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Best alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Q: Is there a more reliable alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Yes, the Sony WF-1000XM5. It's less likely to give you trouble.

Q: Is there a cheaper alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Yes, the Apple AirPods Pro 3. It usually costs less and suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is already among the best we've found; the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes closest.

The verdict in 10 seconds

Strongest all-rounder

Apple AirPods Pro 3Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhone

Suits you if

You use an iPhone and other Apple devices
You commute, travel, or work somewhere loud and want real quiet

Most dependable

Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit you

Suits you if

You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app

Easiest to live with

Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessSuperb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-best

Suits you if

You want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging
You care most about rich, balanced sound you can tweak to taste

The short version

If the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds isn't quite right, start with the Apple AirPods Pro 3: it suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is still a great fit if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.

We researched 142 expert reviews, analyzed 237,040 owner ratings and comments across 30 sources for 13 noise cancelling headphones, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.