10 Best Bose Quietcomfort Headphones and Earbuds

The best Bose QuietComfort choice depends first on what you want to wear. Over-ear headphones suit long listening sessions and travel; earbuds take less space and offer a more practical fit for workouts. Within the over-ear range, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the broadest combination of listening modes, calls, and battery claims in this shortlist. The standard QuietComfort Headphones make more sense if you mainly want noise cancellation and straightforward controls. Check the exact generation before buying: an older Ultra, a renewed unit, and a newer model do not necessarily have the same features or warranty.

These picks prioritize a clear use case over the longest feature list. For over-ear models, the deciding distinctions are noise-control modes, wired options, claimed runtime under the relevant listening mode, and whether spatial audio is worth having. For earbuds, fit options, water resistance, case charging, and per-charge runtime matter more. Condition is part of the choice: a certified-renewed listing with a stated one-year warranty is not interchangeable with a renewed listing stating 90 days. Scores are editorial judgments of each product for its intended buyer, not audio measurements.

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Top-rated Comparison

Our Top 10 Picks

Best over-ear overall

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

For travel, calls, and immersive listening: Cinema Mode and USB-C voice add flexibility, but Immersive Audio reduces claimed runtime.

Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes pair noise control with a choice of listening presentation.
Listed at up to 30 hours of playback, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio.
USB-C voice supports two-way communication while connected by cable.

9.7

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Best straightforward over-ear

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

For everyday ANC without an immersive-audio priority: adjustable EQ and an included analog cable are useful, but this model lacks USB-C audio.

Quiet and Aware modes let you switch between noise cancellation and hearing more of your surroundings.
The listing claims up to 24 hours per charge and up to 2.5 hours after a 15-minute USB-C charge.
The included audio cable has an in-line microphone and can be used when the headphone battery is depleted.

9.4

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Best original-generation Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

For over-ear buyers who want CustomTune and spatial audio: it offers the original Ultra feature set, but not the newer model’s 30-hour claim.

Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes include an option combining noise cancellation with Immersive Audio.
The listing claims up to 24 hours, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio.
SimpleSync is listed for listening through a compatible Bose smart soundbar.

9.3

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Best feature-rich earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

For compact listening with immersive audio and flexible fit options: the wireless-charging case helps on the go, but per-charge runtime is shorter with Immersive Audio.

Eartips and stability bands offer nine listed fit combinations; the earbuds carry an IPX4 rating.
Bose specifies up to six hours in Quiet or Aware Mode, or four hours with Immersive Audio.
The case supports wireless or USB-C charging, and the earbuds list Bluetooth multipoint.

9.2

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Best longer-lasting earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

For portable everyday listening or workouts: the IPX4 earbuds claim up to 8.5 hours per charge, but omit the Ultra model’s listed Immersive Audio features.

Three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes provide fit options.
The listing includes a wireless-charging case and claims up to two hours of playback from a 20-minute case charge.
Bluetooth multipoint and adjustable EQ support switching devices and tuning sound.

9.1

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Best certified-renewed Ultra

Bose Certified Renewed QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 1

For a buyer comfortable with refurbished original-generation Ultra headphones: the listing states certification and a one-year warranty, but this is not the 2nd Gen model.

Lists CustomTune, Immersive Audio, and Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes.
Claims up to 24 hours, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio.
The listing describes cleaning, testing, and replacement parts where needed; confirm the stated warranty terms before ordering.

9.0

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Best certified-renewed standard model

Bose Certified Renewed QuietComfort Headphones

For a buyer seeking standard QuietComfort features in certified-renewed condition: the listing states a one-year warranty, but the headphones remain the older standard generation.

Quiet and Aware modes plus adjustable EQ cover core everyday controls.
The listing claims up to 24 hours and includes an analog cable with an in-line microphone.
The certified-renewed description specifies cleaning and functional testing; check seller and warranty details.

8.9

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Best 90-day-warranty Ultra option

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Renewed)

For an original Ultra buyer willing to consider a renewed unit: spatial audio is included, but this listing states only a 90-day limited warranty.

Lists CustomTune and Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes.
Lists Bluetooth 5.3 and SimpleSync for a compatible Bose smart soundbar.
The listing identifies original-generation Ultra hardware rather than the 2nd Gen model.

8.5

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Best basic renewed over-ear

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Renewed)

For a buyer content with the standard model’s core ANC modes: this renewed listing retains a 24-hour claim, but states a 90-day limited warranty.

