This page compares Bose's own headphones and earbuds: which model suits which listener. Every pick is a Bose product on its Amazon Australia listing, the facts are the listing's words, and we say plainly where a rating count is small or shared across colours. QuietComfort is the noise cancelling range, Ultra adds spatial audio, and 2nd Gen is the newer version of a model. Every pick is a wireless Bluetooth pair. This page compares Bose only, so it cannot say which brand is number one; our wireless headphones guide compares over ear pairs across brands.
Best Bose headphones overall: Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Best Bose headphones overall: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, because they are by far the most rated Bose headphones here, with Quiet and Aware modes, up to 24 hours of battery, multipoint and an included cable for wired listening.
The listing describes noise cancelling with passive features, plush earcup cushions and a padded band that keeps the headphones in place. Quiet and Aware modes switch between full noise cancelling and full awareness of your surroundings. Battery is up to 24 hours, and a 15 minute charge gives up to 2.5 hours. An audio cable with an in line microphone is included for use without Bluetooth or when the battery is depleted. It holds 4.4 stars from 15,829 ratings, pooled across its colours.
It suits commuters and office workers who want Bose noise cancelling without paying for spatial audio. The honest catch: the Ultra models add spatial audio and Immersion Mode, and the listing gives no IP rating.
Best Bose headphones for spatial audio: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best Bose headphones for spatial audio: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, because the listing adds spatial audio, CustomTune personalised sound and an Immersion Mode that pairs full noise cancellation with Bose Immersive Audio.
The listing describes spatial audio that makes music feel more real, CustomTune sound shaped to you, and Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes. Soft ear cushions and a band that spreads pressure evenly are listed for comfort. Battery is up to 24 hours (up to 18 with Immersive Audio), and a 15 minute charge gives up to 2.5 hours, or up to 2 hours with Immersive Audio. It holds 4.2 stars from 9,548 ratings, pooled across its colours.
It suits anyone who wants the immersive Bose sound in an over ear pair. The honest catch: it costs well above the standard QuietComfort Headphones, rates lower at 4.2 stars, and the 2nd Gen below is newer.
Newer Bose Ultra headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Newer Bose Ultra headphones: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), because the listing gives up to 30 hours of play time, a new Cinema Mode, calls over USB-C and what Bose calls its best noise cancellation for headphones.
The listing describes spatialised sound that places the music in front of you, Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes, and a new Cinema Mode for video. USB Voice takes calls and video meetings over USB-C. Battery is up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio), and you can charge from the included USB-C cable while listening. Noise rejecting mics with AI based noise suppression handle calls, and a refined metal headband spreads pressure evenly. It holds 4.3 stars from 3,029 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants the second generation of the Ultra over ear pair. The honest catch: it is the dearest pick here, with fewer ratings than the first generation so far.
Best Bose earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Best Bose earbuds: the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, because they are the most rated Bose earbuds here, with noise cancellation, up to 8.5 hours of battery, an IPX4 rating and three eartip and stability band sizes.
The listing describes noise cancellation, IPX4 rated earbuds and up to 8.5 hours of listening, with a 20 minute charge in the case adding up to 2 hours. Three eartip and stability band sizes are included. Bluetooth multipoint, customisable tap controls and the Bose QCE app for EQ and battery are listed. It is the lowest priced pick on this page and holds 4.0 stars from 9,683 ratings, pooled across its colours.
It suits anyone who wants Bose noise cancelling in a pocket sized pair. The honest catch: it rates 4.0 stars, below the QuietComfort Headphones, and the Ultra earbuds add spatial audio.
Best Bose earbuds for noise cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Bose earbuds for noise cancelling: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, because the listing gives world class noise cancellation with CustomTune, spatial audio, three listening modes and nine combinations of eartips and stability bands.
The listing describes CustomTune technology that analyses each ear and adapts the sound, spatial audio, and Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes. Nine combinations of eartips and stability bands cover the fit. Battery is up to 6 hours (up to 4 with Immersive Audio), and a 20 minute charge gives up to 2 hours. It holds 3.9 stars from 8,438 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants what the listing calls world class noise cancellation in an earbud and can live with the shorter battery. The honest catch: up to 6 hours of listening, 3.9 stars is the lowest rating among the noise cancelling picks, and the 2nd Gen below claims Bose's best noise cancelling in earbuds.
