Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Problems & Best Features after 1 Month) 

A middle-aged man who rarely wears headphones had a sudden whim this time and spent a lot of money on buying this pair. Wow, I want to say, although it's expensive, it's totally worth it. I love it! The comfort and sound quality are top-notch. I wear it all the time every day.❤❤

Hi there! I recently got the famous Bose QC Ultra Headphones, and I can confirm that despite the drivers (speakers) being similar to the Bose NCH 700, this very recent model sounds even better than its predecessor. I also have the Sony WH-1000-XM4, and find that the QC Ultra's sound signature is much clearer than the Sony model. What's more, a little adjustment of the well-rounded bass, and the midrange drive the point home even further. *As a preventive measure, I'd advise you *not to exceed 65% volume, and to take a few listening breaks for the sake of your ears (e.g. 15 to 20 minutes for 1 hour's listening).* Indeed, these headphones have a lot in reserve, and I didn't notice any major sound distortion, which is very good quality. But be careful with your ears, because they're really powerful! And yes, the sound is very clear! Lightweight (257 grams), it folds neatly and has a wider, more comfortable headband. The depth of the speakers (especially for big ears - you don't sweat as much as with Sony headphones) and its active noise reduction are truly impressive! Somewhat superior to Apple's Air Pods Max, that is! For the moment (2023), in concrete terms, *it's the best noise-canceling headset!* At the same time, it's the most recent. We'll see how it fares next year (2024), with the future Sony WH-1000-XM6 and Apple Air Pods Max 2. The "attentive" (transparent) mode is a real success! A notch below the Air Pods Max, and a good notch above the WH-1000-XM4/5. You can clearly hear everything around you. The immersive mode is a bit of a gimmick, as it gives the impression that the soundstage is getting bigger, but I still find it well worthwhile, especially for films and video games! That's another world! I also note that this mode is a little more energy-hungry in terms of this product's autonomy (around 19h35 for me, as opposed to the 18 hours announced by Bose). In fact, as far as battery life is concerned, I think that Bose has underestimated its headphones, because without the immersive mode, and staying at 60~65% maximum volume, I've actually gone up to around 30 hours. The official press release claims 24 hours' autonomy. . What's more, a mode (even two) designed to cleverly save battery power has been integrated: _ Like Apple and Sony, the sound stops when the QC Ultra is removed... And restarts once the device is placed back on the head. _ Automatic sleep mode, when the headset is removed for a long time. It restarts automatically when put back on. Automatic pairing, no headaches, it works like a charm. Multipoint is amply correct, and the solid Bluetooth is certified in 5.3 (the latest available), which is much better in terms of wireless connection stability. A very good point in itself. The WH-1000-XM4 (which is in bleuetooth 4.2) that I've owned since 2021 can cut out from time to time for no reason at the moment... I don't know why. Maybe it's due to my smartphone being almost full of internal memory? I don't know. In any case, I no longer have this little inconvenience with the Bose QC Ultra. The application is nice and quite rich! It's straight to the point, and somewhat less sophisticated than Sony's, whose geekiness is its specialty. As for the buttons, they're all located on the right speaker, behind the ear. A touch-sensitive surface for volume, and incidentally a personalized touch-sensitive button (press for 2 seconds in the middle of the touch-sensitive surface and that's it), either to obtain a voice assistant, or to indicate battery level or something else, for example... Personally, I opted for the battery level. How convenient! And in terms of physical buttons, there are only 2. . The first, at the bottom of the right-hand speaker, is reserved for switching on the headset. . The second button is located a little higher up, towards the rear of the speaker. . The second button is located a little higher up, towards the back of the speaker. This button allows: _ 1 short click: play / pause; 1 long click: change mode (immersive, attentive, silent - additional modes can be added and/or removed, such as the outdoor mode with its more or less successful optional "windbreaker" function, for example); _ 2 quick clicks: next track; _ 3 quick clicks: previous track. Personally, I find these two physical buttons rather instinctive and less headache-inducing (100% subjective, of course). As for the tactile part, I find it better thought-out than the NCH 700 and the Sony WH-1000-XM4/5, in the sense that there's no tactile conflict when unwanted rubbing occurs, such as fabric rubbing when you're in bed, or when you're putting on a hood. The left speaker features a USB-C input for headphone charging only, and an input for... A 2.5 mm jack!... The 2.5 mm jack... I'll never understand why that is... Especially as the headphones must be switched on to be effective(!)... I really don't understand this choice... As far as phone calls are concerned, the people I'm talking to can hear me clearly, even when there's a lot of noise around me! It's not as sophisticated as the Air Pods Max, but it's still one of the most effective. My voice is clearly audible, and it's possible to adjust the volume of the voice when telephoning via the headset. I write this because none of the testers mentioned this detail generally. Unfortunately, it's impossible to obtain lossless sound via a wired USB-C cable (which is quite incomprehensible to me, especially given its high price at the moment). The French Batys headphones, for example (albeit more expensive than the QC Ultra), make this possible. Finally, the price is high (499€) for the moment, but will inevitably drop in the coming months (logically). And then the bargains will start rolling in over the coming year. It has to be! So, I've tried to be as complete as possible about my pleasant experience with these Bose Quiet Confort Ultra Headphones. Expensive, yes, it's undeniable, but very pleasant to hold, not at all uncomfortable on the head, light and very comfortable, this top-of-the-range headset (2023) does quite well, if not very well. A special mention for the active noise reduction, which so far puts it ahead of Apple and Sony. All in all, this headset is a success, far from flawless, let's be honest, but what it does, it does really well. Very satisfied overall. Oh yes, I almost forgot: *the ear pads are detachable and therefore replaceable, in case of any long-term wear and tear.* Thanks for your work sir! Respect!👍🏾🔥 Hoping for interesting updates (USB-C wired sound, I dream of it! x) ) to come! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for the review! Keep up the great content. I think for an ultimate headphone comparison you should also add the bowers and Wilkins px7 s2e and the Bang-Olufsen beoplay HX to the mix

