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CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Save $129 On the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Finding a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference whether you're traveling, working in a noisy environment or just trying to enjoy your music without distractions. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are among our top picks for the best active noise-canceling headphones, and right now, you can snag them at a solid discount. The headphones are now down to $300, saving you $129 off the regular $429 price tag. This deal includes all of the standard colors along with the new diamond 60th anniversary edition and lunar blue colors. CNET highly recommends the QC Ultra, which holds the top spot in our best wireless headphones roundup, so you can be sure it'll be money well spent. At $300, it's one of the best deals we've seen on the headphones this spring. These headphones not only look the part -- they're gorgeous -- but they also have the features to match. Hybrid noise-canceling technology ensures that you hear only what you want to and nothing that you'd rather avoid, while Spatial Audio takes the sounds you're hearing and makes them appear as if they're coming from beyond the headphones themselves. It makes for a more natural sound, especially when listening to compatible music. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Other notable features include multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity so you can use your new headphones with multiple devices as well as get up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. Looking to make calls with your new headphones? No problem. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones have no fewer than 12 microphones for crystal-clear audio, and they do lead to excellent voice calling performance, as we noted in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra review. Why this deal matters A great pair of ANC headphones can make a huge difference when you're trying to get work done in a noisy office. The same goes for blocking out the noise of your daily commute, too. Bose offers some of the best ANC around, and this deal means you can get in on the action for $129 less than usual.
Business Insider
23-04-2025
- Business Insider
The 4 best Bose headphones of 2025
If you're shopping for a new pair of headphones, Bose is one of the top brands to consider. The company is well known for its industry-leading active-noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which is available in several over-ear and earbud models. To help you decide which pair is right for you, I tested all of the brand's current offerings to choose the best Bose headphones for different kinds of users. For people who want the best balance between price and performance, I recommend the over-ear Bose QuietComfort headphones. This model delivers good sound quality and great ANC for the money. However, buyers who want the absolute best noise-canceling performance should splurge for the more expensive over-ear QuietComfort Ultra. These headphones are a bit better at handling more volatile environments with extreme frequencies. Earbud editions of both models are also available for people who favor the portability of in-ear headphones. To evaluate the best Bose headphones, I tested each model over an extended period of time, examining and comparing their audio performance, noise canceling, comfort, and general usability. I've used my findings to break down each model's key differences and explain why you might want to go with one over the other. Our top picks for the best Bose headphones Best overall Bose QuietComfort Headphones These headphones are an excellent fit for all-around use, with great noise cancellation, plush comfort, all-day battery life, and more. However, Bose's step-up QC Ultra model does offer even better noise-canceling performance. Check price at Amazon Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy The Bose QuietComfort Headphones aren't the brand's most advanced offering, but they deliver excellent value for the money. These over-ear headphones launched in 2023 and retain the company's familiar design while adding new features not found on older QuietComfort models. The most obvious addition is a USB-C charging port that makes it compatible with most laptop and phone charging cables. The headphones sound lively with good bass. Music is vibrant, while movies come through with plenty of impact. In general, they hold their own against other headphones in their price range. They also deliver good noise-canceling performance for typical use cases during commutes, trips, and around an office. However, their ANC isn't quite as powerful as that of Bose's step-up QuietComfort Ultra model. Most notably, the Ultra headphones have an edge in environments more prone to unpredictable changes in noise and extreme frequency ranges. It's also important to mention that this model lacks the Ultras' CustomTune feature, which automatically calibrates the headphones every time you put them on to optimize sound output and isolation. Bose's Immersive Audio feature is also missing, which processes music to sound more three-dimensional and tracks your head movements to reposition effects and instruments. These features can provide benefits, but I don't consider them to be must-haves for most people. Though Bose's pricier QC Ultra headphones have perks that enthusiasts should consider paying extra for, the standard QuietComfort headphones get close to their quality while costing $80 less. In that context, this model offers the brand's best balance between cost and performance. Best noise-canceling They're not cheap, but Bose's QuietComfort Ultra are the brand's most impressive noise-canceling headphones to date. In fact, they're the best noise-cancelling headphones from any brand. This model's large, padded earcups do an excellent job of creating a seal over your ear. But it's the QC Ultras' ANC processing that really takes these cans to another level. With ANC activated, the QC Ultra headphones do a remarkable job of suppressing ambient distractions. The complete disappearance of plane noise and crowds is outstanding and even a little unbelievable. Most noise-canceling headphones can do a solid job of minimizing low-frequency sounds, but the QC Ultra