Top Bose Headphones in 2025: Best Premium Models Reviewed

Explore the top Bose headphones in 2025, featuring premium noise cancellation and unmatched comfort for every audio enthusiast.

Why Bose Headphones Stand Out in 2025

Bose has long been synonymous with comfort, exceptional sound quality, and industry-leading noise cancellation. While Sony has become a strong contender in recent years, Bose remains a heavyweight, especially among wireless headphones and earbuds. Although Bose models tend to come with a higher price tag, frequent discounts make them a worthy investment.

Which Bose Headphones Are the Best?

If you want full-sized headphones with top-tier noise cancellation, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose’s flagship and leading choice. For those who prefer earbuds, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer arguably the best noise cancellation among in-ear models. However, it's worth noting that these earbuds are exclusively wireless and cannot connect to in-flight entertainment systems.

I've personally tested every model listed here and will keep this guide updated as new Bose headphones launch. The latest release in the lineup is the QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) — mid-range noise-cancelling earbuds that impress overall, despite minor flaws. The Ultra Open Earbuds stand out as the only model without noise cancellation, boasting an innovative clip-on design and the best sound quality for open earbuds on the market.

Best Bose Headphones With Noise Cancellation in 2025

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Rating: 9.2

Pros:

• Design marks a significant upgrade
• Lightweight and extremely comfortable
• Amazing sound and superior noise cancellation
• Top-notch call quality
• Immersive Audio mode enhances sound quality

Cons:

• Pricier than previous models
• No USB-C audio transmission
• Immersive Audio mode reduces battery life

Why I Like Them

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones elevate Bose’s classic design with premium materials and feature Bose's Immersive Audio, which enriches the listening experience. Released late 2023, they stand toe-to-toe with Sony’s highly rated WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max. Though Sony’s newer WH-1000XM6 slightly edges them out, these headphones are still among the best noise-cancelling options available.

Who Should Buy Them

Ideal for frequent travelers, city dwellers, and professionals who need reliable, well-designed headphones with stellar noise cancellation.

Who Might Skip Them

Budget-conscious buyers might prefer mid-range or more affordable options. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 offers tough competition at a similar price point. However, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones often appear in sales, providing good value.

Best Wireless Earbuds With Noise Cancellation

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Rating: 8.9

Pros:

• Fit Kit provides secure and comfortable fit
• Best-in-class noise cancellation and natural transparency mode
• Dynamic sound with well-defined bass
• Immersive Audio spatial sound modes expand the soundstage
• Improved voice call quality

Cons:

• Slightly bulky earbuds
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth initially (added mid-2024)
• Immersive Audio reduces battery life from 6 to 4 hours

Why I Like Them

The Bose Ultra Earbuds may be larger than other TWS earbuds, but their “interconnected fit” system ensures they stay comfortably in place. Their noise cancellation is unrivaled, and the immersive spatial audio adds a fresh dimension to sound, though it comes at the cost of battery life. The voice call quality is good but slightly behind competitors like the AirPods Pro 2.

Who Should Buy Them

Perfect for anyone looking for earbuds with top-notch noise cancellation and solid sound quality. Bose’s customer service is also a plus if you encounter any issues.

Who Might Skip Them

Their higher price and bulkier design might deter those wanting a more compact form factor. Other premium earbuds in the same price range could be more affordable.

Classic Style Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Rating: 8.4

Pros:

• Classic QuietComfort design with a very comfortable fit
• Great sound and noise cancellation with Wind Block to reduce wind noise
• Solid voice call quality
• Comes with a wired cable featuring an in-line microphone

Cons:

• Pricier than previous QC45 model despite minimal changes
• Lacks Immersive Audio and premium materials of the Ultra model
• Questionable value compared to competitors offering more features

Why I Like Them

Bose refreshed this classic line alongside introducing the QC Ultra. The design remains beloved for its comfort and reliability. Though not as flashy as the Ultra model, these headphones still deliver excellent sound and noise cancellation, plus handy new features like Wind Block and updated Bluetooth 5.3.