Nice video Mike. To me the mic sounded better when you were outside with heavy traffic behind you than when you were inside. Sounded a little soft and distant when you were inside.

The mic on them is amazing, both indoors and outdoors. Amazing job separating your voice from all the noice around

Amazing review!! I’ve been dicey about these since a while and wanted an in depth review of it, this was just that, crisp and to the point, definitely closing the purchase soon. Thank you so much!

Great review! I just got a pair after having the Bose Soundlink II for several years.

I always use the immersion option, especially when having long-distance or online calls where the internet connection is low. This mode is heavy; otherwise, you need to disconnect your regular headphones and try to listen using a headset. Secondly, immersion mode is so good in the office while working. You just need more of its use or in a virtual meeting, you require more clarity. It is amazing

Great video appreciate the detail....I had a question if I may, on the multipoint connection. Are they simultaneously on 2 devices or do you have to manually switch from device to device? another words if im playing music on my phone and then turn a video in my computer will I hear that automatically? can 2 devices be connected at the same time, I know only one will actually play the sound, but if I pause on one and play the other will they sound...... Thank you in advanced for your time.....

A comparison between the Ultra and the other Bose headphones would be great, like the the 700, QC 45 and the new Quietcomfort headphones

I bought these for the quiet modes. The work really good. I have no complaints, but the controls take some getting used to. I wear them a lot and they do not cause my ears to sweat. No here is my only issue, not problem: the supplied cable/cord used to plug in to a a device is tricky because one end is smaller than the other. I spent a while cussing and fussing (59 yr old, retired Marine). The sound quality is not the best, but I did not purchase these for sound quality, but it is good enough. This was gooooood money spent. They do not eliminate all noise, just muffle it. I can put them on and not hear my co-workers or the machinery in the background. Really good product.

I need to upgrade from my Bose NC 700 but one feature I really love with them is when Im connected to both Iphone and laptop (mac) there is seemless handover without me doing anything. For example: listening to music on my laptop and the phone calls. It then pauses the video or music on my laptop and goes over to the phone and gives me the option to answer which I can do with just tapping the headphones. If I decline or when im finished talking on the phone. My music/video on my laptop plays again. Are you saying that is not the case with the Ultras?

Could you do a video comparing the qc ultra to other bose headphones?

Great, thorough review. Thank you Mike!

Hi, thanks for this video. I would be very interested in your opinion of the composition of the Bose QC Ultra and BEOPLAY H95

I had these about a month. I love the sound absolutely brilliant! The app is not super customizable but good enough. The ANC is great! The best you can buy hence the price tag. BUT I kept really dizzy, vertigo type feeling and had to return them. If I didn't have issue, which I have never had on other headphones I would have kept them. I am now trying the Sony XM5, so far no issues a few days in. I do miss the Bose QC Ultra sound though.

is the comparison video ready? I need this 🥰 I’m choosing my best headphones for work and everyday using 🎉

Agree on the xm5. Also the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2!

