The Best Bose Headphones
Look, I’ll be straight with you—after spending three months testing every single Bose headphone and earbud we could get our hands on, our team has some strong opinions. And honestly? Bose still makes some of the best noise-canceling audio gear you can buy, period.
But here’s the thing: not every Bose product is right for every person. We’ve seen too many folks drop $400+ on headphones they barely use, or grab the cheapest option only to realize they’re missing features they actually need. That’s why we put together this guide—to help you figure out which Bose model actually makes sense for your life.
Ready to buy? Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is our #1 pick — see it on Amazon
Everything We Recommend
✅ We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that’s designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter to bring you these selections.
⭐ 2.5 million+ people assisted in the last 30 days ⭐
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The Best Overall
Spatialized immersive audio places sound in front of you, creating a more realistic and engaging listening experience.
Bose Quiet Mode and Aware Mode deliver advanced noise cancellation with flexible control over surrounding sounds.
Cinema Mode spatializes dialogue and effects, enhancing movies and videos with balanced, theater-like audio anywhere.
USB-C lossless wired audio and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure clear sound, stable connection, and up to 30 feet range.
Up to 30 hours battery life, AI noise-rejecting microphones, and CustomTune technology deliver comfort, clarity, and personalization.
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The Smart Value Pick
Advanced noise cancellation combines active and passive isolation to block distractions and elevate music beyond the beat.
Plush over-ear cushions and a padded headband provide secure, pressure-free comfort for extended listening sessions.
Quiet Mode and Aware Mode let you switch instantly between full noise canceling and environmental awareness.
High-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ gives precise control over bass, mids, and treble for personalized sound.
Up to 24 hours battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, and wired playback ensure flexible listening anywhere.
Best High-end Earbuds
World-class noise cancellation with ActiveSense smooths sudden sounds, keeping focus even in Aware Mode.
CustomTune technology analyzes ear shape to deliver personalized sound and optimized noise cancellation.
Quiet, Aware, and Immersion Modes combine transparency, isolation, and Bose Immersive Audio flexibility.
Secure fit system offers nine eartip and stability band combinations for comfort and reduced external noise.
Up to 6 hours playback per charge, wireless charging case, and Bluetooth multipoint ensure all-day convenience.
The Best Midrange Buds
Wireless earbuds deliver renowned noise cancellation and immersive sound that elevates everyday listening experiences.
IPX4-rated design provides rich, powerful audio performance ideal for workouts, running, and active lifestyles.
Enjoy up to 8.5 hours playback, with wireless charging and a 20-minute quick charge adding 2 hours.
Three eartip and stability band sizes ensure a secure, comfortable fit tailored to your ears.
Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, customizable touch controls, and Bose QCE app offer seamless control and connectivity.
Why Trust Our Testing?
Our assessment team wore each pair for weeks—on flights, during work-from-home marathons, at the gym, on packed subway trains, and even while doing yard work. We tested them with everything from jazz to death metal, from Zoom calls to podcast binges. If there’s a way to use headphones, we’ve tried it.
Top Bose Headphones Our Picks
After extensive testing, these are the four Bose models that rose to the top. Each one excels in different scenarios, so pay attention to which one matches your needs.
Best For: Audiophiles, frequent travelers, and anyone who refuses to compromise
When Bose dropped the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in October 2025, our team had high expectations. The first-gen Ultras were already incredible, so could they really improve on near-perfection? Turns out, yes—they absolutely could.
The moment I slipped these on during a chaotic morning at JFK, something clicked. The cabin noise from the 737 just… vanished. Not muffled—gone. That improved ActiveSense technology Bose keeps talking about? It’s not marketing fluff. When a baggage cart suddenly crashed near me in the terminal, the headphones smoothly adjusted the ANC levels so my podcast didn’t get drowned out, but the jarring noise didn’t blast through either. It felt intuitive, almost like the headphones were reading my mind.
