Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST comparison review with the Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort Ultra and tell you which is better, after personally owning both products. I have thoroughly tested each of these headphones for hundreds of hours, and aim to offer a critical opinion from the perspective of an audiophile and professional music producer.
I’ll be comparing these two head to head on categories like price, comfort, features, battery life, noise cancelling performance, and sound quality.
Then at the end, I’ll share which is the best overall value for the money, and my overall recommendation on which you should buy.
I’ve also conducted a separate in-depth Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) Review and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review for those who are interested in reading more detailed thoughts about each headphone after. (Links open in a new tab.)
Key Takeaways
- Both the Bose QuietComfort 2023 and QuietComfort Ultra share nearly identical noise cancelling performance and all-day comfort.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra has better audiophile-level sound quality, but the QuietComfort 2023 might be more fun to listen to due to its more powerful bass.
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is typically $80 more expensive than the QuietComfort 2023, depending on sales.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Price Compared
Overall, the Sony WH 1000XM5 is anywhere from $30 to $100 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra at current market prices for brand new. They can be much closer in price depending on current sales, and whether you’re buying new, renewed, or used.
Bose QuietComfort (2023) Prices
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Prices
- Retail: $429.00
- New: $429
- Renewed: N/A
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to an additional $100?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, both the Bose QuietComfort 2023 and QC Ultra are two of the most comfortable headphones available in the market currently.
On my scale, the QuietComfort 2023 is 18.3 grams lighter than the Ultras:
- Bose QuietComfort 2023 weight: 236.1 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra weight: 254.4 grams
Wearing these headphones back-to-back, I’d say the biggest difference is the plushness of the Ultra’s headband and earpad material. It’s just extremely soft with plenty of give when pressed.
This makes the QC Ultra just a bit more comfortable to wear, as I can slightly feel the headband pressure of the QuietComfort 2023.
The clamping force and earpad material on both are extremely comfy, no complaints there.
That said, if I never tried wearing the Ultras immediately back-to-back, I would easily give the regular QuietComfort 2023 a perfect score for comfort. They are lighter after all, which is a plus.
When it comes to working out, I actually might prefer the less-expensive regular QuietComfort due to feeling a bit more secure, since the smooth plush material of the Ultra has less friction.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Comfort: 5 out of 5
Winner: Ultra
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling
What is the difference between QuietComfort and Ultra?
Both the regular QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra were released roughly around the same time towards the end of 2023.
As such, they share most of the same modern features: 11 levels of Noise Cancelling and Transparency Modes, built-in microphones for phone calls, and the same Bose companion app with customizable EQ.
The biggest feature that the Ultra has that the regular QuietComfort doesn’t is Bose’s rendition of Spatial Audio called “Immersive Audio”.
Personally, I don’t find this to be a dealbreaker as the Immersive Audio is a little gimmicky and something I leave OFF.
Both headphones have swivel earcups that fold neatly into some very nice and compact hardshell cases. It’s clear that Bose’s target customer is a frequent flier or commuter that needs all the luggage/bag space they can muster. I love this over the bulkier headphones and cases.
User Experience, Buttons, and Controls
Interestingly, I prefer the tactile buttons and controls of the regular QuietComfort over the Ultra. One serious design misstep for the Ultras is a “touch” volume slider.
This is super gimmicky and a poor user experience, as the slider is way too sensitive and doesn’t easily allow for simple volume increase/decreases by individual steps.
Meanwhile, the older and “dated” physical buttons of the QuietComfort easily allow for more confident volume control. Headphone manufacturers need to stop trying to make touch controls a thing, this isn’t an iPhone.
Build Quality
I find the Build Quality on both the regular QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra to be excellent, although slightly favoring the regular QuietComfort.
For a $400+ headphone, the Ultra has a slightly questionable amount of plastic, but they do use metal in the most important places like the hinges (take note, Sony XM5).
