100
What Hi-Fi?Specialist
“Bose is back with a new flagship pair of wireless ANC headphones”
Publisher score: 5/5
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Open comparison
Noise CancellingOver-earBest value
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
$249 · ANC · 3y 2m old
84
Review
Radar
8.2
User score
Image credit: Official product image
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
Let's cut to the chase. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones, at $249, are not a revolution, but a refinement. If you're familiar with the QuietComfort 45s, you'll recognize a design that prioritizes comfort above all else, and that's not a bad thing. Bose has perfected the art of making headphones you can wear for hours on end without fatigue. The noise cancellation remains a strong suit, silencing the everyday din effectively, and the setup is blessedly straightforward. While they might not be pushing the envelope with groundbreaking features, they deliver on the core promise of peace and quiet, making them a solid, if predictable, choice for anyone seeking reliable ANC.
This is a headphone for the pragmatic buyer who values comfort and effective noise cancellation over flashy new tech. You're getting a reliable performer from a brand that practically invented the category, and for that price point, it's a compelling proposition. Are they the absolute best in every single metric? Perhaps not, but they strike a fantastic balance. For your daily commute, your office focus sessions, or just escaping the noise of life, these QuietComforts will serve you exceptionally well. Don't overthink it if supreme comfort and dependable ANC are your priorities.
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
Spec sheet
Key features
We only show details we can tie to a product-specific source.
Build and fit
- Wearing style
- Over-ear wireless headphones
Wireless and connections
- Noise control
- Quiet, Aware, and custom noise-cancelling modes
- Charging
- USB-C charging
- Battery
- Up to 24 hrs
- Connections
- Bluetooth, 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C charging
- Microphones
- Built-in microphone for calls
Review evidence
Audio specialist reviews
89
“The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. These over-ears basically have the same design as th...”
Publisher score: 89/100 · 38mo ago
71
“Replacing the older QuietComfort 45 headphones the new Bose QuietComfort Headphones don't come with many new tricks.”
Publisher score: 71/100 · 38mo ago
Review evidence
Tech publication reviews
92
CNETRead review ↗
“Bose's new flagship QC Ultra Headphones make a very compelling alternative to both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.”
Publisher score: 9.2/10
90
Trusted Reviews
“Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excel with impressive ANC, good sound, and 24-hour battery life despite odd call quality and high price”
Publisher score: 4.5/5
80
Digital TrendsRead review ↗
“The sequels to Bose's flagship Ultra headphones bring the fight to Sony, Apple and B&W.”
Publisher score: 8/10
80
Pocket-lintRead review ↗
“Pocket-lint’s Bose QuietComfort Headphones review (80/100): "Bose QuietComfort 25 - 4.0 / 5," highlighting its standout strengths and value trade-offs in everyday testing.”
Publisher score: 4/5
80
TechRadarRead review ↗
“Supreme comfort, fuss-free set-up and solid ANC; they're not top-tier, but still solid”
Publisher score: 4/5
80
Tech AdvisorRead review ↗
“These aren’t the best headphones you can get from Bose, but they sound fabulous and cost much less than the company's top-of-the-line QuietComfort Ultra”
Publisher score: 4/5
80
Stuff
“Range-topping wireless over-ears get the ‘Ultra’ treatment. What, apart from noise cancellation, is Ultra about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?”
Publisher score: 4/5
Best for
commutersfrequent flyersopen offices
Buying notes
Value todayStrong buy
High review score for the money. 84/100 at $169. Uses the lowest in-stock retailer price we can see.
Worth checking
Effectiveness of ANC in windy outdoor environments.
Score distribution
90–100
3
80–89
6
70–79
1
60–69
0
0–59
0
Quick stats
Highest100
Median80
Lowest71
Reviews10
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