Newer Bose Ultra earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Newer Bose Ultra earbuds: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), because the listing describes ActiveSense noise cancellation, Cinema Mode, Noise Control and SpeechClarity calls in the Ultra earbud design.
The listing calls it the best noise cancelling of any Bose earbuds, with ActiveSense smoothing spikes in surrounding sound even in Aware Mode. Cinema Mode spatialises video audio, Noise Control adjusts the level of cancelling without changing modes, and SpeechClarity mics filter wind on calls. Battery is up to 6 hours in Quiet or Aware Mode (up to 4 with Immersive Audio), and the wireless charging case holds up to three full charges. It holds 4.0 stars from 3,551 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants the second generation Ultra earbuds and a wireless charging case. The honest catch: fewer than half the ratings of the first generation Ultra earbuds so far, at 4.0 stars.
Best Bose open ear earbuds: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Best Bose open ear earbuds: the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, because the listing gives an open ear design that hooks around the back of the ear, OpenAudio private sound, IPX4 water resistance and up to 7 hours of play time.
The listing describes an open ear design that lets you hear everything around you while OpenAudio keeps the sound private, plus Bose Immersive Audio. A flexible joint and light grip hook around the back of your ear, and IPX4 water resistance with an acoustic mesh keeps out moisture. Battery is up to 7 hours (up to 4 with Immersive Audio), and the case adds up to 2.5 full charges. It holds 3.8 stars from 5,893 ratings, likely shared across colours.
It suits listeners who prefer an open ear design. The honest catch: the listing sells it on hearing everything around you and makes no noise cancelling claim, and 3.8 stars is the lowest rating on this page.
Best Bose earbuds for workouts: Bose Sport Open Earbuds
Best Bose earbuds for workouts: the Bose Sport Open Earbuds, because the listing gives a clip on fit that anchors around the ear, IP54 sweatproof and splashproof protection, and up to 7 hours of battery with 22 more in the case.
The listing describes a secure clip on design that anchors around your ear through every rep and run, a soft silicone finish, and Auto Volume that adjusts sound to your environment. OpenAudio with a cuffed open ear design keeps listening private. The IP54 rated earbuds are sweatproof, splashproof and dust resistant. Battery is up to 7 hours plus 22 hours in the case, with wireless charging. It holds 4.2 stars from only 115 ratings so far.
It suits gym sessions and runs where you want to stay connected to your surroundings, as the listing puts it. The honest catch: only 115 ratings so far, a thin count, and the listing describes it as fully open to your surroundings.
How to choose Bose headphones
Over ear, in ear or open ear
Over ear headphones, the three QuietComfort headphones, list the longest battery here, up to 24 or 30 hours, and sit over the ear. In ear earbuds fit a pocket and seal the ear with eartips, with up to 6 to 8.5 listed hours before the case tops them up. Open ear earbuds, the Ultra Open and Sport Open, are described as open to your surroundings. Their listings emphasise hearing what is around you. For earbuds from other brands, our wireless earbuds guide compares them.
Noise cancelling in plain words
Noise cancelling headphones use microphones to pick up the steady sound around you and play an opposite signal that cancels much of it. Bose calls full cancelling Quiet Mode and the opposite, letting sound in, Aware Mode. Immersion Mode on the Ultra models adds Bose Immersive Audio to full cancellation, and the 2nd Gen earbuds list Noise Control, an adjustable level without changing modes. We go on the listings, not lab measurements. For other brands, our noise cancelling headphones guide compares them.