These dope headphones. Got the soup stone ones when released and love them!

Hi! do these work with cable while turned off? or do I need to have them on? I believe the quitecomfort 45 require to have them turned on for them to work with a cable

I'm planing to get a pair of this headphone, but i wanted to ask if it's easy to lost bluetooth connection to your phone? Because I saw there's some reviews say that the bluetooth connection of this headphone is not very good

im in Asia and been using this for a month. QC ultra definitely heats up your ear specially on humid and warm weather.

I feel like that thing of them realizing they’re on your head can be fixed with a simple update, it’s a matter of, if Bose wants to go through the hustle of pushing out an update.

Very practical review.. could you review the bang and olufsen headset

How are they for durability? I use xm4s and have been for almost 3 years but the hinge broke last week and I’m not sure how long epoxy will last and I don’t like the looks of the xm5s durability wise

Just returned mine. Left cup creaked endlessly. Clamping force a little too strong for me too (way more than XM5), headband comfy. (XM5 was uncomfortable for me). They feel cheap and move a lot despite the quite strong clamping force. Advanced codecs useless on a Samsung - just AAC. Sound clean with just enough bass but I think a toss up with XM5s depending on preference. Probably these are slightly ahead but I enjoyed the XM5s just as much. Unbelievably despite the weight, AirPod max most comfy for me out of all of them even though I dislike the sound the most FWIW

can you use them while charging? You didn't mention about that, you mentioned about Sony X5, it's pretty important

Can you turn of ANC completely? I know that the with QC45 you can’t deactivate it. If anyone knows thank you 🙏

Would you recommend the headphones for iPhone users? Asking because of the sound resolution.

I just returned mine today. It definitely has a pretty wide soundstage but I expected more from the spatial audio feature. Also the mid range is bit muddy, sound is overall bit unnatural though music elements separation is prety awesome. I did hear musical bits which I hadn't before.. Lastly overall build quality should have been better given the $400 price tag.

You should try the Focal Bathys in your comparison video, it would be good to have some other headphones that compete at the same price point as the airpods max

Would love to see one with Bower's and Wilkins Px7 S2e

How does it sound for the person on the line. They often complain to me that the microphone is picking up random background noise and for them, because I don't notice it, it is distracting or even blocks my voice entirely.

The sound is really Quiet. In Immersive Audio mode, I have turned all the volume up. Unlike my XM3 which I never be able to do that as it is really loud.

Im trying these out now and comparing to the Momentum 4s. Both have great sound quality, but I like the QC Ultra better. I feel like the bass is better, and the immersive/spatial audio feature does enhance a lot of the music I listen to. The Momentum 4 touch controls are a bit too janky to cost that much. They would often not work and I found myself consistently resetting the headphones to get the touch controls to work again. The QC Ultras are a bit wonky in terms of connecting to the app and just turning them on can be a pain and take forever sometimes, but I don't find them as annoying as the Momentum 4. The ultras do this thing where I turn them on and they make the sound but dont connect to my device. I do think the Momentum 4's build quality and style is much better though. Im coming from the Soundcore Q35s and wanted to see what an expensive pair would get me. As of now I, really like the QC Ultras, but idk if the price tag is really worth it. Right now you can catch the Momentum 4 on sale for $250, which I feel is probably the most they should cost.

Comparison with momentum 4, xm5, studio pro, qc45, and the new qc of the same price range. But will be even better to see how those stack up against the premium H95, PX8, focal bathys etc

Can they be used for gaming and if so how do they sound

I used qc35II for about 3 years. I used them only at home. Loved them! But there were some things I hated as well, like micro-usb, hard to replace cushions, battery replacement is very difficult, so I never did, and they looked like they were made for office use. Then, switched to the XM4 (sadly, right before xm5 came out). Miss QC35II's comfort. Maybe these Ultra will fit me better then XM4? If I buy them, it's for a long time. Is it any easier to replace the cushions(I replace them every 6-7 months) Batteries and cushions should be easily user-replaceable in tech like this.

The fact that Apple's Airpod Max’s were released in 2020, and they are still among the top is crazy to me. Apple updating them later this year. I'll still pick a pair of these up and try them out

Does the Self Voice feature work for you? There are a lot of reports on the internet that the setting does nothing.