Who Should Buy Them

Fans of the iconic QuietComfort design will appreciate this model. It’s less expensive than the Ultra headphones and frequently discounted to around $250, making it a great value.

Who Might Skip Them

If you want cutting-edge performance and premium materials, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the better choice.

“The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a worthy competitor to Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max,” — Audio Expert Review

Best Open-Design Clip-On Earbuds

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Rating: 8.0

Pros:

• Innovative clip-on fit with flexible rubber hinge, very lightweight (4.5g)
• 12mm drivers deliver excellent sound with strong bass and clarity
• Good voice call quality with clear speech
• Easy-to-use button controls for calls, tracks, volume, and listening modes

Cons:

• Expensive
• Unique design may not appeal to everyone
• Not suitable for noisy environments
• No multipoint Bluetooth or in-ear detection sensors

Why I Like Them

These earbuds attach to the side of your ears like earrings, allowing you to hear ambient sounds while enjoying music. Despite the high price, their comfort and sound quality make them stand out in the open-ear category.

Who Should Buy Them

Ideal for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings without sacrificing sound quality or comfort.

Who Might Skip Them

Price could be a hurdle; a price closer to $200 would be more appealing, though they do appear on sale for $250.

More Affordable Bose Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)

Rating: 8.1

Pros:

• Comfortable and secure fit
• Very good sound and noise cancellation
• Decent battery life
• Wireless charging case
• Built-in voice control features

Cons:

• Slightly bulky earbuds and case
• Voice call quality could be better
• Voice controls sometimes inconsistent

Why I Like Them

Bose turned its attention to a more affordable segment with these earbuds, delivering reliable noise cancellation and sound quality while adding handy voice control features absent from the higher-end Ultra model.

Who Should Buy Them

Great option for budget-conscious buyers wanting quality noise cancellation without breaking the bank, especially during sales when prices often drop to around $150.

Who Might Skip Them

The size and occasional voice control glitches may be a drawback for some users.

Key Factors When Buying Bose Headphones

• Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend. Bose offers budget options under $100, but premium audio and build quality typically come at $200 or more.
• Fit and Comfort: Choose headphones that fit your head or ears snugly yet comfortably, so you can wear them all day with minimal breaks.
• Durability: Look for models robust enough to last through everyday use.
• Performance & Features: Prioritize sound quality, noise cancellation, call quality, and additional features within your budget.
• Return Policy: Buy from stores with good return policies to try out headphones risk-free and decide which model fits you best.

How We Test Bose Headphones

We assess each pair across five key areas, comparing models of similar style and price:

• Design: Comfort, build quality, control functionality, and water/dust resistance ratings.
• Sound Quality: Listening tests focusing on bass clarity, dynamic range, and natural sound.
• Features: Noise cancellation, transparency modes, spatial audio, and sensor tech.
• Call Performance: Testing voice clarity and background noise suppression in busy environments.
• Value: Overall balance of quality and features relative to price.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bose Headphones

• Are Sony or Bose headphones better?
  Both brands excel in active noise cancellation. Sony currently holds a slight edge, but Bose earbuds like the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer some of the best noise cancellation available.
• Which Bose headphones are considered the best?
  The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose’s flagship, but for earbuds, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer superior noise cancellation. For active users, Ultra Open Earbuds provide an open, situational awareness style.
• Will Bose release new headphones in 2025?
  In early 2024, Bose launched the Ultra Open Earbuds with their bold clip-on design. The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds provide a more affordable alternative to their flagship Ultra model.
• Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
  Noise cancellation is increasingly common and valuable. Investing in a higher-end pair often pays off, especially if you frequently travel or work in noisy environments. Sales throughout the year can offer good discounts.
• What is Bose's flagship headphone model?
  QuietComfort Ultra Headphones lead Bose’s lineup with advanced tech, competing strongly with Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.

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