Quiet and Aware modes distinguish isolation from environmental awareness.
Adjustable EQ offers bass, midrange, and treble control.
A 15-minute charge is listed to provide up to 2.5 hours of playback.

8.3

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Best older-model fallback

Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones (Renewed)

For a buyer specifically considering the QC45: Quiet and Aware modes and a wired option remain useful, but it is an older renewed model with a 90-day limited warranty.

Adjustable EQ lets you set bass, midrange, and treble.
The listing claims up to 24 hours and up to three hours after a 15-minute charge.
An included audio cable provides a wired listening option.

8.1

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Comparison Summary

For an over-ear travel and work headphone, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): the listing combines Quiet and Aware modes with Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode, USB-C voice communication, and up to 30 hours of playback, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the simpler alternative, with Quiet and Aware modes, adjustable EQ, an included analog audio cable with an in-line microphone, and a stated 24-hour maximum. The original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones remain a distinct option for spatial-audio buyers who do not need the second generation’s additions. For an in-ear choice, the standard QuietComfort Earbuds favor longer claimed playback per charge; the Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) favor personalized and immersive features. None of those battery figures guarantees the same runtime with every setting or volume.

Buying Guide

Sizing and Capacity

Here, sizing means fit and usable listening time rather than a single headphone dimension. An over-ear cushion surrounds the ear, while an earbud depends on a comfortable, stable seal. Both selected earbud models list eartip and stability-band options, so choose based on how securely each combination sits rather than assuming one default tip will work. Their IPX4 ratings make them the clearer choices here for exercise or incidental splashes; that rating does not make them waterproof. The standard QuietComfort Earbuds claim up to 8.5 hours per charge. The Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) claim up to six hours in Quiet or Aware Mode and four with Immersive Audio, with additional charges available from the case. (bose.com)

Feature Tradeoffs

The standard QuietComfort Headphones concentrate on Quiet and Aware modes, adjustable EQ, and an analog cable. That is a coherent choice if you rarely seek spatialized sound. The original Ultra adds CustomTune and an Immersion mode; the Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) add Cinema Mode and the listed USB-C voice option. Bose also documents USB-C audio for the 2nd Gen Ultra. Do not transfer that feature to the selected standard QuietComfort Headphones simply because they charge through USB-C: Bose’s model comparison distinguishes USB-C charging from USB-C audio. For earbuds, the Ultra (2nd Gen) adds Immersive Audio and CustomTune, while the standard earbuds offer a longer listed per-charge runtime. (support.bose.com)

Best For, Avoid If

Profile	Recommended Product	Why It Fits	Avoid If
Frequent traveler who also takes calls	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)	Combines over-ear noise-control modes, USB-C voice, Cinema Mode, and a stated 30-hour maximum.	You mainly want basic Quiet and Aware listening and would not use immersive features.
Everyday over-ear listener who wants a cable fallback	Bose QuietComfort Headphones	Offers adjustable EQ and an included analog cable usable when the battery is depleted.	USB-C audio or Immersive Audio is a priority.
Spatial-audio listener considering the original Ultra	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Provides CustomTune and Immersion mode without requiring the 2nd Gen feature set.	You want the newer model’s Cinema Mode or its longer stated runtime.
Commuter or exerciser seeking feature-rich earbuds	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Offers fit combinations, IPX4 resistance, Immersive Audio, and a wireless-charging case.	You need more than the stated four hours per charge with Immersive Audio on.
Earbud buyer prioritizing per-charge playback	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds	Claims up to 8.5 hours and includes fit options, IPX4 resistance, and multipoint.	CustomTune or Immersive Audio is central to your choice.
Buyer open to a certified-renewed original Ultra	Bose Certified Renewed QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 1	The listing specifies certification, testing, and a one-year warranty alongside the Gen 1 Ultra features.	You require a new unit or the 2nd Gen Ultra’s additions.

Key Specs to Compare

Read each playback claim together with its mode. The Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) list up to 30 hours, falling to 23 with Immersive Audio; the original Ultra Headphones list 24 and 18 hours respectively. The standard QuietComfort Headphones list up to 24 hours without an Immersive Audio mode in this listing. Those are product claims, not promises for every volume, connection, or listening routine. Also separate a 15-minute charging claim from full-charge runtime: a quick top-up may rescue a commute, but it does not replace charging before a long trip. Compare the exact generation and condition shown at checkout before using any of these numbers to decide. (bose.com)

Setup and Handling Considerations

For a phone-and-laptop routine, the selected standard QuietComfort Headphones list multipoint switching; both new earbud picks list multipoint as well. If cable use matters, check the purpose of the port. The standard over-ear model includes an analog cable with an in-line microphone and explicitly lists listening when its battery is depleted. The Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) instead list USB-C voice communication and charging while listening. For earbuds, try the included tip and stability-band combinations before settling on a fit: a secure seal matters to comfort and to how effectively the in-ear design blocks outside sound. The standard earbuds use the Bose QCE app for their listed EQ controls; check the app named for the exact product rather than assuming identical menus across models.

