Bose QuietComfort 15 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

QuietComfort 15 compared with QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
BoseQuietComfort 15BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Overview
Released2009October 2023
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
BackClosed–
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Noise cancelling detailNoise cancellation can be used without the audio cable; the power switch is on the right earcupQuiet Mode (full noise cancelling), Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, plus custom modes with noise cancelling levels in between; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears
Audio features–Bose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the sound in place as you turn your head; Motion lets it follow); three-band EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, normally at 44.1 kHz and up to 48 kHz for high-resolution listening, with a low-latency mode
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 35 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging–No
Battery life detailAround 35 hours from one replaceable AAA alkaline cell; the indicator flashes with approximately five hours remainingUp to 6 hours per charge with Immersive Audio off, 4 hours with it on; the case holds three full charges; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode
Charging case–USB-C; earbuds charge in up to 2 hours, the case in up to 3 hours; an optional silicone case cover (sold separately) adds wireless charging
Fast charging–20 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)–7.7 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth–5.3
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsPower switch on the right earcup; Hi/Lo level switch on the audio cable for high-output sources such as aircraft systemsTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play, pause or answer calls; double-tap to skip forward or end calls; triple-tap to skip back; swipe up or down for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to switch modes or the voice assistant)
Microphones–Adaptive microphone system with adjustable self-voice; TechRadar counts four microphones per earbud
Fit and ear tipsAround-ear cushions; the earcups rotate inward for storage in the carrying caseSilicone eartips in small, medium and large (medium fitted); stability bands in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (size 1 fitted), with a notch that aligns them on the earbud; extra-small and extra-large sizes available from Bose Support; either earbud can be used on its own
Case weight–0.132 lb (about 60 g)
Water resistance detail–IPX4 for the earbuds; the inside of the case resists water left on the earbuds, but Bose advises keeping the outside of the case dry
Works withDetachable wired audio cable with 3.5 mm source plug; supplied adapter for dual 3.5 mm aircraft socketsBose app (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices since a July 2024 update; Google Fast Pair; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers
Colours–Black and White Smoke at launch; Bose UK now sells Lunar Blue
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, audio cable, AAA battery and airline adapter; later packages also included a cable with remote and microphoneEarbuds, charging case, eartips (small and large; medium fitted), stability bands (sizes 2 and 3; size 1 fitted), USB-C to USB-A cable

More comparisons