Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review: Strong ANC, Mixed Connectivity
**Early adopters expected the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds to be flawless, but digging through thousands of user reviews reveals a far more complex story. While they deliver some of the most praised noise cancellation and immersive sound in the market, persistent connectivity quirks, design compromises, and missing features have left certain buyers frustrated. Overall score: 8.2/10
Quick Verdict: Conditional — A top choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers who value ANC and immersive sound above all else, but less ideal if you require flawless multipoint connectivity or wireless charging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional ANC, especially in flights and noisy environments | No wireless charging in included case |
| Immersive spatial audio praised for realism | Connectivity issues reported, especially with iOS |
| Comfortable, customizable fit with 9 tip/band combos | Bulkier design, protrudes from ear |
| Rich, detailed sound with strong bass | Battery life drops to ~4 hrs with immersion mode |
| Effective "Aware" transparency mode | Some units have faint static/hiss in ANC |
| Secure fit for workouts/travel | Case feels flimsy, scratches easily |
| Good call quality in most environments | Limited multipoint support at launch |
Claims vs Reality
Bose advertises “world-class noise cancellation” and user feedback broadly supports this. Multiple Best Buy buyers and Trustpilot reviewers called it "the best ANC I've ever used." A traveler on Best Buy wrote: "On flights, it blocks out everything so completely the silence almost feels unnatural." Reddit user reports confirm strong low-frequency reduction, but some noted a faint background hiss in ANC, especially in quiet rooms.
The "immersive audio" feature is marketed as a breakthrough spatial mode. Many found it transformative for music and movies—Best Buy’s “earbud sound king” reviewer likened it to "being at a concert"—but others on Reddit and Best Buy warned it can alter original mixes and drain battery faster. One Reddit user said: "Cool but changes the sound from what the artist intended."
Bose also promotes Snapdragon Sound and aptX Adaptive as high-end codecs. However, Reddit feedback highlighted that it works only with Snapdragon Sound–certified devices, meaning many popular Android models (Samsung, Google) can’t benefit. One long Reddit thread detailed connection stutters and app crashes when aptX Adaptive was active.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Currys, sound quality is consistently described as rich, balanced, and engaging. Users mention deep, punchy bass without overwhelming mids, and treble that “sparkles” in immersive mode. A Best Buy reviewer said: "I now hear subtleties in my music I never heard before." For bass-heavy genres, the Ultras are repeatedly singled out as “jaw-dropping” without distortion.
Noise cancellation is the other standout. Frequent flyers on Best Buy and Trustpilot report being able to “barely detect the clattering of cups in a café.” Consumer Reports tests confirmed excellent ANC across low and high frequencies, outperforming Sony’s WF-1000XM5 in bass reduction. The “Aware” mode also earns praise for its natural sound reproduction—one Best Buy user said: "When people talk to me in aware mode, they sound very natural and easy to understand."
Comfort and fit also score high. The nine combinations of ear tips and stability bands help users with smaller or larger ears achieve a secure fit. A Best Buy reviewer with small ears wrote: "The fit… takes the cake. So comfortable with this amount of stability." This secure fit makes them viable for gym use, with several users noting they stayed put during runs and workouts.
Common Complaints
Connectivity issues appear across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Best Buy. Problems include the earbuds disconnecting from the Bose app, difficulty switching between devices, and occasional stutters with aptX Adaptive. Reddit user feedback is particularly harsh, with one saying: "Every time I opened the app… the connection dropped and it errors out." iOS pairing seems less reliable than Android, though both camps have reports of quirks.
Battery life is another friction point. While Bose claims up to 6 hours (4 with immersive mode), real-world reports often match or slightly undercut this. Some see it as adequate, but frequent immersive mode users find it limiting. Best Buy users note the case adds three charges, but several lament the absence of wireless charging unless you buy a $50 accessory.
Build and design draw mixed feedback. While the earbuds themselves feel premium, the case is criticized as “cheap plastic” that scratches easily. Multiple reviewers express concern over hinge durability. The buds are also bulkier than competitors, protruding from the ear—an aesthetic and comfort concern for some.
Divisive Features
Immersive audio splits opinion. Enthusiasts describe it as "a live concert in your ears," ideal for orchestral or cinematic content. Others find it situational or even detrimental for certain recordings, especially binaural mixes. Battery drain in this mode is another trade-off.
Multipoint connectivity was missing at launch, frustrating users accustomed to seamless device switching. While Bose added multipoint in a mid-2024 firmware update, early buyers remain vocal about its late arrival and occasional bugs. For those who don't switch devices often, this is a non-issue.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit reveal some durability concerns. A few users reported charging inconsistencies after several months, often with one bud not charging fully. Bose support frequently suggested checking tip alignment or replacing stability bands. One Best Buy reviewer noted: "Worked fine for 7 months, then one pod stopped charging and started heating up."
Long-term owners of earlier Bose earbuds on Reddit suspect the Ultras’ case hinge may wear over time, echoing the “cheap case” sentiment. However, many report consistent performance in ANC and sound quality even after daily use for 6–12 months, suggesting the core electronics hold up well.
Alternatives
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the most cited rival, offering longer battery life and a smaller form factor, but with ANC that some say is slightly less effective for low frequencies. One Best Buy buyer who compared both said: "Sony had better mic quality for calls, but Bose crushed it on ANC."
Apple AirPods Pro 2 excel for iOS users needing seamless ecosystem integration and superior call clarity in noisy environments. However, their ANC and soundstage are generally rated below the Bose Ultras for music immersion.
Price & Value
At launch, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds retailed for $299, with frequent sales dropping them to ~$229 at Best Buy and $196 refurbished on eBay. eBay listings show steep depreciation, with some units selling for $130–$150 new, indicating softer resale value compared to Apple products.
Community tips suggest waiting for seasonal sales (Black Friday saw $70 off) or considering certified refurbished units direct from Bose for savings without sacrificing warranty.
FAQ
Q: Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support wireless charging?
A: Not in the included case. Bose sells a $50 silicone case cover that enables it, but many users feel this should be standard at the price.
Q: How effective is the multipoint connectivity after the firmware update?
A: It works for most, allowing connection to two devices, but some users still report occasional glitches when switching.
Q: Is the immersive audio worth using all the time?
A: It depends on content and battery tolerance. Many love it for music and movies, but it can alter mixes and reduce battery life to around 4 hours.
Q: How do they perform for phone calls?
A: Call quality is generally clear, even in noisy environments, though not the absolute best in subway-level noise compared to some competitors.
Q: Are they good for workouts?
A: Yes, the secure fit and IPX4 water resistance make them suitable for sweat and light rain, but they’re not designed for full water immersion.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a traveler, commuter, or music lover who prioritizes best-in-class ANC, immersive sound, and comfort customization. Avoid if you need long battery life, flawless multipoint, or wireless charging out of the box.
Pro tip from the community: Update firmware immediately after pairing to minimize connectivity issues, and experiment with all tip/band combos to unlock the best bass and ANC performance.
