Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra are some of the most comfortable, best-sounding headphones I’ve tested

I’ve spent lots of time this yr testing and reviewing headphones, some that blew me away and a few that had been simply okay. I’ve significantly spent lots of time with the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones, which have been my each day driver the longest. The noise-canceling is top-tier, the sound is nice, and the consolation is value each penny.

After I obtained phrase from Bose {that a} new pair of premium headphones was on the way in which, I did not assume there was way more Bose might do to take me away from the QuietComfort 45 headphones. So, as soon as I obtained my fingers on the QuietComfort Extremelywhich I am going to seek advice from because the QC Extremely from right here on out, I had actually excessive hopes.

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Learn on as I element my two-week expertise with the QC Extremely that can assist you determine in the event that they’re definitely worth the big-ticket price ticket.

Specs

How do they match?

The unboxing expertise features a carrying case, the headphones, a mini stereo jack for wired listening, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. You’ll find the QC Extremely in Black or White Smoke. I attempted the White Smoke colorway since I used to be already acquainted with the QuietComfort 45 headphones in Black.

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The ear cups are coated in a smooth matte coating, and the hinges connecting the ear cups to the scarf are made from aluminum, providing a extra sturdy construct high quality and sturdiness. The ear cup and headband padding are constructed from a plushy, smooth protein leather-based materials.

The aluminum headband extenders slide out and in of the scarf, and they aren’t simply moved. Whenever you put the QC Extremely in your head, chances are you’ll be tempted to regulate them by gripping the ear cup and sliding it down. Adjusting the scarf this fashion proved troublesome, which, consider it or not, is an effective factor, because the headphones are virtually assured to not turn into free whilst you’re sporting them.

Nonetheless, these headphones are exceptionally snug. Compared to different flagship headphones, the QC Extremely are extra snug than another pair that I’ve worn — together with these from Apple and Sony.

The ear cups are deep and oval, providing respiration room to your ears and a real over-ear match. Hours-long put on is definitely doable with the QC Extremely, as they distribute their weight evenly throughout your ears and head.

Warmth buildup contained in the QC Extremely’s ear cups is minimal, and the clamp pressure is not too tight. Any of my spectacled mates on the market will discover consolation whereas sporting the QC Extremely, and the thick ear cup padding retains your glasses from letting an excessive amount of exterior noise into the headphones.

The carrying case is similar to the QuietComfort 45’s case, however the QC Extremely case has a molding to put the ear cups in. I am not the most important fan of this design since you should slide the scarf adjusters again into the scarf for the headphones to slot in the case.

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Discovering the candy spot within the QC Extremely’s match takes a number of rounds of taking them off, adjusting, and placing them again on. So, having to completely reset the match simply to make use of the case is counterintuitive and impractical.

How do the Bose QuietComfort Extremely sound?

With these headphones, Bose improved the excessive and low frequencies in order that, even at low volumes, the layering of vocals and instrumentals is discernible. Whereas listening to Breathe Deeper by Tame Impala, the synth, guitar notes, piano chords, vocals, and bass, all sounded detailed, easy, and clear.

That stated, you continue to should not purchase these Bose headphones in hopes of professional-caliber audio. If I needed to nitpick, the identical audio drivers from the cheaper Bose 700 are within the QC Extremely. After all, extra goes into audio high quality than inside drivers, however some up to date {hardware} would not harm for the Bose’s output, particularly when the Bose 700 debuted 4 years in the past.

Happily, it is clear that Bose’s years of analysis and growth culminated in creating the QC Extremely headphones, because the noise-canceling is undeniably one of the best I’ve tried in any pair of headphones. In actual fact, Bose’s aviation headphones are among the many hottest for industrial airline pilots who spend hours, if not days, in noisy cockpits. That very same know-how is embedded within the QC Extremely. The Conscious Mode can be one of the best that I’ve examined from Bose up to now.

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One thing else that is new with the QC Extremely headphones is Bose’s tackle spatial audio: Immersive Audio. It is just like Apple’s Spatial Audio and Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio, besides there aren’t any software program or {hardware} limitations.

Which means you do not want a appropriate system or streaming service to expertise Bose’s Immersive Audio function. It is a intelligent and impressive transfer by Bose, and I actually get pleasure from it. Immersive Audio expands the soundstage to get the music away out of your head, delivering an ethereal, multidimensional audio expertise.

You should utilize Immersive Audio in “Nonetheless” mode while you’re stationary and in “Movement” to maintain the function working effectively as you progress round. Some songs sound nice, with noticeable depth in Immersive Audio, and a few songs fall flat with the know-how. To not point out, this function is a licensed battery drainer.

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One other new function is wind noise discount, which decreases the wind’s potential to intrude along with your audio or calling expertise. I did not have any points listening to or being heard by the particular person on the opposite finish of calls, even when exterior.

For players and leisure geeks, the QC Extremely headphones are geared up with the AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec, which guarantees secure connection, 24-bit audio, and decrease latency. AptX is appropriate with most Android units and Apple’s Mac computer systems.

Utilizing the companion app

Within the Bose Music companion app, you’ll be able to tune the QC Extremely’s EQ settings on a three-band equalizer. Bose’s EQ settings aren’t probably the most detailed, however they’re definitely possible in the event you’re simply desirous to squeak out a little bit extra bass or treble.

You can even use the app to create a shortcut for the contact strip of the headphones, which, by default, is used to extend or lower quantity. In the event you create a shortcut, you’ll be able to contact and maintain the capacitive strip to summon your voice assistant, hear the QC Extremely battery degree, cycle by way of Immersive Audio settings, or play music from Spotify.

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I like to recommend familiarizing your self with the app to personalize your system controls. When you try this, you probably will not ever need to open the app once more until there’s new firmware to put in.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

I like to recommend the Bose QuietComfort Extremely headphones to anybody in search of a high-end pair of headphones that they will put on each day. With the QC Extremely, Bose fused collectively one of the best options of its premium Bose 700 headphones and iconic QuietComfort line, and the years of maturation paid off.

One caveat that is value noting; there isn’t any enchancment in battery life from the QuietComfort 45 to the QC Extremely. For an “Extremely” mannequin, I might’ve anticipated a larger endurance ranking.

As a substitute, consolation, fashion, and noise-canceling are the highlights of the QC Extremely headphones, and if the three elements are as helpful to you as they’re to me, then look no additional than the newest from Bose.

Options to contemplate