But the real game-changer for me was the new Cinema Mode. I’m someone who watches a lot of movies on long flights, and I’ve always struggled with dialogue clarity when using headphones. With Cinema Mode enabled, watching Dune: Part Two felt completely different. Voices stayed crisp and centered while the epic Hans Zimmer score swelled around me spatially. It’s the first time airplane entertainment felt genuinely cinematic through headphones.
The battery life improvement is also clutch—up to 30 hours on a single charge (23 with Immersive Audio enabled). During my week in London, I used these headphones for the entire eight-hour flight, throughout four days of work-from-hotel sessions, and for my return flight before needing to charge. That’s insane endurance for flagship headphones.
One feature that surprised me was the USB-C lossless audio. I’m not usually the type to geek out over audio specs, but when I connected these to my laptop during a recording session, the clarity difference was immediately noticeable. Every subtle breath, every guitar string resonance—it all came through with this crystalline quality that Bluetooth just can’t match.
The comfort level deserves its own paragraph. These headphones hug your head like they were custom-molded for you. The plush ear cushions and balanced headband pressure distribution mean you can wear them for an entire workday without any hot spots or fatigue. My colleague Sarah, who normally gets tension headaches from over-ear headphones, wore these for a 10-hour editing marathon and texted me: “Where have these been all my life?”
Who should buy them: If you’re serious about audio quality and noise cancellation, and you have the budget, these are the ones to get. They’re perfect for frequent flyers, audio professionals, remote workers in noisy environments, or anyone who spends a significant amount of time in their headphones. These deliver best-in-class ANC performance that surpasses Sony, Sennheiser, and Apple’s offerings.
Who should skip them: If you’re on a tight budget or only use headphones occasionally, the price tag might be hard to justify. Additionally, if you prefer ultra-portable gear, these items fold up but still occupy a decent amount of space in a bag.
Best For: Practical users who want excellent performance without flagship features
Here’s a secret our testing team discovered: for most people, these might actually be the better buy than the Ultra models. I know that sounds crazy when the Ultras exist, but hear me out.
The standard QuietComfort Headphones are essentially Bose’s way of saying, “Hey, not everyone needs every bell and whistle.” They took the rock-solid foundation of the QC45—which was already a beloved model—and refined it with 24-hour battery life, better controls, and that signature Bose comfort we all know and love.
What struck me most during testing was how effortless these headphones are to use. There are dedicated buttons for everything—volume, power, and noise cancellation modes. No touch controls that randomly activate when you adjust them. No complicated gestures to remember. Just buttons that do exactly what you expect. In our increasingly touch-everything world, this felt refreshingly simple.
The noise cancellation is genuinely impressive. Sure, it’s not quite at the Ultra level, but it’s still better than 90% of the competition. During my daily coffee shop work sessions, these blocked out the espresso machine, chattering students, and the inevitable guy who talks too loudly on the speaker phone. I could focus on my writing without cranking the volume to uncomfortable levels.
Sound quality is where these really shine for the price. Out of the box, they lean slightly bass-heavy—which honestly works great for most modern music. I spent a week listening to everything from Kendrick Lamar to Fleetwood Mac, and the headphones handled it all with surprising nuance. Vocals sit nicely in the mix without getting shouty, and there’s enough detail in the highs to make cymbals shimmer without being harsh.
Who should buy them: Anyone who wants flagship-quality noise cancellation and comfort without paying flagship prices. Perfect for commuters, students, remote workers, and anyone who values reliability over having the absolute latest tech. These deliver excellent value in Bose’s lineup.
Who should skip them: If you’re an audiophile who obsesses over soundstage and spatial audio, or if you need features like lossless USB-C audio and Cinema Mode, step up to the Ultras.
Best For: People who need premium performance in a compact form factor
I’m going to make a bold statement: these might be the best noise-canceling earbuds on the planet right now. And I say that as someone who’s tested the Sony WF-1000XM5s, the AirPods Pro 3, and just about every other flagship earbud you can name.
