Elite noise cancelling and all day comfort, now selling well below the original $429 price.
Product Image: Bose
8.4
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The QuietComfort Ultra set the standard for noise cancelling headphones, and even with the 2nd generation now out, the original remains superb. The ANC is still among the very best, the comfort is unmatched for long sessions, and street prices around $329 make it a genuine bargain.
What We Like
- Noise cancelling that is still best in class
- Supremely comfortable for all day wear
- Immersive spatial audio adds real depth to music
- Excellent call quality with clear voice pickup
- Folds flat for travel with a premium hard case
What We Don’t Like
- 24 hour battery trails rivals that offer 30 plus hours
- You cannot fully switch ANC off, only drop to aware mode
- The newer 2nd gen model improves comfort and transparency
- Bose app is required for the best EQ and tuning
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
Bose nailed the industrial design: plush protein leather earcups, a softly padded headband, and a gentle clamping force that disappears on your head. The materials feel premium, the hinges fold smoothly, and the included hard case is genuinely protective. These are headphones built for eight hour flights.
Value
At the original $429 these were a tough sell against Sony, but at current street prices around $329 they are one of the best headphone deals going. You get flagship ANC, great sound, and Bose comfort for midrange money. The 2nd gen model costs $449, which makes the original the smarter buy for most people.
Who Should Buy It
Frequent flyers, open office workers, and anyone who prioritizes comfort and silence above all else.
Who Should Skip It
Audiophiles who want wired lossless listening should consider alternatives, and bargain hunters can get 80 percent of the experience from the standard QuietComfort line.
FINAL VERDICT
The original QuietComfort Ultra remains a phenomenal pair of headphones, especially at $329. The noise cancelling is elite, the comfort is legendary, and the sound is warm and engaging. Newer models exist, but this is the value king of premium ANC.
8.4 / 10
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Kads Review may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Leave a comment