Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review – Immersive Sound Experience

Experience immersive audio and top-tier noise cancellation with the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, blending classic comfort and advanced sound technology.

A Quick Dive Into Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

When Bose dropped the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, my immediate reaction was, “Wait, haven’t I seen this before?” They bear a striking resemblance to the 2022 QuietComfort Earbuds II, previously hailed as the pinnacle of noise-canceling earbuds. So, does this mean we're looking at the same old story with just a fresh coat of paint? Not entirely.

While the Ultra series sticks closely to its predecessor's blueprint, boasting a shiny new finish on the stems and repositioned microphones that dramatically improve call clarity, the real magic lies beneath the surface. The earbuds now sport reengineered silicone stabilizers for a snug fit that's easier to achieve than before. Three sizes of these stabilizers and ear tips come in the box, aiming to please a wide variety of ears. Still, like one of our own reviewers, Sharmishta Sarkar, I wish Bose would rethink their approach to earbud fit beyond just adding silicone wings — these parts wear out, and the seal breaks over time.

Immersive Audio: The Heartbeat of the Ultra

What truly sets the Bose QuietComfort Ultra apart is their breakthrough Immersive Audio technology. This is Bose flexing their sonic muscles to deliver a listening experience that’s both electrifying and enveloping. The soundstage moves around or just ahead of your temples, depending on your chosen mode, creating a captivating three-dimensional effect.

They've also added support for aptX Adaptive through the Snapdragon Sound Suite, ensuring that audio quality stays crisp and lively. Though I’d have loved a tad more dynamic nuance and detail, especially for audiophiles, the active noise cancellation (ANC) remains stellar—still among the best in true wireless earbuds.

Not the smallest case out there, but pocket-friendly.

Why Not Five Stars? The Competition and Missing Features

If you’re expecting a radical redesign or jaw-dropping feature set, the Ultra earbuds might feel a bit conservative. Their closest competitors, like the Technics EAH-AZ80 (which appeared in May 2023), introduced features that Bose still hasn't matched — notably multi-point connectivity allowing simultaneous connection to three devices. In contrast, the Ultra earbuds stick to connecting to just one device at a time, which is a sticking point for anyone juggling calls and media across multiple gadgets during a workday.

Wireless charging is another sore spot. Both Technics and Sony’s WF-1000XM5 come with wireless charging right out of the box, but Bose charges an extra $49 for a wireless charging case — a pricey add-on that nudges the overall cost higher.

Exploring Bose’s ‘Modes’ and Immersive Audio Settings

The app’s "Modes" tab introduces an interesting variable in how you experience sound and noise cancellation, though it might confuse some initially. Picking “Quiet” cranks the noise cancellation to its max but switches off immersive audio. The “Transparency” mode does the same, leaving immersive audio dormant — a bit of a missed opportunity given how cool this feature can be.

My personal favorite? The “Work” mode. Here, you get a sweet 10-level noise cancellation slider and can toggle immersive audio between Off, Fixed, and Moving modes. Set immersive audio to “Fixed,” and suddenly, it feels like no earbuds are even in your ears. Your music sounds richer, and the world tunes out beautifully.

Immersive audio and modes offer a playground for sonic exploration, though some features can’t run simultaneously.

Sound Quality: Energetic but Slightly Outpaced

By design, Bose delivers energetic, punchy sound across the spectrum, but when stacked against the likes of Sony and Technics, they show slight limitations in dynamic range and sonic detail. It’s not that Bose sounds bad — far from it. Songs like Hootie & the Blowfish’s Hold My Hand showcased back-vocals shifting delightfully between ears as I moved my head. Jackson Browne’s The Pretender came alive with vibrancy and passion.

However, some tracks like Rod Stewart’s Sailing reveal that Bose tends to prioritize energy over subtlety — you won’t get the delicate build-ups and finely tuned mixes that make audiophiles swoon. But hey, if you’re flying regularly or just want peace in a noisy world, these earbuds deliver near-silence and robust sound with a portability factor that’s hard to beat. Expect around six hours of battery life per charge, with the case adding up to 24 hours total.

