Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Are They Worth the Price?
Detailed comparison and review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones against competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max, focusing on design, sound quality, features, and price.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 🎧 The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones blend elements from previous models, offering a lightweight, comfortable design that's ideal for extended wear, featuring upgraded materials like an aluminum yoke.
- 📉 Despite their high price ($429), they face stiff competition, particularly from Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max, although they may edge ahead slightly in sound quality.
- 🎶 Immersive Audio feature enhances the soundstage, but using it can reduce battery life from 24 to 18 hours, which is a notable consideration for potential buyers.
- 🔄 They include modern conveniences like auto-pause/play with ear detection, sleep mode for battery conservation, and multi-point pairing, though they lack USB-C audio connectivity.
- 🚫 Some potential downsides include a higher price tag without corresponding features like USB-C audio, and the Apex audio codec support is not as robust as advertised.
📝 Timestamped Summary
00:06 Introduction and Pricing:
- Introduction to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
- Priced at $429, positioned as Bose's new flagship noise-cancelling headphones.
00:46 Design and Build Quality:
- Combines design elements from previous Bose models with new materials like an aluminum yoke.
- Enhanced portability with a dual-hinge design that folds flat and up.
01:43 Comfort and Fit:
- Designed to fit a wide range of head sizes and shapes.
- Weighs 254 grams, slightly more than the Sony XM5 but much lighter than the AirPods Max.
02:10 User Interface and Controls:
- Features a mix of physical buttons and a touch-sensitive strip for volume control.
- Customizable touch gestures and a main button for audio playback controls.
03:35 Sound Quality Comparison:
- Compares the sound quality of Bose QuietComfort Ultra with Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max.
- Noted for a cleaner, more natural sound profile, potentially outperforming the competition.
04:36 Battery Life and Features:
- Battery life is rated at 24 hours but drops to 18 hours with immersive audio enabled.
- Discusses features like auto-pause/play, sleep mode, and immersive audio.
05:57 Voice Call Quality and Noise Cancelling:
- Excellent voice calling capabilities with multiple microphones for noise cancellation.
- Effective noise suppression even in noisy environments like New York streets.
06:46 Final Thoughts and Pricing Concerns:
- Highlights the strengths such as sound quality and comfort.
- Critiques include the high price and lack of some expected features like USB-C audio.
❓ FAQ
How does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra compare to Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of comfort?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is designed to be lightweight and comfortable for long periods, slightly clamping more than Sony's but still comfortable for extended use.
Can the Bose QuietComfort Ultra connect to multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, they feature multi-point pairing which allows them to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and switch audio seamlessly between them.
Does the immersive audio feature affect the battery life of the headphones?
Yes, engaging the immersive audio feature reduces the battery life from 24 hours to 18 hours.
🎬 Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stand out for their superior design, comfort, and slight edge in sound quality over competitors. While they command a premium price, their performance and features justify consideration against other high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max. For those prioritizing audio quality and comfort, these headphones are a compelling choice, though potential buyers should weigh the impact on battery life from the immersive audio feature and the lack of USB-C audio connectivity.