The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stand out as premium true wireless earbuds designed primarily for superior active noise cancellation (ANC) in demanding environments like commutes, offices, and travel. Released as an upgrade to Bose’s QuietComfort line, they prioritize blocking low-frequency rumbles such as engine noise while delivering balanced audio for music and calls.
Tested over multiple days across Android and iOS devices, these earbuds prove reliable for daily scenarios from workouts to long meetings, though they demand a good fit for peak performance.
Real-World Usage Experience
In everyday testing spanning a week on Android phones and iPhones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds handle diverse scenarios effectively. During commutes on noisy trains in urban areas, their ANC mutes persistent low rumbles, allowing focus on podcasts without raising volume. For office calls and Zoom meetings, they stay comfortable for 4-5 hour stretches, with lightweight 7.1g buds and stability fins preventing slippage even when adjusting glasses or masks.
Workouts present a mixed picture: IPX4 water resistance shrugs off light sweat during brisk walks or gym sessions, and the secure finned design keeps them in place better than stemless competitors. However, they protrude slightly from ears, which can snag on clothing during intense runs. Music listening shines on flights or crowded markets, where transparency mode lets traffic sounds through naturally for safety. Long-term wear up to 7 hours causes no fatigue thanks to soft silicone tips in multiple sizes, though side-sleeping loosens the fit slightly. Overall, users report consistent performance after initial fit tweaks, with CustomTune adapting sound over sessions.
Technical Evaluation
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver a warm profile with emphasized bass (up to 14dB boost around 30Hz), clear mids for vocals in podcasts, and detailed treble that adds sparkle to cymbals without overwhelming sibilance. Pop and electronic tracks like Daft Punk benefit from punchy low-end thump, while jazz or rock maintains instrument separation. CustomTune calibrates frequency response to ear shape, yielding consistent delivery across sessions, though group delay in deep bass makes 808 kicks feel slightly loose.
The Bose Music app’s 3-band EQ allows tweaks—reducing bass by -10 and treble by -10 flattens the profile effectively. Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive supports high-bitrate streaming on compatible Android devices, minimizing latency for videos.
ANC and Transparency Mode
ANC excels at low frequencies, attenuating under-400Hz noise by up to 34dB (like airplane hum) and highs by 39dB (office chatter), outperforming many rivals in consistency. ActiveSense adapts to transients like slamming doors. Transparency mode (Aware) pipes in ambient sound naturally, ideal for conversations. Wind noise triggers minor artifacts, lacking dedicated reduction.
Battery Life and Charging
Real-world tests show 6 hours 11 minutes with ANC on at moderate volume, dropping to 4 hours with Immersive Audio (spatial simulation). The case provides three extra charges for 24 hours total; 15-minute top-ups yield 2 hours playtime. No wireless charging on the case, but USB-C is fast.
Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint (two devices) ensures stable links, with aptX Adaptive reducing video lag. Google Fast Pair simplifies Android setup. Touch controls—swipes for volume, taps for playback—are responsive but prone to pocket triggers; app remapping and disable options help. The app enables EQ, ANC presets, and firmware updates.
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Comfort, Fit, and Microphone
Ergonomic ovoid nozzles and three ear tip sizes plus fins create a stable, non-intrusive seal for most ears. Microphone captures clear voice indoors for calls, handling moderate office noise post-firmware updates via SpeechClarity, but struggles with subway roar or wind, sounding thin overall.
Quick Specs Table
| Feature | Details |
| Drivers | 10mm dynamic |
| ANC | Adaptive, CustomTune |
| Battery (ANC on) | 6 hours (24 with case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight (per bud) | 7.1g |
| Colors | Black, White Smoke, Moonstone Blue |
Comparisons with Competitors
Against the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose edges in ANC consistency for low rumbles (better train isolation) and comfort via fins, but trails in mic noise handling and neutral sound—Sony offers broader soundstage with LDAC. Apple AirPods Pro 2 suit iOS users with seamless integration and longer 6-hour ANC battery, though Bose blocks more bassy noise and supports Android codecs like aptX.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 provides dust-resistant IP54 build and refined treble, but lacks Bose’s ANC depth and protrudes less comfortably for some. Expert sites rate Bose highest for noise isolation among premiums, while others note Sony’s tuning edge. Consensus: Bose prioritizes ANC over balanced audio or battery.
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Honest Pros and Cons
Key Strengths:
- Industry-leading ANC for immersive focus in traffic or flights.
- Secure, comfortable fit for extended wear and light workouts.
- Customizable app with EQ and multipoint connectivity.
Limitations:
- Bass-heavy default sound may fatigue treble-sensitive listeners; EQ mitigates but isn’t perfect.
- No wireless case charging; ear tips tear easily.
- Mediocre mic in windy or very loud outdoors; occasional high noise floor with ANC.
These drawbacks suit users valuing silence over calls or neutrality, but audiophiles may prefer Sony.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds best serve commuters, travelers, and office professionals needing top ANC and all-day comfort in noisy settings. Frequent callers or battery-focused users might look elsewhere, but for blocking real-world din reliably, they deliver.
FAQs
Are Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth buying in 2025?
Yes, for ANC priority; real tests confirm superior low-frequency blocking over Sony XM5, though mic and sound tuning lag slightly.
What devices are these best compatible with?
Android excels with aptX Adaptive and Fast Pair; iOS works fully via Bose app, lacking only Apple-specific spatial perks.
How long does the battery last with ANC on/off?
6+ hours ANC on, 7-8 off in tests; case adds 24 hours total, varying by volume and Immersive Audio use.
Do they fit well for small/large ears and support workouts?
Multiple tips/fins accommodate most; stable for light exercise (IPX4), but protrusion may snag during runs—better for walks than HIIT
How does the microphone perform in noisy environments?
Clear indoors/offices post-updates; overwhelmed by subways/wind, prioritizing ANC over call excellence.
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