Got my Ultras a few days ago, some early observations: - My good ol' QC45 have some white noise that I actually really like, it's very mild and 'smooth', rather relaxing when I use them to just block out the world without playing music. Now the Ultra's background noise is noticeably louder and has a higher pitch. Noticed the same with the Ultras Earbuds when I tried them. Don't know, maybe I'll get used to it, maybe I won't. - The codec-situation is rather unfortunate. You glossed over this but only very few smartphones are compatible with 'Snapdragon Sound' and if they aren't the fallback for the Ultra isn't regular aptX, it's AAC! For example everything from Samsung will only offer AAC. Afaik not even the Google Pixels support 'Snap Sound'. Why, Bose, why? This isn't acceptable at this price-point. Also people are still waiting for the promised aptX support for the Earbuds II. For shame. - Sound quality is certainly better compared to the QC45 but still worse than my Px7 S2, those just sound fuller with better bass. Gonna fiddle around with the EQ, maybe lower the highs somewhat. - Build quality is okay but there are some rough/sharp edges and the plastic is scuffed in some places which others have noticed on theirs too. Feels better than the QC45 but gets clobbered by the Px7 S2. Which weighs more though. Overall not as premium as the price suggests. - Comfort in general seems to be on par with the QC45.

Please recommend the best noise-cancellation earbud according to you.

SONY WH-1000XM5 & the PHILIPS H8505BK/00 are definitely great headphones to compare to 🎧

Mike O'Brien Thank you for posting.

How about V-Moda ANC M-200 with the rest of the lineup test

Just bought the Senheiser momentum4 very disappointed as there were a lot of static noise while using it, also the pause/play sensor did not work, had to return to Best Buy, so am considering Bose QC Ultra

Under 500$ B&W px7 s2e. Bose Ultra. Sony wh1000 xm5. Sennheiser Momentum 4. Technics A800. Or if price doesn’t matter, Beoplay H95, B&W px8, Focal bathys, M&D mw75.

Didn't miss a nook or cranny. Fantastic review! Love to see the effort you put into it, and you have helped me very much! Subscribed!

I got these too and like them. The only irritations I have is that the wake up doesn’t reliably connect back to my phone. Sometimes does but maybe half the time doesn’t and I have to manually reboot them. The second issue I have I find strange. The volume when plugged into the physical headphone cable is much much lower than it is when wireless. Wireless, these are arguably too loud at max, but when wired I have to turn them to max to hear much of anything.

I paid $300 two years ago for the QC45 Is it worth upgrading?

Bose NC700 are my only experience with wireless headphones, besides the tiny AirPods Pro, and the Bose have served me well for a few years now but tend to be a bit temperamental with the touch controls, which is quite aggravating.

I think that the sony wh-1000xm5 should be in that ultimate comparison video.

I find that the volume slider is a little sensitive, but I’m getting used to it. Def missing the 3.5mm audio input for use with my iPad and Studio display. I wish I could manually power them off, very strange.

In your roundup, please include Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2E.

Need the compare video with the Apple AirPod max!!!! ❤

I think you should also have the xm4 and the bose 700. I think comparing the older, more money friendly models will be much more of a relevent option for many people due to their discounted price. Thanks!

I'm surprised the review didn't mention anything about playback issues on a mac. Is anyone experiencing any issues with the playback buttons (not being able to pause and play video ) on apple silicon macs?

Bought two made a month apart to compare and both are plagued by QC issues. Both headbands creak and crackle, both clunk and crackle in the ear cups which is annoyingly heard, one chirped loudly when moving the LH ear cup, one has much louder ANC hiss, one seems notably better in sound quality... Even while working correctly the creaky buttons feel cheap, and the 'on' process takes about 4-5 sec from pushing button till the unit it ready. There really needs to be a separate aware button - The process is WAY TOO slow with the Ultras, and only slower if you add custom settings. Volume slider is hit or miss and seems if your skin is dry it does not work as well. Really wanted to love them and I am not the only one I have read of having similar and other issues with Ultras.

Do Sennheiser Momentum 4 next!

hey does anyone knows if my samsung s21 fe support the snapdragon audio codec ?

I tried these at the airport and couldn't believe what I'm hearing. The ANC is incredible and I must say the spatial audio, which typically is an annoying gimmick, was actually darn impressive and immersive - to the point that I literally TOOK OFF the headphones to see if they have mounted extra speakers in front of me somewhere.

Bose states you can't har music with the jackstick while the headphones are off. If that's true that's a damn shame. Is anyone able to confirm that really is the case?

