Bose introduces new Ultra models of QuietComfort headphones and earbuds

The name Bose will likely come up if you’re talking about consumer-friendly active noise canceling headphones. The company’s QuietComfort 45 have long been a gold standard in this realm.

Today, Bose is rolling out new flagship entries into this family. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds now represent the best-of-the-best from the brand.

Regardless of which Ultra audio products you buy, you’ll gain access to the new proprietary digital signal processing software known as Bose Immersive Audio. This system is essentially Bose’s take on spatial audio. It offers two options: “Still” and “Motion.” As one would expect, the “Still” setting is best when you are set in one position, such as immersing yourself in your favorite record while on the couch. The “Motion” setting is best when you’re on the go.

On top of these new Ultra models, Bose is also retiring the QuietComfort 45 name and replacing it with something more simple. Read on for all the details!

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These new over-ears replace the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. That means they are now the best over-ears you can get from Bose. They feature the new Immersive Audio system as well as enhancements to noise cancelation and microphone reception.

As you can tell from the photos, the headphones now have a new design, too. Bose calls this a “modern, more premium design,” but we’ll let you judge that for yourselves.

Bose promises up to 24 hours of power with Immersive Audio off and up to 18 hours when it’s on.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

These new earbuds replace the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. As with the over-ears, these are now the best true wireless earbuds you can get from Bose. They come with the Immersive Audio system and the usual features of the QC Earbuds II: noise cancelation, the CustomTune calibrator, touch controls, and an IPX4 rating.

The earbuds have also received a new design with a metallic sheen. The stability bands have also been tweaked to enhance comfort and keep the ‘buds in place.

Bose says you can expect up to six hours of battery life with Immersive Audio turned off. That promise drops to four hours when Immersive Audio is turned on. The earbuds case does not have wireless charging, but you can buy a $49 accessory that slips over the case and brings that capability. This $49 silicone cover is also compatible with the QuietComfort Earbuds II case, if you need it.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Finally, Bose is refreshing its most popular product, the Bose QuietComfort 45, with an updated name: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones.

Outside of the name change, the new headphones offer the ability to adjust noise cancelation levels and set custom modes, which the QC 45 couldn’t do. They support multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and feature up to 24 hours of battery life.

Do note that, because these lack the “Ultra” branding, they do not support Immersive Audio.

New Bose products: Pricing, colors, and availability

Given the new capabilities of the Ultra line, it should be unsurprising to find that they are quite expensive. Here’s how prices break down:

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $429 in either Black or White Smoke colors
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $299 in either Black or White Smoke colors

These Ultra models will become available at some point in October 2023. Bose was not specific on a date.

Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones stick with the usual $349 price point. They come in Black and White Smoke, but there’s also a limited edition Cypress Green if you can find it. These will be available on September 21.

Pre-orders for all models are open now.