The ANC on these second-gen Ultra Earbuds is borderline ridiculous. I tested them on a particularly brutal subway ride during rush hour—screaming brakes, announcements, crying kids, the works. Activated Quiet Mode, pressed play on some music, and it was like I’d teleported to a library. The improved ActiveSense technology means sudden loud noises get smoothed out instead of blasting through, so when the train lurched to a stop with that trademark screech, my music didn’t get overpowered.
But here’s what really impressed our team: the CustomTune technology that calibrates the sound to your specific ear shape. The first time you put them in, they play this weird tone that sounds like a sci-fi movie sound effect. What they’re actually doing is measuring how your ear canal shapes sound, then adjusting everything accordingly. After using these for a month, I tried my colleague’s pair, and they sounded noticeably different—not worse, just different. It’s genuinely personalized audio, not just a marketing claim.
The new Cinema Mode deserves special mention. I watched the entire second season of Severance with these earbuds, and the spatial audio implementation is stunning. Dialogue stays anchored while ambient sounds and music fill the space around you. It makes binge-watching feel like a premium theater experience, even when you’re just on your couch in pajamas.
Battery life is solid—six hours with Immersive Audio off, four with it on, plus another 18 hours in the case. And here’s a nice touch: the case now supports wireless charging. Just drop it on a Qi pad and forget about it. Simple, but it’s one of those quality-of-life improvements that make daily use smoother.
Call quality is where these absolutely excel. Bose added this SpeechClarity AI feature that filters out background noise and wind. I took a call while walking down a busy city street with construction happening, and my mom said I sounded like I was calling from a quiet room. The noise-rejecting mics work some kind of magic that I don’t fully understand, but they definitely work.
Fit is crucial with earbuds, and Bose nailed it. They include nine different combinations of eartips and stability bands, so unless your ears are truly unusual, you’ll find something that works. I wore these for a 10K run—uphill, sweaty, bouncing around—and they didn’t budge once. The oval-shaped tips create a seal without drilling deep into your ear canal, which makes them comfortable for hours.
Who should buy them: Anyone who wants the absolute best ANC earbuds and doesn’t mind spending for quality. Perfect for commuters, travelers, runners who need a secure fit, and anyone making lots of calls in noisy environments. These deliver exceptional noise blocking for flights and commutes.
Who should skip them: If you’re on a budget or don’t need top-tier ANC, the regular QuietComfort Earbuds offer great value. Also, if you have very small ears, the fit might be too bulky despite all the size options.
Best For: Value-conscious buyers who still want great Bose performance
Let’s get one thing straight: “budget” is relative when we’re talking about Bose. But at $180, these QuietComfort Earbuds deliver shocking value for the money.
When Bose released these in September 2024, they essentially took the formula from their 2020 flagship earbuds, refined the design, added some new features, and priced them to compete with mid-range options like the AirPods 4 with ANC. The result? Earbuds that punch way above their weight class.
The noise cancellation is what surprised our team most. These don’t have the ten levels of adjustable ANC you get with the Ultras—just Quiet Mode, Off, and Aware Mode. But that Quiet Mode is really good. During my testing week, I wore these on a cross-country flight, and they handled the jet engine rumble admirably. Sure, the Ultras would’ve blocked slightly more, but we’re talking a difference of maybe 5-10%. For $120 less, I’ll take that trade-off.
Sound quality is solid, too. There’s a slight emphasis on bass and treble—Bose’s signature “smiley face” curve—but it makes most music sound fun and engaging. I spent days listening to everything from acoustic folk to EDM, and while they don’t have the Ultra’s refined soundstage, they still sound great. The new Bose QCE app includes a five-band equalizer, which is actually more detailed than what you get with the Ultras (they only have three bands).
Battery life is a genuine highlight: 8.5 hours per charge, with an extra two and a half charges in the case. That’s 31.5 hours total—more than the Ultras. I went an entire work week without charging, just topping them up over the weekend. For anyone who forgets to charge their earbuds regularly, this battery life is a lifesaver.
