The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have been on my radar for a while now, and after extensive use, I can confidently say that they remain among the best wireless earbuds you can buy. While the core features that made their predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II), so compelling are still present, Bose has incorporated some significant refinements.
First and foremost, the design has been subtly enhanced. The overall aesthetic remains sleek, with a metallic touch control surface that adds a premium feel. Bose has also made a small but noteworthy adjustment to the stability bands, making them more secure and easier to swap for different sizes. However, the charging case remains unchanged, and while still pocketable, it lacks the satisfying snap closure expected of a high-end product. Furthermore, the absence of wireless charging continues to be a frustrating omission, especially at this price point.
Moving beyond the design, the QC Ultra Earbuds deliver on the promise of comfort. Their ergonomic shape and combination of eartips and stability bands make for a secure fit that even I, with a penchant for long listening sessions, found comfortable. The touch controls have been improved, making them more responsive and precise. A welcome addition is Bluetooth multipoint, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices, making the QC Ultras even more versatile.
But where the QC Ultra truly shine is in their audio capabilities. Bose has implemented Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform, which includes the aptX family of hi-res Bluetooth codecs, resulting in a significant boost in fidelity, especially when paired with compatible Android devices. The impact is noticeable, with a richer, more nuanced soundstage. Additionally, Bose’s immersive audio technology, akin to Apple’s spatial audio, adds another layer of depth and realism to the listening experience, creating a virtual surround sound effect that immerses you in the music.
Of course, the QC Ultras maintain their exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, effectively silencing the world around you. While there’s always a slight edge in this area, the QC Ultras stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top contenders like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Transparency mode is also highly effective, though it still falls short of the AirPods Pro’s uncanny ability to blend seamlessly with your surroundings.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a compelling package. Their exceptional sound quality, enhanced by the Snapdragon Sound platform and immersive audio, combined with their already impressive noise cancellation and comfort, make them a strong contender for the top spot in the wireless earbuds market. However, the absence of wireless charging at this price point remains a significant drawback, holding them back from absolute perfection.
