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The bose quietcomfort over ear headphones vs quietcomfort ultra over ear comparison highlights two premium options from Bose. Both models deliver active noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of battery life. They share a similar over-ear fit and wireless connectivity. The main difference lies in their audio features and physical dimensions. The Ultra model adds spatial audio and Immersion Mode, while the standard QuietComfort focuses on essential listening modes. You need to decide if immersive sound or a lighter build matters more to you.
Weight
8.4 ounces
8.96 ounces
Width
6.18 inches
5.5 inches
Listening Modes
Quiet and Aware Modes
Quiet, Aware, and Immersion Modes
Audio Technology
High-fidelity audio with Adjustable EQ
Spatial Audio with CustomTune technology
Battery Life with Immersive Audio
Not listed
Up to 18 hours
Bluetooth Version
Not listed
Bluetooth 5.3
Choose the first if
- You prefer a lighter pair of headphones for all-day wear
- You want a wider headband fit for better pressure distribution
- You only need standard noise cancellation and aware modes
Choose the second if
- You want immersive spatial audio for movies and music
- You need the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connection for stability
- You want to sync with a Bose smart soundbar via SimpleSync
Verdict
The standard QuietComfort headphones are the better choice if you prioritize a lighter weight and simpler controls. The Ultra model is worth the extra cost if you value spatial audio and advanced connectivity features like SimpleSync. Both offer excellent noise cancellation for daily use.
QuietComfort vs Ultra Spec Showdown
immersive audio
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones include Spatial Audio and Immersion Mode. This feature combines full noise cancellation with immersive sound to create a more realistic listening experience. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones do not list Spatial Audio or Immersion Mode in their specifications. They offer standard Quiet and Aware modes for noise control. If you want depth and width in your music, the Ultra provides a distinct technological advantage. The standard QuietComfort focuses on traditional stereo sound with adjustable EQ. For listeners who prioritize a three-dimensional audio field, the Ultra is the clear choice.
connectivity
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones
Both models use Bluetooth for wireless connections. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones specify Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of up to 30 feet. They also include SimpleSync to pair with Bose smart soundbars. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones list Bluetooth connectivity but do not specify the version or range in the provided data. The Ultra also mentions head motion controls for power and mode changes. The standard model does not list motion controls. The Ultra offers more specific connection details and additional pairing capabilities for TV audio.
battery life
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Both headphones claim up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones note that this drops to 18 hours when using Immersive Audio. The standard Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones do not list a reduced battery time for specific modes. Both models provide a quick charge that yields up to 2.5 hours of play time in 15 minutes. The Ultra specifies that this quick charge drops to 2 hours when using Immersive Audio. For general use without immersive features, the battery duration is identical. The standard model maintains full capacity longer if you use immersive sound.
noise modes
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones feature three modes: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion. Immersion mode blends noise cancellation with spatial audio. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones offer two modes: Quiet and Aware. These allow you to toggle between full cancellation and ambient awareness. The Ultra provides an additional layer of sound processing through its third mode. The standard model keeps things simpler with just two options. If you prefer a straightforward toggle between silence and awareness, the standard model is sufficient. The Ultra adds complexity for those who want immersive sound paired with cancellation.
dimensions
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones measure 5.5 inches in width, 7.7 inches in height, and 2 inches in length. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones measure 6.18 inches in width, 7.68 inches in height, and 3.15 inches in length. The Ultra model is narrower and thinner, while the standard model is slightly taller and deeper. The Ultra weighs 8.96 ounces, whereas the standard model weighs 8.4 ounces. The standard model is lighter by about half an ounce. The Ultra is more compact in width and depth, which may affect how it fits in bags or cases.
Which QuietComfort Model Fits You
You want spatial audio and smart controls
Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones
The QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones include Spatial Audio and Immersion Mode for immersive sound. They feature Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 and head-motion controls for power and volume. CustomTune technology shapes sound to your ears. These specs suit you if you prioritize immersive features and intuitive touch and motion management over basic operation.
You prefer lighter weight and simpler operation
Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones weigh 8.4 ounces, which is lighter than the Ultra model at 8.96 ounces. They offer standard Quiet and Aware modes without complex spatial audio settings. This model suits you if you want a lighter over-ear fit and straightforward noise cancellation without additional immersive audio processing or motion controls.
You need long battery life without extra features
Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Both models provide up to 24 hours of battery life. However, the Ultra model drops to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The standard QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones maintain the full 24-hour capacity without that specific feature draw. Choose this model if you want consistent battery performance without toggling immersive modes that reduce play time.
Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Best for: All-day comfort and customizable sound profiles
- Noise Control
- Noise Cancelling
- Battery Life
- Up to 24 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Form Factor
- Over Ear
- Connection
- Wireless
- Features
- Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear headphones deliver wireless Bluetooth connectivity with active noise cancellation. They offer up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. You can adjust bass, mid-range, and treble levels via an adjustable EQ. The over-ear fit includes plush cushions and a padded band for comfort. This model weighs 8.4 ounces and measures 6.18 inches wide.
- Up to 24 hours of battery life per charge
- Active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes
- Adjustable EQ for bass, mid-range, and treble control
- Plush earcup cushions and padded band for comfort
- Quick charge provides 2.5 hours of playback in 15 minutes
- Heavier build at 8.4 ounces compared to lighter competitors
- Standard battery life of 24 hours is lower than Ultra model's 24+ hours
- Larger dimensions at 6.18 inches wide may reduce portability
- You want reliable active noise cancellation for travel or office use
- You prefer adjustable sound profiles with specific bass and treble control
- You need all-day battery life for extended listening sessions
- You prioritize the lightest possible weight for all-day wear
- You want spatial audio features found in the Ultra model
- You prefer a more compact design for frequent travel
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear headphones provide solid noise cancellation and customizable sound for users who value comfort and battery life. They suit listeners who prioritize adjustable EQ and reliable wireless performance over ultra-lightweight portability.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones
Best for: immersive spatial audio and noise cancellation
- Noise Control
- Noise Cancelling
- Battery Life
- Up to 24 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Form Factor
- Over-The-Ear
- Spatial Audio
- Spatial Audio
- Connection
- Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver immersive spatial audio and world-class noise cancellation. They feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and CustomTune technology for personalized sound. Battery life reaches 24 hours, dropping to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The design includes soft ear cushions and a pressure-spreading band. They suit listeners seeking high-fidelity audio and advanced noise management in a comfortable over-ear form factor.
- Spatial audio for immersive listening experiences
- CustomTune technology for personalized sound
- Bluetooth 5.3 with SimpleSync capability
- 24-hour battery life (18 hours with Immersive Audio)
- Heavier build at 8.96 ounces
- Battery life reduces to 18 hours with Immersive Audio
- Larger dimensions at 7.7 inches in height
- You prioritize spatial audio for immersive music
- You want personalized sound via CustomTune
- You need noise cancellation with multiple modes
- You prefer lighter headphones under 8 ounces
- You need maximum battery life without feature trade-offs
- You dislike over-ear designs
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones fit users who value spatial audio and personalized sound tuning. They are ideal for those who prioritize immersive listening and advanced noise cancellation features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Control | Noise Cancelling | Noise Cancelling |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Form Factor | Over Ear | Over-The-Ear |
| Spatial Audio | – | Spatial Audio |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless |
| Fit | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Features | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling | Active Noise Cancelling, Microphone, Spatial Audio |
| Dimensions | 3.15 × 6.18 × 7.68 inches | 2 × 5.5 × 7.7 inches |
| Weight | 8.4 ounces | 8.96 ounces |
| Size | Regular | Regular |
| Color | White Smoke | White Smoke Renewed |
| Model | 884367-0200 | 880066-0200-cr |
Frequently asked questions
Which Bose headphones are lighter for travel?
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are lighter. They weigh 8.4 ounces. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones weigh 8.96 ounces. The difference is 0.56 ounces. You should choose the standard QuietComfort model if minimizing weight is a priority for your daily carry.
Do both models support Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, both models support wireless connections. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones use Bluetooth for wireless audio. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones also use Bluetooth. Both provide wireless convenience for listening to music or taking calls without tangled wires.
What is the size difference between the two?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones are slightly more compact in width. They measure 5.5 inches wide. The standard Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones measure 6.18 inches wide. The Ultra model is also shorter in length at 2 inches compared to 3.15 inches.
Are both models designed for over-ear use?
Yes, both models feature an over-ear fit. This design covers your ears for comfort and isolation. Both the Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones use this style. This ensures a secure fit for extended listening sessions.
Does the Ultra model have a microphone?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones list a microphone as a feature. The standard Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones do not list this feature in the data. You should check the Ultra model if you need a built-in microphone for calls.
What colors are available for these headphones?
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are available in White Smoke. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Headphones are listed in White Smoke Renewed. You can choose based on your preference for new or renewed condition and specific color availability.