The regular QuietComfort has roughly same design as all the way back to the QC35, but it’s sturdy and reliable. I think Sony’s XM4 even copied this design with success.
Looks
I think both headphones look good and sleek, but I’m really loving the Cypress Green colorway on this regular Bose QuietComfort 2023 model.
The Ultra is only available is rather neutral, understated colors, fit for a more “mature” and professional customer. It looks decent, albeit a bit bland.
Conversely, the more affordable QuietComfort is offered in a variety of bright and bold colors, appealing to a younger crowd. The regular QuietComfort is easily a stronger fashion statement when worn in public.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs QuietComfort Ultra Battery Life Compared
Both the Bose regular QuietComfort 2023 and QC Ultra share the same battery life on paper:
- Bose QuietComfort 2023 Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
In my testing, I found both of these manufacturer’s battery ratings to be accurate.
24 hours of battery life is respectable, although not class-leading by any means, with Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 rated at 60 hours, and Sony’s XM5 at 30 hours. It is better than the Apple AirPods Max at 20 hours.
I’m just glad that both headphones feature modern USB-C charging ports, fitting in nicely with other devices.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling: Which is better?
When it comes to noise cancelling, this is Bose’s bread-and-butter.
Logically, you’d think the Ultra would be superior everywhere, including noise cancelling performance.
But in my testing, I actually found the noise cancelling performance of the “regular” QuietComfort 2023 to be on par or equal to the more expensive QC Ultra.
That is to say, they are both world-class and excellent overall.
Inside of the Bose app, you can choose between 11 levels of noise cancelling mixed with “ambient” transparency modes.
You can make presets for your favorite settings, and easily switch between them depending on the setting.
Also a new feature that is only featured on these two (as opposed to older models), is “Wind Block”.
I’d say Wind Block does make a significant difference if you live in a windy city or are outside frequently, as it actively filters wind noise that can mess with other headphones.
Overall, I would be happy as a clam to bring either the regular QuietComfort or Ultra with me on the next airplane or train ride.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 5 out of 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs QuietComfort Ultra Sound Quality Comparison
An Important Note…
Before I dive into reviewing sound quality, I want to make a disclaimer that I will be testing both headphones with my own EQ settings (shared below), as I believe this brings out the fullest potential of each headphone’s sound quality.
I think this is fair considering the EQ is via Bose’s official free app, which is mostly required to use the headphones fully, anyways.
But for those curious, I will share what I think of the stock sound first…
My thoughts on the Stock vs Stock sound
Out of the box, I actually prefer the regular QuietComfort due to the consumer-friendly sound signature, while actually sounding slightly more balanced than the QC Ultra.
The QC Ultra’s stock tuning is really a head-scratcher for me, it’s overly bass-heavy in a way that almost completely drowns out the rest of the frequencies. The Ultra simply needs more EQ than the regular QuietComfort to actually sound its best.
Now the regular QuietComfort isn’t perfect, as it is clearly very bass and treble-forward, but it ultimately needs less EQ to bring out its full potential.
Now let me share my custom EQ settings below to give each headphone a fair shake…
Best Bose QuietComfort (new 2023 model) EQ settings
- Bass: -4
- Mid: 0
- Treble: -3
Result: Still very bass-forward with good slam, just more controlled. Much smoother highs with most sibilance removed and smoothened out. Mids are now much more present and detailed. Overall sound is much better balanced.
Best Bose QuietComfort Ultra EQ settings
- Bass: -7
- Mid: -1
- Treble: +2
Result: Much more balanced, hyper-detailed sound. Closer to neutral, reference-quality versus the XM5. Bass is much more tame yet still impactful and present.
Comparing Sound Quality AFTER EQ…
Like I mentioned earlier, I actually prefer the stock sound of the regular QuietComfort over the Ultra, but that changes after EQ.
When it’s sounding at its best, the Ultra showcases much more audiophile potential over the regular QuietComfort.
