.59″ W x 1.23″ D (6.63 cm H x 6.58 cm W x 3.12 cm D)
• Weight (Case): 2.11 oz (59.7 g)
• Materials: Plastic, silicone, metal
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (earbuds), up to 24 hours total with charging case (with ANC/Immersive Audio)
• Charging Time: 1 hour (earbuds), 3 hours (case)
• Quick Charge: 20-minute charge for 2 hours playback
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 ft (9 m)
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
• Microphones: 4 microphones per earbud for ANC and voice pickup
• Connectivity: USB-C for charging case

Pricing

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds typically retail for $299 USD. This places them firmly in the premium segment of the true wireless earbud market, competing directly with other high-end options from Sony and Apple. While certainly an investment, the price reflects Bose’s reputation for top-tier noise cancellation and the inclusion of their new Immersive Audio technology. Value will largely depend on how much you prioritize active noise cancellation and spatial audio features.

Who Would Love Them?

• Frequent Travelers and Commuters: If you spend a lot of time on planes, trains, or bustling public transport, the unparalleled noise cancellation will be a game-changer.
• Office Workers in Open-Plan Environments: Drowning out distractions and finding focus is effortless with these earbuds.
• Audio Enthusiasts Seeking Immersion: Those who appreciate spatial audio and want a more engaging listening experience will find the Immersive Audio feature compelling.
• Bose Fans: Loyalists of the Bose sound signature and comfort will feel right at home with the Ultra Earbuds.
• Users Prioritizing Comfort: The refined fit and lightweight design make them suitable for long listening sessions.

Who Would Dislike Them?

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $299, these are a significant investment. There are many excellent, more affordable earbuds available if noise cancellation isn’t your absolute top priority.
• Audiophiles Demanding Absolute Purity: While the sound quality is excellent, some audiophiles might prefer a more neutral sound profile or dedicated audiophile-grade headphones.
• Users Who Dislike In-Ear Designs: Despite the comfortable fit, some people simply prefer over-ear headphones or open-fit earbuds.
• Athletes Needing Extreme Durability/Waterproofing: While IPX4 is fine for sweat, serious athletes might want a higher IP rating for more rigorous activities or heavy rain.
• Those Uninterested in Spatial Audio: If Immersive Audio isn’t a selling point for you, some of the premium features might feel less justified.

Product Comparison Chart

Here’s how the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stack up against their primary competitors:

Conclusion

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a formidable entry into the premium earbud market. They deliver on Bose’s promise of world-class noise cancellation, arguably the best in the true wireless segment. The new Immersive Audio feature is a compelling addition, offering a genuinely engaging and unique listening experience that sets them apart. While the battery life isn’t class-leading and the price is steep, for those who prioritize peace and quiet, exceptional comfort, and a truly immersive soundstage, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an easy recommendation. They solidify Bose’s position at the top of the noise-cancelling hierarchy and offer a glimpse into the future of personal audio.

Q&A

Q: Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? A: If top-tier noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio are your main priorities, then yes, they offer excellent value for their performance. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are good alternatives, but they won’t match the Ultra’s ANC.

Q: How does Immersive Audio compare to Apple’s Spatial Audio? A: Both offer head-tracking spatial audio. Bose’s Immersive Audio aims for a more “fixed” soundstage in “Still” mode, while “Motion” tracks your head. Apple’s is deeply integrated into its ecosystem. Both are impressive, and personal preference will play a role.

Q: Can I use these for workouts? A: Yes, with an IPX4 rating, they are resistant to sweat and splashes, making them suitable for most workouts. The stability bands also help ensure a secure fit during movement.

Q: Do they support lossless audio? A: The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support aptX Adaptive, which can deliver near-lossless audio quality over Bluetooth, depending on your source device. True lossless audio typically requires a wired connection.

Q: How is the call quality in noisy environments? A: Bose has equipped these earbuds with advanced microphone systems and noise-rejecting technology, resulting in very clear call quality even in challenging, noisy surroundings.