Price and Availability

• Price: $299
• Release Date: September 2023

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds hit the shelves mid-October 2023, retailing for $299. This price point is pretty much on par with Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Technics EAH-AZ80, both offering unique perks like multi-point connectivity and wireless charging out of the box.

If wireless charging matters to you, remember the extra $49 cost for a charging case bumps Bose’s total price up. Bose has stuck with a straightforward pricing strategy similar to their QuietComfort Earbuds II launch in 2022, but given the intense 2023 competition and some missing features, it’s a gamble.

Not the tiniest earbuds around, but they fit securely with additional wings and eartips.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Specs at a Glance

• Drivers: 10 mm
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery Life: 6 hours per earbud, 24 hours total with case
• Weight: 6.24 g per earbud
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Additional Features: Immersive Audio, Sound Modes

Should You Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

How They Stack Up Against Competitors

Technics EAH-AZ80

No spatial audio upmixing, and they feel a bit deeper and heavier in shape. However, the ear-hook design means they stay put better for many users. Plus, multi-point connectivity to three devices and one of the clearest call qualities put Technics EAH-AZ80 slightly ahead in some areas.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Though they share the Bose name, the Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out in comfort and discreteness. Still, Bose’s mastery of noise cancellation and transparency features remains impressive. With QCUE now a bit older, you might snag a sweet deal on them — especially if immersive audio isn’t your priority.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Compact earbuds and case that fit snugly in your pocket. Loaded with Sony’s flagship tech, they offer excellent sound, though their adaptive noise cancellation can’t quite match Bose’s reigning champ status.

My Testing Journey with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Case size reminiscent of a family pack of dental floss, but earbuds fit snug and secure inside.

• Tested for 10 days, compared with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Technics EAH-AZ80, and Sony WF-1000XM5
• Used at work (train rides; office; walks around London) and windy Dorset coast
• Listened to Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless, and Spotify tracks on iPhone 12, Sony Xperia 1 IV, and MacBook Pro

When testing earbuds or headsets, dedication is key. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were my musical companions for ten consecutive days after a thorough 48-hour warm-up.

To better assess comfort (and claimed battery life), I wore them all day in a busy office and noisy London Tube network. I also used them during quieter Pilates sessions to check fit and stability.

They accompanied me on weekday commutes (brisk walks to stations; train and London Tube rides; in the office) and a particularly windy day on a secret Dorset beach hunting sea glass — a perfect test for wind noise interference during calls.

For sound quality tests across all frequencies, I played numerous playlists (from house-pop to classical) on Apple Music and Tidal, plus podcasts and albums on Spotify — and YouTube clips (mostly about treasure hunting on the Thames shore if you’re curious) from my MacBook Pro.

Having tested audio gear for five years, and with a background in classical dance, aerial gymnastics, and musical theatre, sound quality, fit, and usability are personal priorities. After hearing how beautiful noise cancellation can be when done well, I know where the bar is set.

If you hear how beautiful noise cancellation can be when done right, you know where the bar sits.

— Personal reflection from testing

FAQ

• How long does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra battery last?
  Up to six hours on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 18 hours for a total of 24 hours.
• Do the Bose Ultra Earbuds support wireless charging?
  Not out of the box. You need to purchase a separate wireless charging case for around $49.
• Can I connect the Bose Ultra Earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously?
  No, they only support connection to one device at a time, unlike some competitors offering multi-point connectivity.
• What makes Bose’s Immersive Audio special?
  It delivers spatial sound that can either remain fixed or move with you, creating a 3D audio experience that enhances music and media immersion.
• Are these earbuds suitable for workouts?
  Yes, they have an IPX4 rating for water resistance and come with stabilizing tips to keep them secure during activity.

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