The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are priced at $429 and are available in Black, Sandstone (exclusive to Bose.com), and White Smoke. Meanwhile, the QuietComfort Headphones retail for $349, making them the more budget-friendly option. They come in Black, Cypress Green, Moonstone Blue (Bose.com exclusive), and White Smoke, offering an additional color variant.

For those prioritizing affordability and color variety, the QuietComfort Headphones stand out as the better choice.

Both models feature plush, cushioned headbands and earpads made from vegan leather, ensuring long-lasting comfort. Despite the Ultra version having slightly bulkier padding, it remains nearly as lightweight as the standard version, with just a 1-ounce difference in weight.

Visually, the Ultra Headphones sport a more seamless, modern design, incorporating a mix of physical buttons and capacitive touch controls. While both models maintain Bose’s premium build quality, the Ultra Headphones deliver a more refined and stylish aesthetic.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones support Bluetooth 5.3 and integrate Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, which unlocks AptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming on Android devices. In contrast, the QuietComfort Headphones use the older Bluetooth 5.1 standard and support only AAC and SBC codecs, with no AptX Adaptive support.

For Android users seeking superior audio streaming, the Ultra model provides a clear advantage with its upgraded Bluetooth features.

Both headphones offer an estimated battery life of 24 hours per charge. However, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones take 3 hours to fully charge, while the QuietComfort Headphones require only 2.5 hours.

Notably, enabling immersive audio features on the Ultra model reduces battery life to around 18 hours. Given the slight differences, the standard QuietComfort Headphones offer slightly better battery efficiency overall.

After extensive testing, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones outperform the standard model in active noise cancellation (ANC). Featuring a 10-microphone system, the Ultra version adapts more effectively to external noises and sudden environmental changes. The standard QuietComfort Headphones, equipped with six microphones, still offer excellent ANC but lack the same level of adaptive noise filtering.

Both models allow users to switch between Quiet Mode (ANC) and Aware Mode (transparency) via the Bose Music app. However, the Ultra model introduces ActiveSense Aware, which adjusts ANC intensity dynamically.

Additionally, the Ultra Headphones feature Bose’s immersive audio, similar to Apple’s spatial audio, enhancing the listening experience by adjusting sound positioning based on head movement. This feature is exclusive to the Ultra model, making it the better choice for those seeking the most advanced noise cancellation and 3D audio effects.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones win in design, noise cancellation, immersive audio, and connectivity. However, for those who don’t need AptX Adaptive, ActiveSense Aware, or spatial audio, the standard QuietComfort Headphones provide an excellent alternative at a lower price.

Ultimately, if budget is a priority, the QuietComfort Headphones offer great value. But if you’re looking for the best over-ear noise-canceling experience, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are worth the extra cost.