Bose QuietComfort vs. QuietComfort Ultra – What are the differences?

Choosing wireless headphones is not always an easy task; In fact, it is becoming more complicated because there are more options to choose from. And all of them good. Therefore, it is essential to know which are the most relevant benefits and, above all, be clear about the needs you want to cover. In this comparison, we help you by showing you a detailed analysis of two high-end wireless headphones: Bose QuietComfort vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

As you can see, they are both from the same Bose range, and that already gives us some peace of mind, because we know what quality they will have. The question is whether it is worth choosing the Ultra model (which, apparently, is the most advanced), due to the improvements it offers. And, for that, we must focus on their differences. One of them has to do with immersive audio, a functionality that we only find in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. It is a function similar to spatial audio, with which we have the sensation of hearing the sound in the foreground regardless of where we look or where it comes from.

On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort headphones offer the same autonomy as the Ultra, only with a faster charging time. Another difference, which we particularly love, is that only the ultra model has CustomTune technology, which allows us to automatically adjust the sound according to our tastes. But, as we always tell you, the best way to check which headphones are worth the most is by analyzing them in detail. Let’s go there!

Bose QuietComfort vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Comparison Table

In the following table you can see the differences and similarities between the two Bose headphones. This way, it will be easier for you to choose according to your preferences and needs:

What aesthetic differences are there?

The design of the two headphones follows the same tone, but with some differentiating nuances that we are going to analyze below. The first thing you should know is that both models are available in black and white; and, in addition, the Bose QuietComfort can be purchased in cypress green. Beyond the color, the main design difference has to do with the materials used in each one.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra combine plastic with aluminum and leather, three materials that, together, give it a more premium aesthetic. On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort are made almost entirely of plastic. They are rather functional, while the Ultra have an additional touch of sophistication. Apart from this, both are equipped with a carrying case, and have very similar dimensions and weight. The QuietComfort Ultra weigh a little more because they have metal components.

Immersive audio, the great sound difference

We now delve into the differences that have to do with the sound aspect. And, without a doubt, the most important is that only the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have immersive audio. This is a functionality that we also know as spatial audio, and whose essential characteristic is that the audio is always heard in the foreground, regardless of where we turn our head or where it comes from. In fact, you can choose between still or moving mode within immersive audio, so that the sound adjusts based on your movement.

This functionality means that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have 3 modes, compared to the 2 that the Bose QuietComfort have. The other two models are active noise cancellation and transparency mode, present in both. In addition, Silent mode (this is what Bose calls noise cancellation) can be adjusted on both headphones, so you can decide what level of background noise you want to hear at any given time. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have better noise cancellation, because each headset integrates 5 microphones, compared to the 3 that each standard headset has. This makes the precision when isolating outside noise superior.

There is one more difference when it comes to Aware mode (ambient or transparency mode). The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have ActiveSense technology in this mode, which allows you to automatically increase noise cancellation if it detects sudden noises, so that there are no annoying interruptions.

Customization level

One of the features that we liked the most about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the CustomTune technology. Thanks to it, it is possible to personalize the sound so that it is reproduced exactly as we want, depending on the physical properties of our ear and ear canal. That is, it allows you to customize the sound experience to the maximum. To do this, it measures the ability of your ear, due to its shape, to modify the sound, to adjust it in the most realistic way possible.

Maximum autonomy

Another interesting aspect for users is the battery life on each headset. However, in this case it is not going to be a very important deciding criterion, because both headphones can work for up to 24 hours with noise cancellation activated. It should be noted that, in the case of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the autonomy is reduced to 18 hours if you use the immersive audio function.

Yes, there is a small nuance when it comes to fast charging. Although both have this option, the Ultra headphones can recharge, in 15 minutes, enough energy to work for 2 hours. On the other hand, in this time, the Bose QuietComfort reach 4 hours of operation. In this sense, the fact that, by not having immersive audio, loading is faster influences.

Same range, different Bluetooth versions

Both Bose wireless headphones support Bluetooth, but not the same version. The standard ones support up to Bluetooth version 5.1, while the Ultra ones are compatible with version 5.3. However, both have the same Bluetooth range, approximately 9 meters.

Compatibility with other devices

We now look at the connection options and compatibility of Bose headphones with other devices, although there are not many differences. Both models integrate SimpleSync technology, which allows you to pair the headphones with the Bose smart sound bar. Likewise, both allow you to execute commands through voice, and have multipoint connections to play multiple devices simultaneously. And, if you want to use the Bose Music app, you can do it in both cases and with any smartphone, whether Android or iOS.

Which Bose headphones do we choose?

We have reached the end of the review, and we only have to decide which of the two models is more interesting. As we imagined, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a higher price. It is not strange, since they surpass the Bose QuietComfort in many of the functionalities. The key is deciding whether those differences are enough to make it worth opting for, and that is a totally subjective decision. From our point of view, it depends on how much you are willing to spend.

On the one hand, the immersive audio function and the ActiveSense mode that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have ensure much higher quality sound reproduction. And, if your budget allows it, they are an investment that, in the long term, you will appreciate. But, if you can’t or don’t want to spend that much money, the Bose QuietComfort are a great alternative. In fact, the sound quality is quite similar and, although they do not have the immersive mode, we can adjust the level of transparency to our liking.

That said, it’s time for you to think about how important these advantages are to you. This way, it will be easier for you to decide. Now, you can be clear that, in any case, the quality will be maximum.