Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review: Comfort & ANC Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones (Lunar Blue) have struck a nerve with audiophiles and frequent travelers alike — scoring an impressive 9/10 in aggregate ratings across major retail and review platforms. They stand out as some of the most comfortable over-ear headphones available, with “world-class” noise cancellation and immersive audio that several users say redefines spatial listening. Yet, digging into hundreds of real-world experiences reveals that while the marketing often aligns with user satisfaction, certain features — like the inability to turn off ANC or use them passively when the battery is drained — frustrate a vocal subset of buyers.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — excellent for comfort, ANC, and balanced sound, but with quirks in design and operation that may be dealbreakers for sensitive listeners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb ANC, especially for travel | ANC intensity causes discomfort for some |
| Lightweight, plush comfort for long wear | Cannot use in wired mode if powered off |
| Immersive spatial audio adds depth | Bass response divides opinion |
| Multipoint Bluetooth easy to manage | Volume touch strip prone to accidental triggers |
| Seamless Bose Music app integration | No “normal” mode without ANC or transparency |
| Strong build quality with premium feel | High cost compared to rivals |
| Long battery life with quick charge | ANC and immersive mode drain battery faster |
Claims vs Reality
One of Bose’s biggest marketing points for the QuietComfort Ultra is “world-class noise cancellation.” Many Best Buy reviewers echo that sentiment, claiming the headphones “block out all the noise” even in chaotic households, while Reddit user u/Travel*** found they “cut off my neighbor’s drill and kitchen ventilation entirely.” In loud public spaces like airplanes, the ANC is reported to match — and sometimes exceed — Apple AirPods Max performance. However, some users report the ANC’s “ear-sucking” pressure is uncomfortable, especially with no way to disable it entirely.
Bose also touts “immersive audio” as groundbreaking. Best Buy ratings frequently describe it as “more than a gimmick” and “insanely impressive for disco tracks” — giving music a sense of coming from in front of you rather than inside your head. But Reddit feedback shows variation: one buyer said spatial audio “is a gimmick,” while another praised the still and motion modes as adding richness without muddying vocals. This inconsistency suggests that content quality and user expectations play a large role in perceived value.
Finally, Bose claims unrivalled comfort through luxe materials and lightweight plastic design. Across Walmart and Trustpilot reviews, comfort is repeatedly praised — “the lightest pair they’ve ever made,” “ultra soft / comfortable and cancel the noise like a champ.” Even users with glasses or piercings report no irritation over long sessions. The only major fit complaints come from those with small or very large head shapes, where adjustment range doesn’t perfectly accommodate.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the most consistent win. Bose’s move to lightweight plastic over heavier metals has paid off; Reddit user u/Travel*** explained that it was “very comfortable… industrial piercing and glasses, no problems whatsoever.” Long-haul flyers love the even clamping force, with one Best Buy customer noting they “took a nap by accident because they were so comfortable.”
Noise cancellation delivers for commuters, office workers, and frequent travelers. A Trustpilot reviewer found ANC “better than AirPods Pro 1 and Sennheiser Momentums,” while others use them for lawn mowing without discomfort. This high isolation allows productivity in noisy environments, with one Best Buy buyer saying “I could work in a busy subway with these.”
Immersive audio, though divisive, impresses many music lovers. On Best Buy, users describe motion mode as making music “feel like you are listening to speakers in the room.” The “still” mode suits seated listening with added soundstage realism.
Battery life also meets marketing expectations for most, with up to 24 hours in quiet/aware and quick charging. A Reddit user said they “haven’t charged them yet” after days of light use, and airline passengers praise them for lasting entire flights without recharge.
Common Complaints
The inability to turn off ANC frustrates an important minority — especially those sensitive to ear pressure or wanting a passive mode. One Best Buy reviewer returned theirs after headaches from ANC’s intensity, noting “you cannot fully turn off noise canceling.”
Touch-sensitive volume strips generate frequent accidental adjustments. Even fans admit “many people dislike the sensor-strip… you may accidentally touch it” when repositioning.
Battery management quirks emerged: a Trustpilot reviewer noted standby dropping from 80% to 20% overnight, and immersive audio drains faster than expected. The no-charge-while-listening limitation angers users tethered to USB ports during work.
Bass tuning draws mixed reactions. Consumer Reports lab testing found low frequencies “prominent and boomy,” while others think bass sounds “almost separate from the music.” Yet bass lovers — especially in rock and hip-hop — on Best Buy claim Bose “never disappoints.”
Divisive Features
Immersive audio polarizes. Best Buy’s 5-star reviewers enthusiastically mention it enhancing everything from classical to EDM. On Reddit, some turn it off entirely, preferring Bose’s default tuning for cleaner vocals.
Multipoint connectivity is celebrated when it works — seamless device switching for productivity — but Best Buy warns it “can steal audio” from a primary device when the secondary pushes notifications, forcing manual disconnection.
Transparency (Aware mode) rates behind Apple’s implementation. Reddit users note static noise and less natural quality, though many still find it useful for situational awareness.
Trust & Reliability
Bose’s brand reputation holds steady for most, especially among long-time QC owners upgrading from QC35 or QC45. Trustpilot praise focuses on longevity and the availability of replacement ear cushions. However, early defect stories exist — Walmart buyer returned an initial set for “hissing” but found the replacement flawless.
Connectivity reliability is generally strong, though isolated glitch reports include beach testing with momentary audio dropouts and pairing struggles between matching sets. Bose support responses emphasize rebooting devices, clearing pairing lists, or disabling multipoint to resolve interruptions.
Alternatives
Sony’s XM4 and XM5 surface frequently in Reddit threads as the closest competition. Reddit poster u/Travel***, after demoing Sony models, chose the Bose for cleaner vocals. Others switched from XM5 to Bose for comfort and portability, though Sony fans defend their bass-heavy tuning and more flexible ANC levels.
AirPods Max appear in comparisons for ANC quality, with Bose matching or exceeding performance according to Best Buy reviewers, while offering lighter weight and more comfortable clamping. Microphone quality, however, often favors Sony and Apple in side-by-side calls.
Price & Value
The Lunar Blue model currently retails around $329 (down from its $429 launch). eBay listings show demand for both new and refurbished units, with resale maintaining value at $129–$329 depending on condition.
Community buying tips emerge in Reddit and Best Buy threads: hunt for sales at $299–$349, as multiple buyers say full retail “probably not worth ~$470” but discounted pricing “is a great deal… especially for a new model.”
FAQ
Q: Can you turn off ANC completely?
A: No. The closest is using Aware mode, which reduces but does not remove ANC. Sensitive users may still perceive pressure.
Q: Can these be used wired without power?
A: No. They must be powered on even with an audio cable, due to Bose’s active EQ and CustomTune processing.
Q: How does Immersive Audio differ from normal listening?
A: It adds spatial cues, making audio seem positioned in front of you. “Still” mode fixes soundstage; “Motion” mode follows head movement.
Q: Is multipoint switching seamless?
A: Generally yes, but notifications from a secondary device can steal audio. Disabling multipoint prevents interruptions.
Q: How well do they work for calls?
A: Most report clear voice pickup with good wind handling, though mic quality isn’t top-tier compared to Sony or Apple.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter, traveler, or office worker seeking top-tier ANC and long-session comfort — especially at a discounted price. Avoid if you need passive listening without ANC or are highly sensitive to ear pressure. Pro tip from Reddit: snag them during seasonal sales under $350 to maximize value without overpaying.
