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Bose QC Ultra

“The comfort king that a firmware update nearly dethroned.”

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Check $379.00 on Amazon open_in_new

8.2

Inside Scoop Score

Buy · 8.2 / 10

auto_awesome INSIDE SCOOP

The Inside Scoop

THE VERDICT

The Bose QC Ultra delivers best-in-class noise cancellation, genuinely exceptional comfort, and audio quality that edges out both Sony XM5 and AirPods Max. The catch: a February firmware update broke or removed features owners paid for — specifically multi-device switching — and Bose's response has been slow and unsatisfying. If you can live with that uncertainty or are buying the 1st Gen at a discount, this is the noise-cancelling headphone to beat.

Anchored by CNET's review

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Comfort is genuinely unrivaled

Multiple editorial reviews and the CNET reviewer confirm the QC Ultra is the most comfortable over-ear headphone on the market, with RecordingNOW calling it 'the best overall due to unrivaled comfort' and owners praising it even over rivals like Sony and B&W.

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ANC is top-tier

The CNET reviewer wore them on noisy New York City streets and reported voices and traffic were thoroughly muffled; Head-Fi editorial places the ANC in the top three on the market.

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Sound quality edges the competition

CNET testing found the QC Ultra 'a touch ahead' of both the Sony XM5 and AirPods Max, with TechGearLab awarding it one of the highest sound scores for balanced, full-bodied audio.

Owner Reception

Verified owner data

shopping_cart Amazon 2,000 ratings

82% loved 12% critical

forum Reddit threads 8

forum Reddit comments 60

forum Reddit owners

"I really like them as well. I returned two of them due to a popping sound when the bus goes over a bump or during hard steps. I got a white and silver pair now, still with the same problem."

r/bose

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Before You Buy — What Nobody Tells You

Most owners are happy — only 12% of 2,000 Amazon ratings are 1–2★. These are the specific gripes worth weighing before you buy:

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Firmware update killed key features

A February update removed or broke easy multi-device switching — previously you could short-press the Bluetooth button to cycle devices with a voice readout — and some owners say this single change eliminated the main reason they bought Bose over competitors.

— from r/bose firmware feedback thread, separate r/bose review thread

lightbulb Check the Bose community forums before buying to see if the issue has been patched; buying from Costco or a retailer with a generous return window gives you an exit if it isn't.
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Popping sound on bumps or hard steps

Multiple owners report a popping or clicking sound in the ear cups when walking on hard surfaces or riding over bumps — one Reddit owner returned two pairs across different colorways and still experienced it on the third.

— from r/bose owner review thread

lightbulb Appears to be a hardware quirk present across units; no confirmed fix, but it is reportedly more noticeable in quiet environments than during active listening.
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Aptx Adaptive rarely actually works

Bose markets Snapdragon Sound and Aptx Adaptive support, but even when paired with officially compatible devices like a Google Pixel 7 or Samsung Galaxy Flip 5, the headphones default to AAC — you may never actually hear the lossless codec you were promised.

— from CNET top reviewer transcript

lightbulb An Asus ROG Phone 6 was one of the few devices that triggered Aptx Adaptive in testing; for most users, treat this feature as non-existent.

groups VERDICT

Who it's for

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Best For

Office workers, frequent flyers, and focus-driven listeners who prioritize all-day wearing comfort and elite noise cancellation above all else, and who buy from retailers with good return policies.

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Skip If

Power users who rely on seamless multi-device switching, Android audiophiles chasing Aptx Adaptive lossless audio, or anyone who wants to plug directly into a modern USB-C-only laptop or phone.

forum REDDIT

Voices of Reddit

bose headphones ultra sound feedback been airpods community features better product sony customers audio quality response review mode both firmware music keep following same thank support bass voice thread again experience users momentum steve comfortable comfort issue poll accessibility other shared level wider clear sennheiser people best email further device

Praised Criticized Mentioned · Drawn from 8 threads · 60 comments · Biggest gripe: "issue" (13×)

smart_display VIDEO REVIEWS

Video reviews

9:37

person

Bose QC Ultra Headphones Review: New ANC King?

CNET • 293579

"With an upgraded design, excellent sound, great noise cancellation and impressive voice-calling performance, the Bose ..."

4:12

person

Is the Bose QC Ultra Headphones (1st Gen) Still Worth Buying in 2025?

SoundGuys • 22266

"Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen) on Amazon: https://soundg.co/oqj8ck [Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon ..."

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