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🦉 WE READ 114 OWNER COMMENTS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what owners actually say
Owners consistently praise the industry-leading ANC and comfort but frequently criticize the limited 3-band EQ and lack of customization options.
What owners complain about
- Limited EQ customization COMMON
Multiple owners call the 3-band EQ 'jurassic era' and say the lack of parametric EQ is a dealbreaker. One user notes they can use third-party EQ apps like Wavelet on Android but cannot do the same on iOS, wishing PEQ was baked in.
- App quality and features SOME
Owners say Bose's app needs fixing and lacks the selective modes found in competitor apps like Sony's Connect app.
- ANC cabin pressure sensation FEW
At least one owner specifically calls out uncomfortable 'cabin pressure' from the ANC that they feel is under-discussed.
- Connection reliability issues FEW
One owner reports persistent disconnection problems that frustrated them enough to break the headphones.
- No USB-C audio output FEW
Owners wish the headphones supported wired audio via USB-C, a feature notably absent from the design.
What owners love
- Best-in-class ANC
One owner who directly compared Sony XM5 and Bose Ultra reports Sony's ANC was 'like 30% of Bose's,' calling it 'that much worse.' Multiple owners describe the noise cancellation as outstanding and the primary reason to buy.
- Exceptional comfort
Owners describe them as 'incredibly comfortable' and 'the most comfortable headphones I've owned thus far,' with comfort frequently cited as a standout quality alongside ANC.
- Good sound quality, especially with EQ tweaks
Several owners report the headphones 'sound amazing' or 'sound really good,' with one noting that turning down the bass slightly in the app yields great results. Third-party EQ apps like Wavelet are recommended to unlock better sound.
- Strong value at discount prices
Multiple owners report finding refurbished Gen 1 units for $165–$250 with warranty, calling them 'still a good buy in 2026.' One notes the Gen 1 ANC is 'just as good' as Gen 2.
Surprising patterns
- Gen 1 has a 'nicer blue color' no longer available on Gen 2 and non-shiny yokes that some owners actually prefer aesthetically over the updated model.
- Android users can bypass the weak built-in EQ using third-party apps like Wavelet or Poweramp EQ, but iOS users have no equivalent workaround—a platform-specific limitation rarely discussed.
- The Gen 1 microphone is reportedly mediocre in noisy environments, leading one owner to consider carrying a separate wired headset for calls rather than upgrading to Gen 2.
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Skip these if you want deep EQ customization and parametric controls natively built in, especially if you're on iOS where third-party EQ workarounds aren't available.
Synthesised from 114 real owner comments across 3 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →