Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review: ANC Excellence Meets Immersive Sound
Released in September 2023, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a major advancement in premium wireless earbud design. These earbuds refine Bose's hallmark strengths—industry-leading ANC, natural sound tuning, and ergonomic fit—while introducing spatial Immersive Audio for a more expansive and dynamic listening experience. While not perfect, they set a high bar for Android and iOS users alike.
The earbuds feature a sleeker design with improved touch controls, updated materials, and better day-long wearability. Bose’s CustomTune technology analyzes the ear canal in real time, tailoring both the ANC and EQ to each user’s anatomy. This makes the earbuds feel more personalized than any past Bose model.
Battery life has been improved, and microphone performance excels in tricky outdoor environments. The app now offers more control over ANC levels and gestures, though it lacks a full manual EQ. While the lack of wireless charging and multipoint support may frustrate some, Bose focused on executing core functions better than anyone else. These earbuds are built for users who prioritize silence, clarity, and reliable performance.
MSRP (when available or best estimate): $299
Price: Check Price on Amazon
✅ Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros
✅ Class-Leading ANC Performance
Blocks deep, mid, and high-frequency noise effectively without creating ear pressure or discomfort. It adapts in real time and requires no manual adjustment.
✅ Immersive Spatial Audio
Creates a surround sound experience that feels broader and deeper, particularly in orchestral or live settings. No head tracking, but highly effective for static listening.
✅ Balanced, Neutral Sound Signature
Offers well-defined bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Works well across all genres and doesn’t fatigue over long sessions.
✅ Comfortable and Secure Fit
Redesigned earbud shape distributes weight evenly. The included Fit Kit helps users find a stable, pressure-free seal.
✅ Transparent Ambient Mode
One of the most natural transparency modes available, with lifelike environmental sound reproduction.
✅ Strong Call Performance
AI-enhanced microphones separate your voice from wind and ambient noise with clarity.
✅ Improved Touch Gestures
Tap, swipe, and hold functions are reliable and customizable through the app.
✅ Durable and Water Resistant
IPX4 rating makes them safe for workouts, light rain, or sweaty commutes.
❌ Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Cons
❌ No Multipoint Connectivity
Users must manually disconnect and reconnect when switching devices.
❌ No Wireless Charging
The case lacks Qi support, which feels missing at this premium tier.
❌ Bulky Charging Case
Larger than most competitors, making it less pocket-friendly.
❌ Immersive Audio Reduces Battery Life
Engaging spatial sound shortens playback time.
❌ Expensive Price Tag
Positioned at the high end with fewer convenience features than some rivals.
❌ Missing Hi-Res Codec Support
No LDAC or aptX, which limits audio quality for high-res streaming.
Key AI-Powered Features
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarBuds
- CustomTune Calibration - Adapts EQ and ANC based on each user’s ear canal for more personalized audio.
- Immersive Audio Engine - Uses spatial algorithms to widen the soundstage with fixed spatial depth.
- Adaptive ANC Tuning - Continuously adjusts ANC strength to optimize noise cancellation in changing environments.
- AI Voice Isolation - Separates vocal frequencies from ambient noise during calls to improve clarity.
How Smart is the AI?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarBuds
Bose uses AI thoughtfully in the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, avoiding flashy tricks and instead enhancing core performance. The CustomTune system is central to this approach—it listens to the reflections inside your ear to tune ANC and audio for a tailored experience every time you insert the earbuds. This makes a real difference in maintaining consistent sound quality and noise blocking even as ear fit changes.
The Immersive Audio engine doesn’t rely on motion tracking, but its static spatial audio provides meaningful depth, especially in cinematic soundtracks and live recordings. While some might miss head tracking, this simpler system avoids dizziness or artificial-sounding effects.
AI also manages ANC dynamically. It senses the environment and adjusts cancellation strength in real time, minimizing pressure and maximizing silence. During calls, AI-based microphone processing hones in on your voice while suppressing traffic, wind, or chatter.
Rather than showy, the AI in these earbuds works behind the scenes to elevate everyday use. It’s subtle, responsive, and focused on results over bells and whistles.
Performance & User Experience
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarBuds
Sound Quality & AI Enhancement
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver an impressively natural and rich audio profile. Highs are bright without being sharp, mids are present and articulate, and the bass is deep but tightly controlled. This makes them great for everything from podcasts to jazz to high-energy playlists, with minimal distortion at higher volumes.