Mike, i really feel like you should give the Edifier WH950NB a try. They might not make it to your best headphones video, since they're much cheaper them the others, but they don't disappoint in any way. I've had the XM5's and QC45 and i really do prefer the Edifier due to sound quality and overall comfort. They also have decent ANC, LDAC, super long battery life and multipoint conectivity. Honestly, It makes me feel like paying triple their price for premium headphones such a waste of money.

i can’t decide between white and black. white ones look better but i basically wear my headphones 24/7 - all day everyday so i’m scared they’ll get dirty faster. so i’m not sure if to go safer with black or follow my heart with white. my last qc35 ive had for 5 years beofre i lost em so i plan to live these until they die 😅

Que tal incluir o Technics EAH-A800?

Has anyone else experienced the plastic hinges being noisy? The hinges on my pair that I bought recently keep clicking and being overall noisy with the movement of my jaw and when I walk etc. I hear it especially on the right one. It gets annoying Maybe it will pass when I have used them more, let them warm up properly or whatever

Anybody notice a weird noise when running on the treadmill or running at all?? I feel like the headphones are trying to noise cancel my feet hitting the ground but instead it is doing this weird beeping/vibration noise and it is interfering with the music that's playing??

Thanks!

Please test Bowers and Wilkins PX8!

Vs qc45?

I thought about the earfun air pro 3 or the soundpeats air 4 pro. Does soundpeats fix there app? What should I buy?what's matter to me the most is noise cancelling and controls.thanks

I bought a pair of these 2 months ago. I was initially very pleased with them. However, when listening to movies on disc or my Smart Tv, I get latency that drives me crazy. The lips don't sync with the voice sound. So....I tried to connect them to my receiver with a cable. Terrible. Low volume and they distort when I try to raise the volume. I swapped out cables, adaptors etc to troubleshoot. No change. I contacted Bose and they replaced my headphones under warranty. They arrived yesterday and I tested them. Same issue. Terrible. Has anyone else had this issue? I bought a set of wired Audio Tehnicas a couple of weeks ago and they sound phenomenal. No distortion connected to my receiver. I'm contacting Bose again this morning and if the problem is innate to the Ultras, I may sell them. Don't like this at all.

Maybe check out the B&O HX or the B&O H95 Ultimate.

Does someone notice some crackling on the sides, I mean… when playing some audios… Also when I have the ANC on, if the car goes over a bump it starts making a weird sound and audio is not clear

Dyson Zone, please! Thanks

Should try Bowers & Wilkins PX8 in the ultimate shootout

Soundcore Space One - throw them for your comparison video

Bose is the Bose. It is a legend.

My NC700 is still leagues cooler and sleeker. Hope they relaunch those 🙌🏼

Focal bathys, the real king❤

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8

B&W PX7 S2e could be in that comparison

He didn't talk about the horrible sound leakage or did I miss that?

B&W’s PX7 S2e? Worth a look.

Please add Beats Studio Pro to the ultimate compare.

Bluetooth without ANC? Audeze Maxwell, the sound is amazing, but it is a heavier headphone.

You have to be Nate O’Brien’s brother, right? I have been subbed to him for years and as soon as I started watching this review I noticed your dialect sounded exactly like him, not to mention you guys look alike and have the same last name.

Bang and Olufsen h95 are supposed to be very high quality and would be good to add in your ultimate comparison especially as they've come down in price

Mike thanks for all but for me and my friends I find the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds much better than Bose QC Ultra Head for Noise cancelling

Main pros of all Bose QC are in name of this headphones. They are Quiet and EXTREMELY comfort.

No IP rating for that price... That's a letdown for sure. No I wouldn't use them in the rain, but still, no rating for 300-400 is crazy...

They are 24 hours, not 30 (18 with immersion on)

Sadly for some reason it is not possible to completely turn off both ANC and hearthrough nad you can just set them to minimum in custom mode. This makes these 350USD headphones useless for music production.

Mine are always connected to Bluetooth but won’t play sound it’s super annoying

Putting this headset on brough on a nostalgic feeling of what a good $200 dollar headset sounded like in the 90's with a CD player.

Hello, when is the ultimate comparison video coming out ? Because i want to buy new headphones but i am waiting for your video to help me make my decision

Please could somebody tell me how to get sound from a digital piano, which I can plug the headphone into using an adapter. My Bose 35 QC worked straightaway as long as I had them switched off. I am unable to get any sound and I have tried turning them on and off. I wonder if I have to turn something else off to get the sound from the piano.

I never use the case when I travel its too big

I think Bose has better ANC, but disabling sony with touch is an outstanding feature.

so guys if u compare it to xm5 and this, new bose which one will u go for the long run like 3-4 years or more?