Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review (2025): Are They Still the Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in the case closeup view (Lunar Blue)

If you’ve ever daydreamed about a world where subway screeches, chatty coworkers, and airplane engines vanish into thin air, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds might be your ticket to peace. But in 2025—a year packed with fierce competition from Sony, Apple, and Sennheiser—do these earbuds still deserve a spot in your cart?

After testing them on cross-country flights, chaotic commutes, and even during a thunderstorm jog (thanks to their IPX4 rating), plus digging through hundreds of Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, here’s our no-BS breakdown.

  • SPATIAL AUDIO EARBUDS: Tap into a deeply immersive listening experience that places the audio directly in front of you a…
  • NOISE CANCELLING EARBUDS: CustomTune technology analyzes each ear and adapts sound so the active noise cancellation offe…
  • COMFORTABLE EARBUDS: Swap between nine soft eartips and stability bands to find the perfect fit that feels snug and comf…

Disclosure

  • As an Amazon Associate, Panoply Picks may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Sony WF-1000XM4

Buy these if you crave silence and rich sound—but skip them if calls or wireless charging are dealbreakers.

Buy This If:
✅ You’re a commuter or traveler needing a personal noise-canceling forcefield.
✅ You want deep, punchy bass and customizable EQ settings.
✅ Comfort is non-negotiable (these disappear in your ears).

Skip This If:
❌ You take calls in windy parks or loud spaces (microphones struggle).
❌ Wireless charging is a must (it’s an additional purchase add-on).
❌ You’re on a budget.

Disclosure

  • As an Amazon Associate, Panoply Picks may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Why the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Stand Out

Unmatched Noise Cancellation

Bose has always been the gold standard for noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds take it to the next level. Their CustomTune technology adapts to your ear shape, creating a personalized “bubble of silence” that’s seriously impressive.

During our testing, we wore these on a packed subway ride, in a noisy coffee shop, and even during a flight. The results?

  • Airplane engine noise: Almost completely gone.
  • Office chatter: Reduced to a faint murmur.
  • Traffic noise: Barely noticeable.

One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “I work in an open office, and these earbuds are a game-changer. It’s like having my own private workspace.”

Sound Quality: Rich, Bold, and Customizable

Sony WF-1000XM4

If you’re a fan of Bose’s signature sound profile, you’ll love these earbuds. The deep bass and warm mids make them perfect for modern music genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM. Vocals are clear and detailed, though audiophiles might prefer the more balanced sound of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

The Bose Music app lets you tweak the sound with a customizable EQ, so you can fine-tune the audio to your liking. Plus, the earbuds support spatial audio, which adds an immersive, 3D-like effect to your music and movies.

Comfort and Fit: All-Day Wearability

One of the standout features of the QuietComfort Ultra is how comfortable they are. They come with three sizes of ear tips and stability bands, so you can find the perfect fit. At just 7.5 grams per earbud, they’re lighter than the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro, making them ideal for long listening sessions.

We wore these for an 8-hour workday, and they never felt uncomfortable or loose. As one Amazon reviewer noted: “I forget I’m even wearing them sometimes. They’re that comfortable.”

Ready to upgrade your listening experience?

Battery Life and Charging: Solid but Not Perfect

FeatureSpecification
Single Charge6 hours (ANC on)
Case CapacityAdditional 18 hours
Quick Charge2 hours from 20 minutes
Wireless ChargingAvailable separately

The battery life is decent, but it’s not class-leading. Competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 offer longer playtime. The lack of included wireless charging is also a letdown at this price point.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The QuietComfort Ultra supports Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between two devices seamlessly. However, it’s not as smooth as Apple’s implementation on the AirPods Pro.

Other features include:

  • Intuitive touch controls (though they can be a bit finicky).
  • Find My Device support (Android only).
  • IPX4 water resistance (great for workouts or light rain).

Disclosure

  • As an Amazon Associate, Panoply Picks may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

The Downsides: What You Need to Know

Call Quality

While the QuietComfort Ultra is great for music and noise cancellation, its call quality is just average. In windy environments, the microphones struggle to pick up your voice clearly. If you take a lot of calls, you might want to consider the AirPods Pro or Pixel Buds Pro 2 instead.

App Experience

The Bose Music app is packed with features, but it’s not without its flaws. Users on Reddit and X have complained about:

  • Connectivity glitches (e.g., earbuds not connecting to the app).
  • Cluttered interface (it’s not the most user-friendly).
  • Delayed firmware updates (some users reported waiting weeks for fixes).

Price and Value: Are They Worth It?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are not cheap, but if noise cancellation and sound quality are your top priorities, they’re worth every penny. That said, here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Best for iOS users: AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Best overall sound quality: Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Best value: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
  • Best for calls: Google Pixel Buds Pro

What’s in the Box?

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
  • Bose Fit Kit (3 pairs of ear tips and stability bands)
  • Charging case
  • USB-C cable
  • Safety sheet

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a fantastic choice for anyone who values noise cancellation and premium sound quality. They’re comfortable, stylish, and packed with features. However, the lack of wireless charging and average call quality might be dealbreakers for some.

Where to Buy

Dive into the superb sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds! Explore the latest deals available at

  • SPATIAL AUDIO EARBUDS: Tap into a deeply immersive listening experience that places the audio directly in front of you a…
  • NOISE CANCELLING EARBUDS: CustomTune technology analyzes each ear and adapts sound so the active noise cancellation offe…
  • COMFORTABLE EARBUDS: Swap between nine soft eartips and stability bands to find the perfect fit that feels snug and comf…

Disclosure

  • As an Amazon Associate, Panoply Picks may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

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