QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Released October 2023

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2023) are Bose's first-generation flagship noise-cancelling earbuds, with Immersive Audio and aptX Adaptive, suited to commuters and travellers who want strong noise cancelling and a secure fit.

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Battery: 6 h
With case: 24 h
Best codec: aptX Adaptive
Weight: 7.7 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree these are comfortable, with excellent noise cancelling and punchy sound. What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar regret the lack of wireless charging, and What Hi-Fi? notes Immersive Audio cuts battery life; SoundGuys found the sound too bassy and the price high, and TechRadar thinks the bulky buds can now be bettered for similar money.

From whathifi.com, techradar.com and soundguys.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking: Yes
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Noise cancelling detail: Quiet 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 6 hours
With the case: Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging: No
Battery life detail: Up 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
Controls: Touch 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 tips: Silicone 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 with: Bose 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 box: Earbuds, charging case, eartips (small and large; medium fitted), stability bands (sizes 2 and 3; size 1 fitted), USB-C to USB-A cable

Pros and cons

Pros

aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, plus multipoint (added by a 2024 update)
Immersive Audio with head tracking (Still and Motion)
Ear tips and stability bands each come in three sizes