are also good at reducing higher-frequency noises like voices and typing. Compared to the standard QuietComfort headphones, this model is better at handling more unpredictable environments, where background sounds change more frequently. The QC Ultra also have a couple of extra features not found on Bose's step-down headphones. CustomeTune is the most handy, and it's one of the tricks that enhances the Ultras' ANC performance. Each time you put the headphones on, CustomTune plays a tone that measures your ears acoustically. This helps ensure that sound blockage and tuning are optimized for the most personal listening experience possible. The headphones also support Bose's Immersive Audio feature. This function creates a 3D audio effect with head tracking that repositions sounds as you turn your neck. It's an interesting mode to experiment with, but standard stereo playback sounds better for most content. The Ultra headphones deliver a deep low-end and detailed clarity, though some listeners may want to dial the bass down a bit in the Bose app to get a more balanced sound. The QuietComfort Ultras' light weight and squishy ear cups make them comfortable and easy to wear for long stretches. I've been using them since their release in 2023 and haven't seen any noticeable wear. I've even traveled with them in a backpack without their carrying case. They've resisted scratches and cracks. When it comes to drawbacks, I do have a minor gripe with the touch-sensitive volume control because it's often hard to feel for without hitting it unintentionally. I prefer having tactile physical buttons to control these functions. The QuietComfort Ultra are also more expensive than a lot of direct competitors, like Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5. But for buyers willing to pay extra to get the most powerful ANC on the market, these remain the headphones to beat. Check out our guides to all of the best headphones and best over-ear headphones. Best high-end earbuds For listeners who want high-end noise-canceling in a compact form factor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are as good as they get. They pack nearly all the features found on the brand's larger over-ear model into a tiny pair of wireless buds, making them a good premium option for people who prefer in-ear headphones. They have CustomTune, which plays a tone to map your ears to enable the best noise cancellation and audio performance for each individual. They also support Immersive Audio for more dimensional sound and ActiveSense for controlling variable sound environments. The noise-canceling performance on offer here beats every other pair of earbuds, including Sony's high-end WF-1000M5. They also have a natural-sounding transparency mode, which comes in handy in situations where you need to hear your surroundings. Beyond their ability to block out nearly all unwanted noise, the Ultra earbuds deliver excellent sound quality. Their sound signature is deep and incredibly full, making them excellent options for listening to music, movies, and TV shows. Since the earbuds take up a fraction of space compared to their over-ear counterparts, this model is even easier to use while traveling. In a pinch, I've also found these earbuds to work well enough for running and working out. On the downside, it's disappointing that Bose only includes a wired charging case. You can pay $50 extra to get a cover that adds wireless charging, but most competing earbuds have this as a standard feature. Bose even includes a wireless charging case with its step-down QuietComfort earbuds. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's worth keeping in mind. Check out our guide to all of the best wireless earbuds. Best midrange buds Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) The QuietComfort Earbuds are Bose's midrange in-ear headphones. They deliver excellent noise cancellation for the money, but performance is a slight step down compared to the brand's pricier QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Check price at Amazon Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy The QuietComfort earbuds are Bose's latest pair of in-ear headphones. They serve as a step-down version of the company's pricier Ultra earbuds and retain many of that model's benefits while coming in at a cheaper price. They can't quite match the Ultra earbuds' noise-canceling power, but they get close considering their lower cost. I reviewed the QuietComfort earbuds' ANC performance on an airplane, and they still block plenty of noise. They couldn't completely mute the plane's engines, but they did dial them down a good amount. Based on my testing, I'd say they offer about 75% of the noise-canceling power of the Ultra earbuds. In less demanding environments like libraries or cafés, they'll keep you focused, but the Ultra earbuds are better at handling more extreme ambient noises. The QuietComfort Earbuds are thoroughly impressive when it comes to providing big, booming bass. Movies and music should be thunderous while still offering good vocal clarity. In general, they do a good job of matching the quality of other in-ear headphones in this price range. However, good sound on earbuds is dependent on a good seal, and these run on the large side for some ear shapes. For instance, my wife had trouble getting them to sit flush, even when using the smallest-size ear tips. In exchange for their lower price, the standard QC earbuds are also missing a couple of features found on the pricier Ultra earbuds. They don't support Bose's Immersive Audio feature or CustomTune calibration. Again, these aren't must-have features, but they offer benefits for those willing to pay more. Most notably, the CustomTune function helps the Ultra earbuds better optimize their sound and noise-canceling performance. That said, the standard QC earbuds actually have one feature the Ultra model lacks: a wireless charging case. This is a convenient perk, though I do wish the case were a bit more compact. Ultimately, the QuietComfort earbuds are the best Bose earbuds for more casual listeners who want a taste of Bose's trademark noise-canceling performance without the heftier price tag of the brand's Ultra model. What else we considered My picks for the best Bose headphones focus on the brand's top offerings for most use cases. However, the company also sells a couple of additional