Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0020

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver elite noise cancellation and sound quality that rank in the 97th percentile of our database. Battery life is just okay at 6 hours, and the plastic case feels cheap. If you can find them under $250, they're worth it for the ANC alone.

The ANC here is the star of the show. At the 97th percentile, it crushes background noise better than almost anything we've tested. The adaptive ActiveSense tech smooths out sudden loud sounds even in Aware Mode, which is a nice touch for city walking. Sound quality matches that bar, with a balanced profile and strong clarity. Bass is present but not skull-rattling, so bassheads might want to EQ it up in the app. The mic setup is also excellent, landing in the 92nd percentile for call clarity. Battery is the weak link: 6 hours in Quiet or Aware Mode drops to 4 with Immersive Audio on. That's fine for commutes but not class-leading.

Against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Bose wins on comfort and call quality but loses on battery life and codec flexibility. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is a sleeper pick with excellent sound and multipoint that gives Bose a run for its money at a lower price. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are lighter and integrate better with iPhones, but the Bose ANC is a step above. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a solid Android alternative with better water resistance. The Soundcore P31i is the budget option that gets you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the cost.

Pricing is all over the place depending on where you shop. In the US, we're seeing listings from $207 to $299, which is a $92 spread. That's a big enough gap to matter. If you can snag these at the lower end, they're a solid deal for the ANC and sound quality you're getting. At the top end, you're paying a premium for the Bose name. The Technics EAH-AZ100 and Sony WF-1000XM6 both offer comparable ANC at similar or lower prices, so shop around before you commit.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are Bose swinging for the fences on sound and silence. CustomTune tech maps your ear shape and tweaks both the audio and the ANC to match. The result is some of the best noise cancellation we've measured, sitting in the 97th percentile of our database. Sound quality lands in the same elite tier, with Immersive Audio adding a spatial trick that genuinely works for movies and certain tracks.

But it's not all smooth sailing. Battery life is middle of the pack at 6 hours per charge, and the plastic case feels cheaper than the price tag suggests. A handful of owners also report random disconnections and an occasional beeping sound. Still, if you want top-tier ANC and sound in a true wireless bud, these are hard to ignore.

Skip these if battery life is your top priority. The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Technics EAH-AZ100 both last longer on a single charge. Also skip if you need something truly waterproof for swimming or heavy outdoor use, since IPX4 only handles splashes. And if you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore P31i gets you solid ANC for a fraction of the price.

If you want the best noise cancellation in a true wireless earbud and you're willing to live with average battery life, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an easy recommendation. They're especially good for frequent flyers, office workers, and anyone who wants to disappear into their music. The fit is secure enough for workouts, though the IPX4 rating means you shouldn't take them swimming. Just make sure you're getting a good price, because the MSRP is steep for what you get.