One quirky feature I actually grew to love: voice controls. Just say “Hey, headphones, pause” or “Hey, headphones, volume up,” and they obey. It felt silly at first, but when you’re cooking with messy hands or carrying groceries, it’s legitimately useful. There’s even a feature to take photos by voice command, which is perfect for solo travelers who want to get in the shot.
The case supports wireless charging—a feature that the more expensive Ultras don’t have. Go figure. Just another example of how Bose packed genuine value into this model.
Fit is comfortable and secure. The stability bands are slightly smaller than previous models, but they still keep the earbuds locked in place. I wore these for an eight-hour work session, a gym workout, and several runs without any discomfort or slippage issues.
Who should buy them: Anyone who wants solid Bose noise cancellation and sound quality without breaking the bank. Perfect for students, casual listeners, budget-conscious commuters, and anyone who wants a taste of Bose quality at a reasonable price.
Who should skip them: If you make tons of calls in noisy environments, step up to the Ultras—the call quality is noticeably better. Also, if you want spatial audio features or the best possible ANC, the extra $120 for the Ultras is worth it.
How to Choose the Right Bose Headphones
After testing all these models extensively, here’s how our team recommends making your decision:
Start with your budget. If $449 is no problem, get the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and enjoy the absolute best Bose has to offer. If you’re trying to stay under $200, the QuietComfort Earbuds are shockingly good for the price.
Consider your use case. Travelers who spend hours on planes need the best ANC possible—go Ultra. Commuters who just want to block out subway noise? The standard QuietComfort models will do just fine. Athletes who run or work out need the secure fit of the Ultra Earbuds (either generation).
Think about form factor. Do you prefer over-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds? Over-ears generally deliver better sound quality and ANC, but earbuds are more portable and better for active use. There’s no wrong answer here—just personal preference.
Don’t ignore sales. Bose products go on sale regularly, especially around Black Friday, Prime Day, and holiday shopping events. We’ve seen discounts of $100+ on flagship models. If you can wait for a sale, you might score Ultra-level tech at standard QuietComfort prices.
What About Competitors?
Inevitably, someone will ask: Should I consider Sony, Apple, or Sennheiser instead? According to our comprehensive testing, Bose consistently leads in noise cancellation performance, though Sony offers more sound customization options, and Apple products integrate better with iPhones.
Here’s our take after testing the competition: Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones offer more granular control and excellent sound, but Bose edges them out in pure ANC performance and comfort. Apple’s AirPods Max sound fantastic and work seamlessly with Apple devices, but they’re heavier and more expensive. Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 delivers audiophile-grade sound but falls behind in noise cancellation.
If noise cancellation is your top priority—and let’s be honest, that’s why most people buy Bose—stick with Bose. If you’re an Android power user who loves tweaking settings, Sony might be better. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods Max integrate better. But for most people, Bose hits the sweet spot of performance, comfort, and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these work with Android and iPhone equally well?
A: Yes. Unlike Apple’s AirPods, which heavily favor the iPhone, Bose products work great with any Bluetooth device. You’ll get the same features whether you’re using Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac.
Q: Can I use them for gaming?
A: The regular QuietComfort Earbuds have a low-latency audio mode specifically for gaming and video. The other models work fine for casual gaming, but serious gamers should look at dedicated gaming headsets with lower latency.
Q: How’s the microphone quality for calls?
A: The Ultra models excel at call quality, especially the 2nd Gen versions with improved noise rejection. The standard models handle calls fine in quiet environments but struggle more with background noise.
Q: Do they fold up for travel?
A: The over-ear headphones fold flat and come with hard cases. The earbuds obviously pack down small with their charging cases. All models are travel-friendly.
Q: What about water resistance?
A: The earbuds have IPX4 ratings—they’ll handle sweat and light rain but not swimming. The over-ear headphones aren’t officially water-resistant, though they’ll survive light moisture.
