The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the second generation of Bose’s top-tier wireless earbuds. Bose built its name on noise cancellation in over-ear headphones, and this is that technology compressed into something that fits in your pocket. Compared to the first-gen Ultras, the new model improves call quality with AI-based background noise filtering, adds a Cinema Mode that widens stereo audio for movies and TV, and puts wireless charging into the case rather than making you buy a $49 add-on.
High-quality earbuds that improve the way you listen to your music
The Ultras can eliminate background low-frequency noise below 400Hz by as much as 34 decibels and high-frequency noise above 1 kHz by 39 decibels. This is where your noisy neighbors are eliminated, along with the constant humming from that open office area, or the sounds from nearby Jet Engines on the runway, are reduced to a whisper. ActiveSense will also smooth out loud noises, such as a truck driving past, so they do not disrupt Aware Mode and interrupt your conversation.
CustomTune is Bose’s patented calibration technology that enables these headphones to perform at their best. Each time you insert their earbuds, CustomTune produces a short audio tone to measure your ear canal and adjusts both audio levels and Active Noise Canceling (ANC) to suit your ear canal shape. This results in consistent sound and ANC performance no matter who is listening.
Immersive Audio is Bose’s spatial audio mode and works differently from Apple’s Dolby Atmos approach. Rather than tracking head position with motion sensors, Bose’s TrueSpatial technology takes stereo audio and pushes it forward in a wider stage, so music sounds like it’s coming from speakers in front of you instead of inside your head. Cinema Mode’s the same engine tuned for video, balancing dialogue against background effects.
The battery provides six hours of use in Quiet or Aware Modes and four hours in Immersive Audio, because the Spatial Processing function consumes additional power. The case provides enough power for three complete recharges, giving you around 24 hours of total use before you have to plug it in.
SpeechClarity handles call audio with noise-rejecting microphones and AI background filtering, making the Ultras unusually good for calls in loud environments. Bluetooth Multipoint connects to two devices at once and switches between them automatically. Single-bud use works for calls and music, and nine combinations of eartips and stability bands ship in the box for finding a secure fit.
You can buy the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with a new wireless charging case, Cinema Mode for videos, and AI-based Call Filtering, features that weren’t on the originals, for $249. This would be an excellent opportunity to upgrade your aging AirPods or to get into the noise-canceling earbuds market for the first time, since they’re discounted from their normal price of $299.
