16 BIGGEST ISSUES with the Bose QuietComfort ULTRA Headphones

Summary

In this detailed review, the user shares their experience with the **Bose QuietComfort Ultra** headphones, highlighting both their impressive audio quality and advanced features like active noise cancellation, immersive audio, and seamless connectivity. Despite these strengths, the reviewer returns the headphones due to discomfort from the fit, especially during long-term use. While the sound quality impressed, the **pressure on the ears** and issues with controls, charging, and call quality were significant drawbacks. Ultimately, the **QuietComfort 45s** were chosen for their superior comfort, proving that fit and comfort can outweigh technical performance in the headphone market.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature the best active noise cancellation and audio performance Bose has ever offered, but they still face several usability issues.
• 🎧 The headphones promise a 24-hour battery life, but the reviewer found the actual performance to be slightly shorter, likely due to frequent removal during use.
• 🎶 The sound quality of the Ultras is praised for being loud, clear, and well-balanced, especially for music, podcasts, and videos.
• 📱 The headphones support Bluetooth 5.3 and customizable sound profiles through the Bose Music app, providing a personalized audio experience.
• 🎬 The Ultras are ideal for watching movies or videos, with clear dialogue, booming bass, and an immersive audio experience—although immersive audio itself is criticized for being artificial.
• 🏋️‍♂️ While the headphones are IPX4-rated, they are not the best choice for gym use due to concerns over cleanliness and durability.
• 🔊 The volume control via the slider is difficult to use, especially without visual cues, which makes it frustrating for users when adjusting the volume on the go.
• 👂 Call quality remains a major flaw, with Bose’s microphones not keeping pace with competitors like Apple and Sony, especially in noisy environments.
• 📦 The headphone case is compact but inconvenient to use, requiring precise placement, which can be confusing and time-consuming.
• 😩 The biggest issue with the Ultras is comfort, with tight ear cups and pressure on the ears, making long-term use uncomfortable compared to other Bose models like the QC45.
• 🎧 Despite excellent features, the reviewer returned the Bose QuietComfort Ultras because the discomfort and poor fit overshadowed their impressive performance, opting instead for the quieter and more comfortable QC45.

Q & A

What are the key features of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature 24 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.3, SBC and AAC codec support, immersive audio, adaptive EQ, and custom tune for personalized sound. They also offer quick charging, transparency modes like ActiveSense and Wind Block, and multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices.

Why did the reviewer decide to return the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones?

The reviewer returned the Bose QuietComfort Ultras mainly due to discomfort caused by the tight earcups and the pressure they applied to the ears, making long-term use uncomfortable. Despite the excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, the fit was a dealbreaker.

How did the Bose QuietComfort Ultras perform in terms of sound quality?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultras offer excellent sound quality, with a large soundstage, clear instrument separation, and minimal distortion even at high volumes. They performed particularly well with music, podcasts, and movies, with crisp percussions and clear vocals.

What issues did the reviewer experience with the volume slider on the Bose QuietComfort Ultras?

The reviewer found the volume slider on the Bose QuietComfort Ultras difficult to use reliably. It was hard to adjust without being able to see it, leading to frustration when trying to change the volume during use.

How does the immersive audio feature of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras affect the listening experience?

The immersive audio feature altered the natural sound of the music, making it feel less true to what the artist intended. The reviewer found this feature unnecessary and described it as too forced, stating it changed the levels and audio feel in a way that detracted from the experience.

What did the reviewer think of the transparency mode in the Bose QuietComfort Ultras?

The reviewer found the transparency mode usable but not as effective as the Apple AirPods Max. Voices were clear, but they still sounded artificial, likely due to the need for alarms and safety features to be audible in high-pitched situations.

How did the reviewer feel about the comfort and fit of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras?

The reviewer found the comfort and fit of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras lacking. Despite the headphones being lighter, the earcups were shallow, applying pressure to the ears, which made them uncomfortable during extended use, especially for users with larger heads.

What is the difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultras and the QC45 in terms of comfort?

The Bose QC45s are considered more comfortable by the reviewer due to their better fit, which accommodates extended use without causing discomfort. The QC Ultras, in contrast, were too tight and caused pressure on the ears, making them unsuitable for long listening sessions.

How does the battery life of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras compare to other headphones in the same price range?

The battery life of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, advertised at 24 hours, fell short in the reviewer's experience. The reviewer mentioned that frequent on-and-off usage led to a discrepancy in battery life, especially when compared to other headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Beats Studio Pro.

What are the key differences in design between the Bose QuietComfort Ultras and the previous models?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultras are slightly smaller and lighter than the NC700s, offering a more compact design. They are foldable, which makes them more travel-friendly compared to the NC700s and the Sony WH-1000XM5. However, the case design can be confusing to use, requiring precise placement of the headphones.