The listing specs side by side
| Model | Type | Battery (listing) | IP rating (listing) | Rating |
|---|
| QuietComfort Headphones | Over ear | Up to 24 hours | No IP rating stated | 4.4 (15,829) |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Over ear | Up to 24 hours (up to 18 with Immersive Audio) | No IP rating stated | 4.2 (9,548) |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Over ear | Up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio) | No IP rating stated | 4.3 (3,029) |
| QuietComfort Earbuds | In ear | Up to 8.5 hours | IPX4 | 4.0 (9,683) |
| QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | In ear | Up to 6 hours (up to 4 with Immersive Audio) | No IP rating stated | 3.9 (8,438) |
| QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | In ear | Up to 6 hours (up to 4 with Immersive Audio), case holds up to three full charges | IPX4 | 4.0 (3,551) |
| Ultra Open Earbuds | Open ear | Up to 7 hours (up to 4 with Immersive Audio) | IPX4 | 3.8 (5,893) |
| Sport Open Earbuds | Open ear, clip on | Up to 7 hours plus 22 in the case | IP54 | 4.2 (115) |
Fit, head size and eartips
No listing gives a head size or clamping figure, so we cannot name a best Bose pair for small heads. What they do say: the QuietComfort Headphones have a padded band that keeps them in place, the Ultra band spreads pressure evenly, and the 2nd Gen has a metal headband that distributes pressure. Earbuds sidestep the headband: the QuietComfort Earbuds include three eartip and stability band sizes, and both Ultra earbuds nine combinations.
Wired listening, charging and calls
All three over ear models list a cable connection. The QuietComfort Headphones include an audio cable with an in line microphone for use without Bluetooth or when the battery is depleted. The first Ultra Headphones list a detachable cable and 3.5 mm jack. The 2nd Gen Ultra Headphones take calls over USB-C and charge from an included USB-C cable while you listen. The 2nd Gen Ultra Earbuds and Sport Open cases charge wirelessly. For calls, the QuietComfort and Ultra listings both claim the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones.
The Bose app, colours and rating counts
Most listings point to the Bose app for updates and features; the QuietComfort Earbuds use the Bose QCE app. The QuietComfort Headphones, first Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Earbuds have rating counts shared across colours. The Ultra Open count is likely shared across colours. Counts run from 15,829 on the QuietComfort Headphones to 115 on the Sport Open, so treat the small counts as a smaller sample.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bose headphones are the best?
For most people the Bose QuietComfort Headphones: by far the most rated Bose pair here, with Quiet and Aware modes, up to 24 hours of battery, multipoint and an included cable. Choose the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for spatial audio, the 2nd Gen for up to 30 hours of battery, and the QuietComfort Earbuds for earbuds.
Which Bose headphones have the best noise cancelling?
On the listings, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) carry what Bose calls its best noise cancellation for headphones, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) say the same for earbuds, adding ActiveSense and Noise Control. The standard QuietComfort Headphones use Quiet and Aware modes. These are listing claims, not lab measurements.
What is the difference between the Bose QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra headphones?
Both list up to 24 hours of battery, Quiet and Aware modes and a cable connection. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones list spatial audio, CustomTune sound, Immersion Mode and touch controls. The QuietComfort Headphones listing names an included audio cable with an in line microphone and Adjustable EQ, and the pair costs less.
What is new in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen?
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) listing gives up to 30 hours of play time against 24 on the first generation, and describes a new Cinema Mode for video, USB Voice calls over USB-C, charging from the included USB-C cable while listening and AI based noise suppression on calls. It has fewer ratings so far, 3,029 against 9,548.
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones worth buying?
If spatial audio and Immersion Mode matter to you, yes: the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones listing gives CustomTune sound, three listening modes, up to 24 hours of battery and touch controls, and it holds 4.2 stars from 9,548 ratings. If you only want noise cancelling and long battery, the QuietComfort Headphones cost less and rate higher at 4.4 stars.
Which Bose earbuds are best?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the most rated Bose earbuds here, with noise cancellation, IPX4, up to 8.5 hours and three eartip sizes, and they are the lowest priced pick on this page. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) add ActiveSense noise cancelling and a wireless charging case. For open ear listening choose the Ultra Open Earbuds.
Can you use Bose headphones with a cable?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones include an audio cable with an in line microphone for use without Bluetooth, even with a depleted battery. The first QuietComfort Ultra Headphones list a detachable cable and 3.5 mm jack. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) list USB Voice calls over USB-C and charging while listening.
Is there a Bose QuietComfort Ultra 3 yet?
This comparison does not include a QuietComfort Ultra 3. The second generation Ultra models here are the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), with up to 30 hours of battery and Cinema Mode, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), with ActiveSense noise cancelling and Cinema Mode.
Which Bose headphones are best for small heads?
No Bose listing gives a head size or clamp figure, so we cannot name a best pair for small heads. What the listings say: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a padded band that keeps them in place, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds include three eartip and stability band sizes, so earbuds avoid a headband altogether.
