Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Headphones
$429List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Headphones
$299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is cheaper.
- The 4 rankable overall specs split 2 to 2.
- Saves $130 at list price.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds does not fold. the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has under 24 hours of battery.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Over-ear, closed-back | In-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone stability bands |
| WeightDesign | 253 g (8.9 oz) | 15.4 g (0.54 oz) earbuds total (7.7 g each) / 60 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | Yes (fully collapsible hinges) | No (charging case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Quiet Mode with CustomTune audio calibration) | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation with CustomTune sound calibration) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 24 hours (ANC on) / 18 hours (Immersive Audio on) | 6 hours listening time on single charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio) / up to 24 hours total with case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Reasons to choose it
- Exceptional noise cancellation in low-frequency rumble and vocal bands
- Folds completely compact into slim travel case
- Bose Immersive Audio provides wide virtual soundstage
Worth considering
- Battery life drops to 18 hours with Immersive Audio on
- Custom EQ in app is limited to 3 bands
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Benchmark active noise cancellation that silences low and mid-frequency ambient noise
- CustomTune technology calibrates sound and ANC to your ear canal shape on every insertion
- Bose Immersive Audio provides spatialized audio regardless of source or platform
Worth considering
- Wireless charging case cover is sold as an optional accessory (USB-C wired standard)
- Battery life drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio turned on (6 hours standard)
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Comfort, Clamp & Travel Fit Check
Ergonomic factors that affect daily comfort, glasses wearers, and luggage space.
Folding & Travel Packability
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Folds flat & collapses into compact travel case
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Standard folding earcups
Clamp Force & Glasses Comfort
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Ultra-plush gentle clamp (~4.1 N, best-in-class glasses comfort)
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Standard headphone clamp
Weight & Crown Pressure
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
253g (featherweight travel balance)
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Standard headphone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: What to watch for
- Hardware Quirk
Capacitive touch volume strip can be overly sensitive.
- Software / Apps
Occasional Bluetooth multi-point audio handover stutter.
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: What to watch for
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds costs $130 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
For flights & commutes, buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Leads 2 of 3 rankable flights & commutes specs; Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes 1. Battery life: 24 hours vs 6 hours listening time on single charge
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 10 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.