Immersive Audio adds a spacious, room-filling element. While it doesn’t track head movement like Apple’s Spatial Audio, it still adds genuine depth. Orchestral tracks, ambient soundscapes, and live music all feel more dimensional, while pop and hip hop retain their clarity and punch without sounding overly processed.
Bose’s CustomTune technology plays a big role in the clarity and consistency. It uses a short chime to map your ear canal each time you insert the earbuds, then adjusts the EQ and ANC to suit your individual shape. This ensures consistent tonal balance, especially for users who have had fit-related issues with other earbuds.
While there’s no user-adjustable EQ, the built-in dynamic tuning responds to changes in fit, background noise, and volume. It balances bass, mid, and treble frequencies automatically, keeping your audio from sounding off even if the earbud shifts. Most users won’t miss the manual EQ thanks to this subtle AI enhancement.
ANC Performance & Transparency Mode
Bose remains the leader in ANC technology, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds reinforces that reputation. The ANC system is remarkably effective at silencing ambient sounds across low, mid, and high frequencies. Whether you’re on a flight, in a noisy café, or near street traffic, the earbuds suppress the noise without pressure buildup or ear fatigue.
What makes this ANC even better is its adaptability. If your environment shifts or your earbud fit loosens, the system recalibrates on the fly. CustomTune helps preserve consistency even when the earbuds are not seated perfectly, which is often a problem with lesser ANC systems.
Transparency mode is among the best in its class. Voices sound clear and full, not tinny or hollow. It’s useful for real-world conversations, ambient awareness during workouts, or listening for transit announcements. The Bose Music app also allows you to fine-tune the level of outside sound, a small but helpful touch for mixed environments.
Transitioning between ANC and transparency is fast and seamless. There’s no delay or audio hiccup when switching modes. The intuitive controls and dependable performance in both modes make these earbuds ideal for dynamic daily use.
Battery Life & Comfort
Battery life on the QuietComfort Ultra is strong, though not class-leading. You’ll get around 6 hours per charge with both ANC and Immersive Audio turned on, or about 8 hours with these features off. The case provides about 18 to 20 additional hours, depending on usage. Fast charging via USB-C delivers up to 2 hours of listening from just 20 minutes of charging, which is handy for busy days.
Bose claims similar numbers, and real-world use confirms these estimates under moderate listening volumes. It’s worth noting that enabling Immersive Audio does noticeably impact battery life, so users who leave it on full-time may want to charge more frequently.
The case itself is somewhat bulky compared to more compact models, and the lack of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity at this price point. Still, the case is well made and sturdy, with a premium feel.
Comfort is a standout strength. The new ergonomic design sits securely in the ear without pressing too hard. Combined with the included Fit Kit—offering multiple tip and stability band sizes—users can dial in a snug but gentle seal. The earbuds stay comfortable for hours and work well for walking, commuting, or long work sessions.
Microphone & Call Quality
Microphone performance is excellent and consistent. Bose’s AI-enhanced voice isolation does a great job of cutting through background noise. Whether you're in a windy park, a moving car, or a busy kitchen, your voice stays clear and prominent without sounding overly processed.
There are three microphones per bud—two beamforming and one inward-facing—which work together to focus on your voice while minimizing surrounding distractions. The system is smart enough to distinguish speech from ambient noise and adapt accordingly. During video calls or phone chats, listeners on the other end often note improved clarity, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
TheBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds don't have a built-in voice assistant, but they supports all major platforms through your paired device. Voice commands are captured accurately, and the tap-and-hold gesture for assistant access is fast and reliable. Even in noisy areas, the system picks up the wake phrase and requests without needing to raise your voice.
For remote workers, travelers, and anyone who takes a lot of calls, the call quality here is more than good enough—it’s professional-grade. That, combined with the secure fit and noise isolation, makes these earbuds great for both casual and work use.
Final Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarBuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a premium option for users who prioritize ANC, comfort, and polished sound. While they skip a few conveniences like multipoint and wireless charging, their execution of core features is exceptional. The AI-powered enhancements are practical and understated, helping rather than distracting.
For commuters, remote workers, and audiophiles who value natural sound and top-tier noise control, these earbuds are among the best on the market. Their price is high, but so is the payoff in performance.
Additional Information
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ComparisonThis review is based on research, expert analysis, and user feedback. AI Reviews HQ does not conduct hands-on product testing. We may earn a commission from the links in this review. We do our best to provide accurate product details, however AI is not perfect and may make some mistakes in research. Please double-check with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing. Check out the product page