The QuietComfort Ultra improves on the excellence of the QuietComfort, with new features and improved latency
When it comes to premium quality consumer headphones, Bose’s QuietComfort is at the top. The new QuietComfort Ultra are an upgrade to the standard QuietComfort model and while they retain a lot of the same features and design elements, they offer subtle, yet noteworthy improvements to the flagship release.
Key Takeaways:
- The QuietComfort Ultra has low latency, thanks to its aptX-LL codec support.
- If plush earcups are important to you, consider the QuietComfort Ultra.
- Both headphones have outstanding battery life.
- The QuietComfort Ultra’s controls aren’t as intuitive or easy to use as the QuietComfort.
- Several small changes give the QuietComfort Ultra an advantage over the original.
Our Winner
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra
| Model: | QuietComfort | QuietComfort Ultra |
| Release Date: | Sept 2023 | Oct 2023 |
| Noise Control: | Yes (ANC) | Yes (ANC) |
| Bluetooth Version: | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life: | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Driver Size: | 40mm | 40mm |
| EQ: | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port: | USB-C | USB-C |
| App Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: | 8.46 oz | 8.81 oz |
| Price: | Check Price | Check Price |
Design, Comfort, & Durability
Summary: There isn’t much difference in the design between these headphones, they have a fairly similar silhouette, but the Ultra has a different shape headband. It also has increased padding on the earcups for a softer grip. Neither should be used in rainy conditions.
QuietComfort
QuietComfort Ultra
Design
Winner: Tied
Both headphones share a similar silhouette, but there are a few aesthetic differences between them. Most noticeable, is the differences are on the headband. On the QuietComfort, this is a single width, while on the QuietComfort Ultra, this tapers off as it reaches the cup. The QuietComfort also has a raised area of padding on top where the Ultra follows a single contour.
Each model is available in several color variations, with the QuietComfort Ultra sporting a 2-tone look with a few of its variations:
QuietComfort: Black, White Smoke, Blue Dusk, Sandstone, Chilled Lilac
QuietComfort Ultra: Black, White Smoke, Lunar Blue, Diamond (60th Edition)
Durability
Winner: Tied
There’s no real differences in durability between the QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra. Both are made with high quality materials and the thick plastic can typically endure a few falls. The headband and swivel mechanisms, which are often a weak point in headphone designs are well-constructed and don’t have any noticeable flaws.
Waterproofing
Winner: Tied
Neither pair has a water resistance rating. It’s advisable to keep them away from water. This isn’t uncommon with over-ear headphones, and is more commonly found with in-ear models.
Comfort
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
QuietComfort
QuietComfort Ultra
While both headphones offer high levels of comfort the Bose QuietComfort Ultra feel slightly better due to their increased padding along the earcups. This reduces pressure around the ear, allowing for longer listening sessions.
Both headphones have a slightly tight clamping force for most head sizes, however, some users with larger heads may find them too tight and could cause some discomfort. This clamping force does keep them reliably in place though, making them well suited for use during light exercise.
Portability
Winner: Tied
Both models have a swivel mechanism that allows them to fold up for easier transport. This mechanism is similar between both the QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra, but the Ultra is marginally larger when folded up. Paired with their durability, you can easily fit them into your backpack on your way to or from the gym, for example.
Controls, Connectivity & App Support
Summary: The QuietComfort’s controls are easier to use than the Ultra’s, which moved to a touch control for the audio, and moved around the buttons. However, the Bluetooth is newer on the QC Ultra, which results in lower latency. Both have excellent app support, including custom and preset EQ.
Wired Connections
Winner: QuietComfort
As expected with headphones in this price range, both models support wired connections too. The jack on the headphones is a 2.5mm (1/16″) while the other side is a standard 3.5mm (1/8″) connection.
Unfortunately, the QuietComfort Ultra needs to be turned on when using the aux cable. This means that unlike the QuietComfort which are passively powered, the QuietComfort Ultra will use battery life even when plugged in.
Bluetooth
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
The QuietComfort Ultra is the decisive winner when it comes to Bluetooth performance. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the original QuietComfort only supports Bluetooth 5.1.
The most noteworthy difference in this change is that the QuietComfort Ultra supports high-performance codecs, namely aptX, which has both high-quality and low-latency modes. When using aptX low-latency, the performance is significantly better than the SBC latency provided by the regular QuietComfort model.
Range is about the same on both models, ensuring stable connectivity, even across fairly large rooms.
