Bose QuietComfort Ultra

At first glance, the QuietComfort Headphones Ultra look to be quite optimistically priced – but remarkably, Bose seems to have got a long way towards justifying the outlay. Between the specification, the standard of build and finish, and a relatively...

Fantastic, detailed sound with rich bass ; Class-leading noise-stopping power ; Comfortable and premium, with folding design ; Great smart features

24-hour battery life is weak ; Some will prefer a more neutral sound ; No USB-C audio input ; No LE Audio support (but it's promised)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are not cheap, but from the moment you start using them, they feel worth every penny. The sound quality is electrifying, and the noise cancellation swallows you into a black hole of silence. They're also...

Active noise-cancelling that truly cancels ambient sound ; Immersive Audio can be superb with some sources ; Compact, comfortable and lightweight design ; 18-hour battery life decent for travellers

Immersive Audio does add some processing effects ; Limited touch controls in this design ; Blimey they're pricey!

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer the ultimate active noise-cancelling (ANC) and stellar sound quality. If you're looking for incredible travel headphones then you can do no better. However, the price is certainly high, while Immersive...

Folding design ; Rich, full-bodied sound ; Punchy, dynamic delivery ; Exceptional noise cancelling

Immersive Audio is unconvincing ; Expensive compared to key rivals ; Can’t be used via USB-C

Bose has brought its ‘A’ game with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – they’re expensive, but they also deliver sound quality and noise cancelling straight from the top drawer

Outstanding noise cancellation ; Confident, detailed performance ; Great control app

Undoubtedly pricey ; Immersion Mode is hit and miss

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra surprise probably no one by being a superb pair of headphones, offering market-leading noise cancellation and a confident, detail-oriented performance that makes the most of whatever music you throw at them. They are...

Best-in-class ANC ; AptX Adaptive and spatial audio support ; Very comfortable fit

No multipoint or wireless charging ; Connectivity hiccups ; Pricier than key rivals

Bose has been the brand to buy if noise cancellation is your top priority for some time now and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds further cement that position; no other wireless earbuds attenuate external sound more effectively.

Deeply impressive noise-cancellation ; Detailed, balanced and confident sound ; Light and comfortable to wear

Bafflingly expensive ; Look and feel doesn’t match the asking price ; Not every song suits being ‘immersive’

They sound brilliant, cancel noise like champions and they’re comfortable, too. But the look and feel isn’t great and they are bafflingly expensive compared to the competition.

Excellent ANC Improved audio Clearer transparency mode Comfy

Expensive Immersive Audio is inconsistent No USB-C audio

With the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, Bose remains near the top of the headphone heap. While Immersive Audio is great at times, the results are inconsistent and can be downright bad with some albums and songs. Still, the default tuning is improved...

Class-leading noise canceling. Clear and sensitive sound with plenty of punch. Excellent instrumental staging. Fantastic call quality. Stylish and well-built design. Luxe, comfortable fit. Good customization options and features. Snazzy new onboard...

Middling battery life for premium cans. Spatial audio feature is only occasionally useful. Pricier than competitors.