models for more specific needs. Most notably, there's the brand's Ultra Open earbuds. These unique earbuds use an open-ear fit that clips on. Rather than create a seal, the Ultra Open earbuds rest outside your ear canal. This type of design enables you to naturally hear your surroundings, which is ideal for active use outside, like during runs. They can also be paired with compatible Bose soundbars to serve as rear surround speakers when watching movies and TV shows. However, there are cheaper open-ear headphones that work just as well, and Bose's other earbuds offer more versatile performance for the money. Check out our guide to the best running headphones for more open-ear recommendations. Bose also used to sell earbuds specifically geared toward sports and sleep, but those models are discontinued. Some stores still sell some of the brand's older over-ear headphones, like the Bose 700 and Bose QuietComfort 45, but I recommend buying the newest QuietComfort or Quiet Comfort Ultra models to get the latest features and improved performance. How we test Bose headphones To test the best Bose headphones, I used each model for several months at home, while commuting and working, and while flying. These varied environments allowed me to assess noise-canceling performance across many common scenarios. I also listened to lots of music across all genres, as well as spoken-word podcasts and audiobooks, to evaluate the headphones' general audio quality. I used the headphones and earbuds while connected to my computer, iPhone, and iPad to get a sense of how they worked with different devices, including in a Multipoint situation where I switched back and forth between sources. For this guide, I focused on evaluating the performance differences between the best Bose headphones to help categorize which kind of buyer each is right for. However, I've also tested dozens of competing headphones and earbuds from other brands over the last 12 months, and used that experience to further contextualize how each Bose model fits into the market as a whole. Generally speaking, all of the best Bose headphones deliver competitive sound and ANC performance compared to the other premium choices from competitors. Bose headphones FAQs Do Bose headphones have the best noise cancellation technology? Active noise canceling tech is found on headphones sold by many companies, but it's not all created equally. From our experience testing numerous ANC devices, Bose remains the best at blocking noisy environments and keeping distractions away. Other brands, like Sony and Apple, get close, but the best Bose headphones still have an edge in overall ANC performance. Are Bose headphones good for taking phone calls? The best Bose headphones and earbuds have microphones that allow you to use them for phone calls and video chats. They also have features that isolate your voice from background noise, making it easier for others to hear you during calls, even in public settings. Are Bose headphones good for gaming? Bose headphones are fine for basic, casual gaming, but they're not designed for gaming enthusiasts or competitive gamers. This is because they use a wireless Bluetooth connection rather than a 2.4GHz connection. Bluetooth can introduce more noticeable lag than 2.4GHz, which can negatively impact your gaming experience. Do Bose headphones support spatial audio? Bose's QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones and earbuds both support the brand's Immersive Audio feature. This function creates a spatial audio effect with head tracking, which can give music a more three-dimensional quality with sounds that reposition as you move your head. However, this effect can introduce an unnatural echo in some content. What other audio products does Bose sell? In addition to headphones, Bose makes some of the best soundbars and Bluetooth speakers on the market. For top recommendations, check out our guide to the best Bose soundbars.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Now Get Bose's 24-Hour ANC QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $80 Less
Bose is a name that has long been synonymous with quality audio gear, and with good reason. The company's flagship QuietComfort Ultra headphones are among CNET's picks for the best active noise-canceling headphones around and we particularly liked the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for their impressive sound and lightweight, comfortable design. But high-end headphones normally come with high-end prices, and that's why this deal is so worthwhile. Order your new headphones today and you'll save $80 at Amazon, paying just $349 rather than the usual $429. Alternatively, Best Buy is matching the same $80 savings as well. This deal includes all of the standard colors with the exception of sandstone, as well as the diamond 60th-anniversary edition. CNET highly recommends the QC Ultra, which holds the top spot in our best wireless headphones roundup, so you can be sure it'll be money well spent. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. These headphones not only look the part -- they really do, they're gorgeous -- but they have the features to match. Hybrid noise-canceling technology ensures that you hear only what you want to and nothing that you'd rather avoid, while Spatial Audio takes the sounds you're hearing and makes them appear as if they're coming from beyond the headphones themselves. It makes for a more natural sound, especially when listening to compatible music. Other notable features include multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity so you can use your new headphones with multiple devices as well as get up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. Looking to make calls with your new headphones? No problem -- the QuietComfort Ultra headphones have no fewer than 12 microphones for crystal-clear audio. As great as these headphones sound, we know that they won't be the perfect option for everyone. That's why we're constantly updating our list of the best headphone deals so everyone can get a bargain, no matter their budget. A great pair of ANC headphones can make a huge difference when you're trying to get work done in a noisy office. The same goes for blocking out the noise of your daily commute, too. Bose offers some of the best ANC around, and this deal means you can get in on the act for $80 less than usual.
