Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra: Which should you buy?

Both of Bose's over-ear headphone options have now been available to buy for about two years. In that time, they've seen a whole range of competition released looking to unseat them from the best noise-canceling headphones throne, but nothing has yet come close. But which of the two headphones should you buy?

Should you choose the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones? After all, they've got a whole spate of flagship features to tempt you. A comfortable fit, a smart design, and the best noise canceling in the business come at a $449 price tag.

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.

To find out whether you should save or splurge, I've put the two head-to-head to see which headphones you should be buying in 2025.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Specs compared

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Price

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones cost $449, a whole $100 more than the $349 QuietComfort Headphones. In a vacuum, without considering any of the specs and the perceived performance differences, the price alone makes the cheaper pair worth picking up.

But things aren't in a vacuum, so the battle continues. They've both received hefty discounts during deals events, so it's worth waiting for the likes of Prime Day and Black Friday if you really want to save some money.

• Winner: QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Design

There's no denying that the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the more attractive pair of headphones. They're a more modern affair, with more visual interest thanks to metallic accents and pearlescent finishes in some of the color options.

That's not to say that the QuietComfort Headphones are an unattractive option. They're simply less 'up to date' than the Ultra, with a look that echoes that of the QC45 and some of the older QuietComfort headphone line.

Bose sets these headphones apart with a superior range of colors, however. Just look how lovely the 'chilled lilac' color we've got here is.

Build quality is similar between the two, with similar materials in use. 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.

• Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Controls

This is an easy win for the cheaper option.

The QuietComfort Headphones feature proper physical controls, my preferred way of controlling playback and noise canceling. They're simple to use — the volume buttons turn the volume up and down, and the play/pause button doubles as a skip key. They're clicky and responsive, and well laid out to make sure you can find them without looking.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have one button for play/pause and skip, and then a funny touch slider for the volume. In theory, it sounds great, but in use it's much more of a pain. It's inaccurate and tricky to activate.

• Winner: QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Sound quality

I'd usually spend loads of words talking about the sound quality of headphones and how they differ. The QuietComfort Ultra and the QuietComfort Headphones sound so similar that there's really not all that much point in dwelling on things. They're both warm-sounding headphones with solid audio performance at their core.

The Ultra sound slightly better, with more detail and a more rounded overall signature. They also support more Hi-res codecs you can listen to with the best music streaming services. They win here — but it is surprisingly close.

• Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Features

When you look at the specs sheets, the QuietComfort Headphones have fewer features than the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. In reality, things are closer than they appear.

There's better codec support for the QuietComfort Ultra, and the Immersive Sound feature that is divisive at best. It makes music sound more spacious and wider, but it thins out the sound to do it.

Those are both lacking from the QuietComfort Headphones, although I'd argue that one feature is actually more useful than both of them combined. When the battery dies (and it will — the battery life isn't fantastic), you can connect a 3.5mm headphone cable and continue to use them. That's a relative rarity now, and it's super helpful.

There are more features on the QuietComfort Ultra which means they take the win — but the QuietComfort Headphones' features are more usable.

• Winner: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: ANC

As you'd expect from Bose headphones, both models feature excellent ANC. The QuietComfort Ultra take the win because they edge out the QuietComfort Headphones when it comes to higher range sounds, but you'll get excellent performance no matter the headphones you choose.

Transparency modes are the same for both, which is a nice bonus.

• Winner: QuietComfort Ultra headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Battery

Both have lackluster battery life, unfortunately. Because you can't turn off the ANC or transparency mode, there's no way to extend the staying power beyond their 24 hour specs. That's not quite up their with the competition no matter how much you pay for your headphones.

Quick charge is present in both models as well — as a result, this round is a draw.

• Draw

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Verdict

Overall the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones come out on top. You get more features, slightly better sound and a bit better noise canceling. But that doesn't mean it's the right option for you.

Despite their fewer features and slightly less impressive sound, I'd spend my own money on the QuietComfort Headphones. The $100 saving is well worth it, and they tend to get even cheaper when deals events roll around.

If you need to have the very best of the best, the QuietComfort Ultra will serve you very well, but QuietComfort buyers can rest easy they're not missing out on all that much if they buy the less expensive model.

Ratings scorecard

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