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Bose QuietComfort 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BoseQuietComfort 3BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Overview
Released2006October 2023
Sound
TypeOn-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 run with the audio cable detached; 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 20 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging–No
Battery life detailThe 2006 Bose battery instructions state approximately 20 hours per charge; a later Bose owner guide states approximately 25 hours. The battery is removed from the right earcup and charged in a separate mains chargerUp 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 and indicator on the right earcup; audio volume is controlled at the sourceTouch 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 tipsOn-ear cushions and rotating earcups that fold flat into 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 audio cable with 3.5 mm source plug; supplied dual-plug airline adapterBose 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, removable battery, battery charger, audio cable, airline adapter and carrying case; later packages included an Apple-compatible remote and microphone cableEarbuds, charging case, eartips (small and large; medium fitted), stability bands (sizes 2 and 3; size 1 fitted), USB-C to USB-A cable

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