Controls
Winner: QuietComfort
QuietComfort
QuietComfort Ultra
There are significant differences in the controls between these two headphones. The QuietComfort is extremely intuitive and the left earcup features a multi-function button that toggles between ANC modes and can be used to toggle the voice assistant. The right earcup has basic volume up and down controls, along with its own multi-purpose button that controls playback and voice calls, skips tracks forward and backward (double and triple tap, respectively) and declines calls.
On the QuietComfort Ultra, however, Bose have taken an entirely new approach. All controls are now on the right earcup and include a touch sensitive control to adjust volume. This can be annoying to some, and can cause accidental volume adjustments, or adjustments that are more challenging to get precise. There’s also a power button which turns the headphones on and off, and begins Bluetooth pairing when held down. A multi-function button controls the track playback, including pausing and skipping tracks both forward and backward.
App Support
Winner: Tied
Both headphones are supported by the Bose Music app, on Apple and Android. Through this app you will get the same general options, including custom and preset EQ and ANC control.
The QuietComfort Ultra has the benefit of also supporting a new feature called Room Effect via the app. Using Room Effect adjusts the sound of the headphones to be more immersive, acting as a type of virtual surround sound toggle for improved soundstage.
Noise Canceling & Microphone Quality
Summary: Expect the very best noise canceling performance from both headphones, though the QC Ultra is slightly more effective. The microphone also sounds clearer, with better isolation on the Ultra.
Noise Canceling
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
Both headphones offer the highest tier of noise canceling available on the consumer market. Both headphones are highly effective at blocking out ambient noise, allowing the user to focus on the music without distractions.
However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra perform slightly better than the QuietComfort in their noise canceling, reducing noise a bit more effectively.
Both perform well in canceling out a wide range from frequencies, from the deeper drones of public transport, to the chatter of colleagues.
Microphone Quality
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
The microphone quality is noticeably better on the QuietComfort Ultra, with more clarity and less environmental noise being captured. Both have high quality microphones, but the Ultra is the better choice for those seeking the best quality possible from their microphone.
Audio Performance
Summary: Sound quality is very good on both headphones, but the original QC has a more bass-heavy tuning while the QC Ultra irons out some of the deep lows (they are still elevated though). The QC Ultra also tones down the brightness, which helps to reduce some sharp high frequencies. If you’re after the best sounding headphone, the QC Ultra would be my suggestion, but there’s no going wrong with either model.
Frequency Response / Sound Signature
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra share a similar sound profile. They have elevated lows for additional bass, with relatively flat midrange and variable highs. The original QuietComfort has a bit more brightness to it, with the highs being more natural, and balanced on the Ultra.
The QuietComfort Ultra has toned down the bass elevation though, which some will find appealing, but bassheads may still prefer the deeper low-end thump of the original.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that a key feature of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is its adaptive sound, which adjusts the frequency response depending on your environment. Essentially, it tries to compensate for your environment to give you the best sound, no matter where you are. This is a feature not afforded by the original.
Soundstage
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
Soundstage is mediocre across both headphones, which isn’t surprising as that’s mostly a result of how closed-back headphones are designed. For truly immersive soundstage, open-back headphones are always going to be a better choice. Between these two models though, there isn’t much difference.
With that said, the QuietComfort Ultra does have its “immersive audio” setting, which positions different sounds virtually, to emulate a broad soundstage, and can be effective in making music sound more immersive. It will also react to how you move your head, creating a more realistic impression of sound.
Volume
Winner: Tied
Volume levels are near the same on both headphones, with no immediately noticeable differences. After all, they utilize the same general driver configuration. They are both loud enough for most users, and with their effective ANC, you aren’t likely to be left wanting more power.
Battery & Charging
Winner: QuietComfort Ultra
Battery performance is excellent on both models, lasting more than 25 hours, exceeding the manufacturer’s estimates. However, battery life will vary depending on the settings being used, and ANC activation can reduce playtime.
Charing is fast and both models can be fully charged in under 2.5 hours.
Price & Value
The QuietComfort Ultra cost around $80 more than the QuietComfort, and whether or not it justifies the price will depend on who you ask. I think that if you’re particularly excited about one of the features offered by the QuietComfort Ultra, it’s worth the additional cost. However, I think there are a large amount of users who wouldn’t miss the upgrades.
If you’re someone who watches a lot of videos or plays games with your headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra’s aptX low-latency support will justify the additional cost.
Conclusion
Both headphones are completely viable in 2025 and probably into the future too. However, the small improvements to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra make it the better pick between the two. The more balanced highs, spatial sound features and adaptive sound are some key highlights that make it an overall better headphone.
Our Winner
