If you are in the market for wireless headphones or earphones, Bose is likely one of the first brands you consider. The company has long been a proponent of the wire-free audio movement, after all. The excellent Bose Music companion app has become one of our favorites over the years because of its basic EQ and granular active noise cancellation (ANC) settings. But navigating Bose’s lineup can be confusing, so we're breaking down your top choices below. Be sure to consult our in-depth reviews for even more details on each pair.
Overview
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise-Cancelling EarphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones]()
Best Noise Cancellation ValueBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
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![Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)]()
Best for (Relatively) Affordable Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise-Cancelling EarphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, making them among the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. If you want the most effective noise cancellation and have non-Apple devices, you should choose the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Who It's For
Advanced feature lovers: The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings.
High-res audio aficionados: Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are exceptionally comfortable, even during long listening sessions, and offer the best over-ear noise cancellation we've experienced. They feature a typical Bose sound signature with plenty of bass, but you can tune the audio presentation to your preference via the companion app’s EQ. We’re also fans of the clear mics and included zip-up carrying case. AptX Adaptive support and immersive audio modes add value.
Who It's For
Bose aficionados: Bose is known for a specific audio tuning that boosts bass. If you like Bose's audio tweaks, these are the headphones for you.
Noise-cancellation connoisseurs: Bose has a great algorithm for canceling out noise, and the second-gen QC Ultra Headphones represent Bose's best efforts to reduce annoying noise.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Connection Type USB-C Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless -
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Credit: Tim Gideon
![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones]()
Best Noise Cancellation ValueBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Bose's outgoing high-end headphones are still for sale—and for far less than ever. With a price of $299, the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are an outstanding and more affordable way to get great noise-cancelling headphones that are superior to most others in the market.
Who It's For
Budget Bose seekers: The QuietComfort Ultras have dropped from $430 to $300, while still offering some of the best ANC and sound you can get. This makes them a high-end bargain.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review -
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![Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)]()
Best for (Relatively) Affordable Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The relatively affordable QuietComfort Earbuds from Bose sound great and cancel noise almost as well as the company's top-of-the-line earphones. They come in several colors, have long-lasting battery life, support multipoint pairing, and charge wirelessly.
Who It's For
Those who value value: The QuietComfort Earbuds are a good value for people who like the Bose sound profile but don't need the absolute top noise cancellation performance.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | |||||||
Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones | Best Noise Cancellation Value | Best for (Relatively) Affordable Noise Cancellation | Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones | Best Noise Cancellation Value |
Type | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Canal | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |||||||
True Wireless | |||||||
Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |||||||
Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Bose Headphones for 2026
The Best Alternatives to Bose
Still not sure Bose makes the right headphones for you? Check out our wireless earbud showdown between the Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 3, and the Sony WF-1000XM65. We also compare the QuietComfort Ultra against the regular QuietComfort Headphones.
Once you make a decision, be sure to check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones, as well as all the ways you're using them wrong.