# Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review: An In-Depth Look at Premium Noise-Canceling Capabilities
Over the years, wireless earbuds have significantly advanced, with active noise-cancellation (ANC) now a common feature in even budget-friendly options. Nevertheless, when it comes to highlighting the standard for ANC efficacy, leading brands like Bose undeniably take the lead. Introducing the **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds**, released in 2023, which aim to provide exceptional noise-cancellation and outstanding sound quality. But do they truly meet expectations? Let’s explore.
## Android Central Rating: 4/5 Stars
The **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds** earned a commendable 4 out of 5 stars from Android Central, applauded for their **remarkable ANC capabilities** and **excellent sound**. Yet, a few downsides linger, such as the **absence of wireless charging** (unless an additional fee is paid) and **inferior phone call performance**.
### Advantages:
– **Exceptional ANC capabilities**
– **Excellent sound performance**
– **Hi-res and spatial audio features**
– **Dependable touch controls**
– **Multipoint connectivity**
– **Perfect for avid travelers**
### Disadvantages:
– **Phone call performance may not be optimal**
– **Wireless charging incurs additional costs**
– **Not the best choice for workouts**
## Pricing and Availability
The **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds** debuted in September 2023 and can be purchased both online and at retail outlets. With a price tag of **$299**, they come in two color variants: **Black** and **White Smoke**. Although occasional discounts may occur, they are typically infrequent due to Bose’s premium pricing strategy.
## Highlights of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
### 1. **Design and Comfort**
The design of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds bears considerable resemblance to their predecessor, the **QuietComfort Earbuds II**. Although they may not be the most compact earbuds available, they provide enhanced comfort and stability. The earbuds remain securely seated, even during activities like cycling. The **Bose Music app** assists users in achieving the ideal fit for their ears, ensuring a snug seal—essential for optimal noise-cancellation and audio quality.
### 2. **CustomTune and Immersive Audio**
Featuring **Bose’s CustomTune technology**, these earbuds automatically fine-tune the audio and noise-cancelation settings based on the shape of your ear canals. This functionality works alongside **Immersive Audio** (Bose’s interpretation of spatial audio), enriching the listening experience, particularly with live recordings or concert albums.
### 3. **Hi-Res Audio Support**
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds accommodate **Snapdragon Sound** and **aptX Adaptive**, facilitating **hi-res audio** playback. This makes them particularly appealing to audiophiles seeking high-quality music streaming. Additionally, **Bluetooth 5.3** offers decreased latency, making these earbuds ideal for watching videos or gaming.
### 4. **ANC Performance**
The defining characteristic of these earbuds is their **active noise-cancelation**. Whether you’re traveling by plane, commuting, or in a bustling environment, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds shine at erasing background noise. The ANC is so proficient that you won’t need to crank up the volume significantly to enjoy your audio clearly.
### 5. **Touch Controls and Multipoint Support**
The touch controls on the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are intuitive and responsive. You can manage playback, modify volume, and switch between ANC and **Aware mode** (transparency mode) with ease. Moreover, **multipoint support** enables you to connect the earbuds to two devices at once, a feature that was introduced through a firmware enhancement.
## Areas for Improvement
### 1. **Phone Call Quality**
In spite of the outstanding ANC and audio quality, phone call performance leaves something to be desired. Users have shared that their voice isn’t conveyed as clearly as one would hope, even in quieter settings. This is a surprising flaw for earbuds within this price segment.
### 2. **No Wireless Charging (Unless You Pay More)**
While many high-end earbuds feature wireless charging as a basic option, Bose requires an additional **$49** for a wireless charging case. This seems like a missed chance, especially when rivals provide wireless charging without extra expenses.
### 3. **Not Optimal for Workouts**
The **IPX4 rating** offers minimal protection against moisture and sweat, but it isn’t sufficient to recommend these earbuds for rigorous workout sessions. While they can withstand light exercise or a few drops of rain, they lack the durability needed for consistent, sweaty workouts.
## Competition
In the high-end wireless earbud market, Bose’s principal rival is **Sony**, especially with the **Sony WF-1000XM5**. Both manufacturers are recognized for their
