Noise-canceling earbuds have become essential for tech-savvy travelers, and they’re a key component of my travel gear. They are essential not just for enjoying movies during flights, but also play a crucial role in protecting against hearing loss. Considering that airplane cabins often exceed 100 dB during takeoff and remain above 80 dB in flight, long-term exposure to such noise levels can be harmful to your hearing.
In the realm of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Bose and Sony are renowned leaders, offering products that cater specifically to frequent travelers. Their pioneering ANC technology sets them apart in a crowded market. Bose has been bringing new competition to Sony with their QuietComfort Ultra line. Below are my thoughts and experiences with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
As a reminder, I am NOT affiliated with Bose in any way
Charging Case
One of the first things I noticed about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds was the charging case. I found the case to be noticeably larger compared to the cases of Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5s. Although it comfortably fits in my pockets, I could see these to be less comfortable in tighter clothing and smaller pockets. On the bright side, the charging case does hold more recharges compared to the competition. You win some and lose some here.
Comfort
Despite their promising name, the ‘QuietComfort’ Bose earbuds are a bit less comfortable than Sony’s WF-1000XM5s, particularly for extended periods. I experienced noticeable ear fatigue, mainly around the wing tips. They protrude more from the ears, but their secure design is a positive aspect.
Features
Shifting to the user experience with the accompanying app, the Bose Music app is rather basic. It offers minimal configuration options, and the EQ settings, while adjustable, are simplistic. For people who do not like to fiddle with settings, this would be fine. I do wish they came with more refined adjustments to sound like the competition.
A key feature to consider is the ‘Modes’ setting. This feature allows users to switch between various ANC levels and immersive audio settings. The default modes are ‘quiet’, ‘aware’, and ‘immersion’. However, I found little distinction between ‘Immersion’ and ‘Quiet’. You can also add custom modes to the app, but there are only two options to change which are already covered by the three modes. The limited customization made this feature less impactful than expected.
When it comes to ANC quality, the Bose earbuds are exemplary, arguably superior to that of the Sony WF-1000XM5. Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5s, my voice is quieter and it was challenging to hear other people’s voices on full ANC.
Two notable drawbacks are the absence of a multipoint connection and Qi wireless charging. Both are surprising omissions for such a premium product. Bose competitions have both of these features and that may be a deal breaker for you.
The sound quality is good. I did not find songs to have overpowering bass. The voices were clear and I overall liked the sound profile of these.
Battery
On the brighter side, the battery performance of these earbuds is commendable. You get about 6 hours of playtime per charge with ANC enabled, and the larger-sized charging case provides additional charges.
Wrap up
Priced at $299.99 MSRP, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds stand out with their top-tier ANC. They are an excellent choice for those who prioritize noise cancellation. However, for users seeking a more balanced experience with superior customization and convenience features, the Sony WF-1000XM5s are a better fit. Even if you have to compromise on some ANC effectiveness.
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