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Bose noise cancelling headphones, ranked.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is the Bose to beat.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Best all-rounder
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsBest-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery lifeSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get
- You like a rich, bass-forward sound
- You have medium to large ears and want a secure, stable fit
Most dependable
Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesSupremely comfortable everyday quiet, but calls and battery lag behindSuits you if
- You want headphones comfortable enough to forget you're wearing them
- You commute, work in a noisy office, or fly and want everyday noise to fade away
- You wear glasses or prefer simple physical buttons over touch controls
Easiest to live with
Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSuperb noise blocking and all-day comfort, at a premium priceSuits you if
- You fly or commute often and want the outside world turned way down
- You wear headphones for hours and comfort matters most
- You switch between a phone and a laptop and like punchy, bassy sound
The short version
Bose is about level with the other brands we cover for noise cancelling headphones. Its best is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get. If dependability matters most, look at the Bose QuietComfort Headphones.
We researched 37 expert reviews, analyzed 45,260 owner ratings and comments across 21 sources for every Bose model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Bose in numbersAverage score 79 · experts 85 · owners 79 · reliability 66
Averages across the 3 Bose models we've scored. Other brands: 76.
Quick answers
Is Bose a good noise cancelling headphones brand?
It's a solid choice, about level with the other big names.
Based on: Bose averages 79 across 3 models; other brands average 76.Which Bose noise cancelling headphones is the best?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Bose models (81).Which Bose noise cancelling headphones is the most reliable?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones. It's the least likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Reliability 71; problems mentioned by 11% of owners.What is the best alternative to Bose?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 from Apple. It suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
Based on: Highest-scoring model from another brand (82).Every Bose model
- 01
EXPOWNREL81Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery life
- 02EXPOWNREL79
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Supremely comfortable everyday quiet, but calls and battery lag behind
- 03EXPOWNREL78
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Superb noise blocking and all-day comfort, at a premium price