CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates various products and services each month, drawing on over a quarter-century of experience. When it comes to Bose headphones and earbuds, they are known for their comfort, sound quality, and excellent noise-canceling capabilities, which are considered some of the best in the market. While Bose models can be expensive, they often go on sale. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are regarded as Bose’s top headphones, offering premium features and top-notch noise canceling. For those looking for a smaller option, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds provide the best noise canceling among earbuds, although they lack a wired option for connecting to inflight entertainment systems. The newest addition to Bose’s lineup, the Ultra Open Earbuds, feature an innovative clip-on design and high-quality sound without noise canceling.
Bose’s flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer an upgraded design and sound quality compared to their previous models. Featuring groundbreaking Immersive Audio technology, these headphones provide superior noise canceling and crystal clear sound for an immersive listening experience. They are also ideal for making calls thanks to their top-notch background noise reduction capabilities. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have received acclaim for outperforming competitors such as Sony and Apple in the noise-canceling headphone market. Despite their high price, they are considered one of the best noise-canceling headphones available in 2024.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds represent a slight improvement over Bose’s previous earbud model, offering a better fit and enhanced noise canceling capability. The ActiveSense feature automatically adjusts noise canceling levels in response to ambient noise, providing users with a seamless listening experience. With the addition of Immersive Audio, these earbuds deliver a clearer, more dynamic sound profile. While they may not be a significant upgrade, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking high-quality wireless earbuds.
In addition to releasing their top-of-the-line Ultra Headphones, Bose has updated their QuietComfort 45 model with the new QuietComfort Headphones. These headphones maintain the classic comfort and performance of the QuietComfort series while incorporating new features like Immersive Audio. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and improved battery life, the QuietComfort Headphones offer superior sound quality, noise canceling, and voice-calling performance. Despite a slightly higher price point, these headphones are expected to be regularly discounted, making them a competitive option in the market.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a unique design that clips onto the ears, allowing users to hear their surroundings while enjoying high-quality sound. While the unconventional design may not appeal to everyone, these earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit, along with impressive sound quality for open-ear headphones. Although they come at a premium price, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a distinct listening experience for those seeking a blend of audio immersion and ambient awareness.
CNET evaluates wireless earbuds and headphones based on five key criteria: design, sound quality, features, voice-calling performance, and value. These criteria cover aspects such as comfort, build quality, sound clarity, noise-canceling capabilities, and additional features like water resistance and special sound modes. By comparing models within similar price ranges, CNET assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each product to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