Maintenance and Longevity

Condition and coverage deserve attention before a renewed purchase. The two selected Bose Certified Renewed listings describe cleaning and functional testing and state one-year warranties. The other selected renewed over-ear listings state 90-day limited warranties; their descriptions do not establish the same certification process. Bose’s direct-purchase refurbished policy also describes a one-year warranty, but terms for a marketplace order should be checked on that particular listing. For any renewed unit, confirm its condition description, included accessories, return terms, and who provides the stated warranty. Keeping earbuds and their case clean and dry according to the product instructions is especially relevant after exercise; an IPX4 rating is not permission to submerge them. (bose.com)

Reliability Signals

A useful reliability signal is specificity: an exact generation and model, a stated warranty, and a clear account of what is included. The certified-renewed Ultra Gen 1 and certified-renewed standard QuietComfort listings make different promises from the renewed listings that state 90 days. None becomes a 2nd Gen product because of a similar name. Check that a replacement listing matches the ASIN and condition you meant to buy. Warranty length describes the listed coverage, not how long a headphone or its battery will perform.

How to Compare Reviews

Match a review to the exact hardware and the way you intend to listen. A discussion of the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones does not establish the 2nd Gen model’s Cinema Mode or battery behavior. For battery accounts, note whether Immersive Audio was on: it changes Bose’s stated maximum for both Ultra headphone generations and the Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). For call feedback, distinguish Bluetooth calls from the 2nd Gen Ultra Headphones’ listed USB-C voice use. For fit, give more weight to descriptions of ear shape, tip and band combination, and activity than to a broad statement that an earbud is comfortable. Treat a renewed-unit account as evidence about that unit’s condition, not necessarily every seller’s inventory.

Common Mistakes

The easiest mistake is reading “USB-C charging” as “USB-C audio.” The selected standard QuietComfort Headphones charge by USB-C but use their included analog cable for the wired option; Bose identifies USB-C audio with a different generation. Another is comparing earbud case capacity with over-ear playback on a single charge. Finally, do not choose a renewed listing solely by its model name: the certified-renewed picks state one-year warranties, while the other selected renewed over-ear picks state 90-day limited warranties. Compare the complete listing terms before deciding whether a renewed unit suits you. (support.bose.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the QuietComfort Ultra upgrade necessary for noise cancellation?

Not if Quiet and Aware modes, adjustable EQ, and an analog wired option meet your needs; the standard QuietComfort Headphones cover those priorities. Choose an Ultra model when its CustomTune and immersive listening options matter to you, rather than assuming every listener needs them.

Which selected headphones can play through a cable when the battery is depleted?

The standard QuietComfort Headphones listing explicitly says its included analog cable with an in-line microphone works without Bluetooth, even when the headphone battery is depleted. Do not assume its USB-C charging port is a USB-C audio input.

Are the original and 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones the same?

No. The selected 2nd Gen listing includes Cinema Mode and USB-C voice and claims up to 30 hours, or 23 with Immersive Audio. The selected original Ultra listing claims up to 24 hours, or 18 with Immersive Audio. Buy by generation and model, not just the shared Ultra name.

Should I choose QuietComfort earbuds for workouts?

If an in-ear fit works for you, either selected new earbud model offers an IPX4 rating and multiple fit combinations. Choose the standard earbuds for their longer stated per-charge runtime, or the Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for Immersive Audio and CustomTune. IPX4 does not mean waterproof.

Does renewed mean the same warranty on every listing?

No. The selected Bose Certified Renewed over-ear listings state one-year warranties, while the other selected renewed over-ear listings state 90-day limited warranties. Verify the condition, warranty provider, and return terms for the exact offer before ordering.

Final Recommendation

Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if you want the most versatile over-ear pick here: its mode choices, Cinema Mode, USB-C voice, and longer stated playback make sense for mixed travel, entertainment, and calls. Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones instead if your priority is straightforward Quiet and Aware listening with an analog cable fallback. If portability and workout fit matter more than an over-ear design, start with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.