Don’t get me wrong, I find the regular QuietComfort 2023 an absolute pleasure to listen to, and I think most consumers (including myself) would actually find it more FUN to listen to than the Ultras.
This is primarily due to a much more satisfying bass slam than the QC Ultra, which has very clean bass, but not as much bass impact or quantity as the QuietComfort 2023.
Simply put, if you’re a bass-head and want to truly feel the music, you’re probably better off with the regular QuietComfort.
But if you’re more into the details and having a more immersive, “3D-like” sound with a larger soundstage, the Ultra takes the cake with relative ease.
Hearing the full potential from the QC Ultra, I’m blown away by the sheer clarity, resolution, separation, and imaging coming from a comfy, wireless, noise cancelling headphone.
Of course this is reflected in music-listening, but it’s actually made more apparent when watching media like TV shows, movies, and playing video games.
Simply put, the Ultra is more open-sounding with a greater sense of space and depth that makes any media or audio much more immersive.
Overall, it boils down to your preferences, but I truly enjoy using either headphone for music and all of my media.
If I’m going purely for a FUN, bass-heavy sound with just enough detail to still enjoy, I’d choose the regular QuietComfort.
But as a more immersive all-arounder that verges on audiophile-level sound quality, I’d pick the Ultra and never look back.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Sound Quality: 8.4 out of 10 (after EQ)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Sound Quality: 8.9 out of 10 (after EQ)
Winner: Ultra (after EQ)
Value
At the time of this writing, the QC Ultra is about $80 more expensive than the regular QuietComfort 2023, comparing the full retail price of $429 to $349.
Both headphones are extremely compelling overall packages, when you factor in the noise cancelling performance, comfort, and pretty impressive sound quality (after EQ) for this class.
I’d say the more affordable QuietComfort 2023 is the better dollar-for-dollar value, as it has nearly the same noise cancelling, and arguably more “fun” sound. The comfort is also just a smidge behind the Ultra, and it’s pretty close.
The QC Ultra is the better overall headphone, especially for audiophiles, and I personally would spend the extra $80 or so to upgrade. But if you gave me the regular QuietComfort 2023, I wouldn’t complain at all!
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Value: 4.5 out of 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Value: 4.0 out of 5
Winner: QuietComfort 2023
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Overall Rating
- Fun, excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- Strong noise cancelling performance
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Excellent value if on sale (or used)
- Less impressive for audiophiles
- Full retail price is less of a value
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Overall Rating
- Audiophile-level sound quality (after EQ)
- Unrivaled noise cancelling performance
- Insanely comfortable and lightweight
- Expensive
- Sound signature without EQ is disappointing
- Materials feel mediocre for price
Overall Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The main takeaway that I got from this head-to-head comparison is that Bose is making some really spectacular products as of late. This was almost too close to call.
The QuietComfort Ultra, despite its hefty pricetag, wins this comparison by having surprisingly audiophile-level sound quality (after EQ, of course) and slightly better comfort with more premium materials.
It wasn’t a slam dunk, however, as the regular QuietComfort 2023 is actually the more “fun” headphone to listen to, with more satisfying bass slam and a more ideal consumer-friendly sound signature. Not to mention a better value, being about $80 cheaper than the price of the QC Ultra, while still retaining nearly identical noise cancelling performance.
I’m genuinely impressed and happy with the quality of today’s wireless, noise cancelling headphones, especially compared to the rather primitive products from 10 years ago when I first started reviewing these headphones. (I love my job.)
Some extremely strong alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones and price range are the Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Beats Studio Pro. I recommend you check those out next!
Lastly, if you’d like to save some money and keep supporting RecordingNOW.com’s 100% independent, unbiased reviews, do consider using some of our affiliate links below to shop and even just compare prices. We purchase all products we review with our own money to maintain the highest level of integrity, and your support goes into that plus a continuously improving site experience.
Bose QuietComfort (2023) Prices
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Prices
- Retail: $429.00
- New: $429
- Renewed: N/A
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to an additional $100?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂n order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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