Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Immersive sound at premium price

Bose Ultra with MX Keys

For the last few years, I relied on my trusted Powerbeats wireless headphones for everyday use. While it performed well overall, it fell short at the gym, where I felt the need for an over-ear noise-canceling headphones to block out the loud hum of fans and treadmills. I explored various flagship models from Bose, Sony, Sonos, and Sennheiser but ultimately chose the Bose Ultra headphones. My decision was influenced by my positive past experiences with Bose products, strong online customer reviews, the premium design, and intriguing new features like Immersion Mode. Beyond the using it at the gym, I paired it with my Blue Yeti microphone for editing YouTube videos. Furthermore, I have been using it to watch TV shows on my tablet and to take online lessons.

About

What's in the box	Bose Ultra Headphones, Carry Case, 3.5mm audio cable, USB-C charging cable
Type	Around the ear
Modes	Quiet, Immersion, Aware
Manual	Bose Online Manual
Launch Year	2023

Design

The Lunar Blue variant I own is nothing short of stunning, exuding a premium look. In terms of comfort, these headphones deliver; they are lightweight and free from pressure points, making them ideal for extended use.

Bose did not skimp on details either—the included protective case is top-notch, ensuring safe storage. Although these are wireless headphones, I appreciate the thoughtful addition of a wired option for versatility. The matching blue USB charging and audio cables add a touch of uniqueness compared to the standard black or white cables often included with other brands. Overall, the design and build quality live up to the high expectations of a flagship product.

My Experience

Device Integration – As an iPhone user, coming from Powerbeats, I was surprised by the absence of Apple AirPlay support, which seems a standard feature. Bluetooth works well but definitely the added convenience AirPlay is a definite downside that Apple users should consider. Beyond the basic connectivity to a device, the headphones different features such as selecting a mode or adjusting sound equalizers can be performed using the Bose App. The app also provide short helpful tutorials to fully utilize all the features of the headphones.
Ease of Use – The intuitive controls make these headphones easy to use right out of the box. However, I suggest reviewing the manual or app to fully understand all the available features. One pleasant surprise is the auto-pause feature: removing the headphones pauses your music, and placing them back resumes playback. However, there is a minor hiccup—during workouts, grimacing or intense facial expressions occasionally trigger the auto-pause feature, which can be frustrating.
TGF Review Summary
4.6Very Good!
Description
The Bose Ultra headphones offer a premium design, strong battery life, and futuristic features such as auto-pause on removal, immersion mode and touch volume slider control. Even though the headphones have a few quirks, it is a great choice for an over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.
Positives

Sound quality
Premium build quality
Futuristic features
Multiple modes
Battery life

Negatives

No AirPlay
No fast charging
Artificially enhanced aware mode
I also found the slider volume control on the headphones easily accessible and intuitive to use, replacing the need to reach out for my phone to control volume. The other buttons took a little time to get used to. But after using it for a week, I can also comfortably use the button to skip or pause music.

Modes – As a parent, I have come to value the Quiet Mode and Aware Mode:
- Quiet Mode is fantastic for drowning out distractions, whether it is the sound of my kids watching TV or gym equipment.
- Aware Mode, on the other hand, amplifies ambient sounds, allowing me to stay alert to my surroundings. Having this option, lets me use the headphones even when I am the one watching the kids. The downside of the aware mode is that some sounds, like the sound of running water, feel overly amplified and can be unnecessarily exaggerated.

In addition to the quiet and aware modes, the headphones also has an Immersion Mode that provide noise cancelling while simulating an in-concert-like sound experience. In my opinion, it comes pretty close to providing such an experience. Furthermore, this Immersion Mode is also an excellent option for watching a tense live game when you are on the go.

Call Quality – Quality of the mic in these headphones is top-notch. I am heard clearly on voice and WhatApp calls. That said, I personally find it hard to use over-ear headphones for calls as I feel I am shouting to hear my own voice. If I put the headphones in Aware Mode, then my voice seems way exaggerated and unnatural. This would be a space for old Powerbeats earphones to shine.
Battery – One important thing to note is that the auto-pause feature only puts the headphones into sleep mode rather than fully turning them off. They remain in this state for up to 24 hours before shutting down completely, but the battery continues to drain during this time. To prevent unnecessary battery drain, be sure to long-press the power button to fully turn them off.

On the plus side, the headphones have impressive battery life between charges. Bose claims they offer up to 24 hours of use on a full charge. However, charging from a low battery can feel extremely slow—fast charging has not been implemented for these headphones.

Conclusion

The Bose Ultra Headphones deliver an impressive combination of style, comfort, and immersive audio quality, making them a worthy contender in the high-end headphone market. In the US, the MSRP of $429.00 seems a little too high for a gadget that was launched in 2023. However, these headphones often are discounted at $349.00, at which point it seems like a good buy. While minor issues such as the lack of Apple AirPlay and the auto-pause quirk during workouts exist, its overall performance, noise-canceling features, and versatility justify the premium price for anyone seeking a flagship listening experience.

Tech Gadgets Reviewer

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