Bose makes some of the best headphones in the game. Rival Sony may have been enjoying quite an extraordinary run of success in the wireless headphones department recently, but Bose isn't far behind, impressing us, and many buyers, with dynamic, engaging-sounding headphones all backed by the most effective active noise cancelling (ANC) in the business.
The US brand makes a ton of great in-ear and over-ear models, but it can be tricky narrowing down which ones are worth your time. Here, our expert reviewers have done the hard work for you, testing all the best Bose headphones on the market today so you can be sure that whatever you buy has the What Hi-Fi? seal of approval.
All Bose products listed have been through the full testing gamut both in our dedicated listening rooms and out in the real world, ensuring we test and review everything from sound quality and ANC to comfort, design and build in everyday use. Whether it's the latest premium pairs or you're looking for a bargain on an old – but still good – model, our guide above will have all the pertinent information.
Make sure to keep checking back on this page regularly as Bose has plenty of new products, including some rather enticing-looking sports buds, in the proverbial pipeline. You can find out more about our headphones test process at the bottom of the page, or read on to see our top Bose headphone picks.
I'm a staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products, including a variety of wireless headphones from Bose, Sony, Apple and more, during my time at What Hi-Fi?. I have a particular affinity for all things wearable, including over-ear headphones, true wireless earbuds and running headphones, with a particular focus on sound quality, all-day comfort and how effective additional features are. My ever-growing experience with audio products across all types and price points makes me ideally placed to give you first-hand insights into which Bose headphones to pick and which to avoid.
The best Bose headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are some of the best over-ear cans the American brand has made in quite some time. Built to a pleasing standard and with plenty of features to make you feel like you're getting your money's worth, Bose’s QC Ultra Headphones take noise-cancelling to a new level, cocooning you in stillness and letting you enjoy your music without interruptions or intrusions.
And you'll certainly enjoy your music when played through the Ultra Headphones. We haven’t heard a pair of Bose over-ears sound as entertaining or refined for quite some time, with the premium cans offering a rich, full-bodied sound that marries refinement and detail with excitement and dynamism.
The big news for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the debut of Bose’s Immersive Audio tech, which is essentially the company's take on spatial audio, but it's a feature that still feels rather hit-and-miss to our ears. It's also a devil for eating up your battery life when switched on.
Elsewhere, voice calls perform with clarity and reliability, and while the Ultra Headphones don't have a given IP rating, they do fold neatly away for ease of storage and portability. Battery life, meanwhile, tops out at a decent 24 hours total, while the inclusion of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound Technology suite brings aptX Adaptive support and the latency and stability benefits that come along with it.
If you can get over the slightly underwhelming performance of Immersive Audio and the cans' rather whopping price tag (we tested them at £450 / $429 / AU$649 in 2023), there's still so much to get excited about. That unquestionably delicious sonic flavour, coupled with admirable build quality and laudable feature set, all add up to a very enticing pair of headphones indeed.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review
- How the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs QuietComfort Headphones compare
Looking for an ultra-talented pair of Bose buds to rival the might of the Sony WF-1000XM5? Enter the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the only logical alternative to our current Award-winners at this level and some of the best buds you'll find anywhere for around £250-300. They're pushing well into premium wireless territory, but a five-star rating proves the Ultra to be worthy of that rather substantial price tag.
Sonically, the Ultra Earbuds are up there with the best, offering not only depth and weight but healthy helpings of detail and insight, too. It's easy to characterise the Ultra Earbuds (and much of Bose's general stable) as being inclined towards a set, "look-at-me" sonic profile, but there's so much nuance and breadth to these buds that we'd advise you to rethink that preconception. Even the call quality is great, with exactly the clarity and stability you'd expect at this price point.
Elsewhere, the very fine Bose app allows you to alter the amount of noise-cancelling on offer via several customisable presets, with the Ultra Earbuds once again delivering peerless ANC that just filters out any unwanted racket with startling ease. As you might have guessed, Bose once again nails it in this ultra-competitive department.
It's a shame there's no support for high-quality wireless audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD, nor is there wireless charging or Bluetooth multipoint (both of which the Sony WF-1000XM5 cater for). Sad? Yes. Dealbreaking? Not as far as we're concerned, especially as the Ultra Earbuds look and sound as good as they do.
The Ultra replace the company's 2022 What Hi-Fi? Award winner – the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II - so shop around and you might be able to find a big chunk of cash slashed off the older pair.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
They're not quite the hot property that they once were thanks to the arrival of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds above, but Bose's former Award-winners are still an exceptional pair of wireless earbuds. Released less than two years ago, the QC Earbuds II redefined what we thought about how good noise-cancelling could be for a set of wireless buds, and now that they've been ousted, heavy discounts are surely on the way.
Smaller and lighter than the original QC Earbuds, the Earbuds II provide a comfortable fit and lots of features, including Bluetooth 5.3 and access to the excellent Bose headphones app.
Noise-cancelling, in particular, is still exceptional, capable of automatically adjusting the amount of ANC so your music isn’t drowned out by particularly clangorous noises. As for the sound, it's musically intuitive and insightful to the point that you feel you can almost touch the instruments.
Downsides? It's a shame there's no support for high-quality wireless audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD, but that's small beer when you consider that these classy buds ooze sophistication and deliver everything you’d expect from a high-end Bose product. Plus, of course, there's the fact that the new Ultra Earbuds have come and stolen quite a healthy chunk of their thunder.
Still, if you're sniffing around for a Bose-flavoured bargain, keep your eyes on the Earbuds II, as deals are surely going to be plentiful in the coming weeks and months.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II review
If your priority is punchy, fun sound to give you a boost during your toughest workouts, the Bose SoundSport Free remain a solid choice. These rugged, sporty and water-resistant earbuds are a little on the chunky side, but they're certainly not light on performance - expect rich, expansive bass and sparkling vocals to drive you over the finish line.
Battery life is a respectable five hours but slot the buds into the carry case/charger, and you can inject them with an extra 10 hours of juice, all of which should certainly be long enough for even the most long-lasting of gym bunnies or marathon men.
They're packed with useful features, too, such as the five LEDs on the outside of the case that indicate how much charge is left in your buds. Forgetful types, meanwhile, will appreciate the handy ‘Find My Buds’ feature which shows their location on your phone. Very useful if you've dropped them on a ten-miler.
These 2017-launched five-star beauties are getting a little long in the tooth, but you can still find stock online (the Bose Sport are now gone, sadly). Keep checking back here and to What Hi-Fi?, though, because Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds are arriving soon. Featuring a clip-on design, they could be the logical successor to the SoundSport when the time comes.
Read our full Bose SoundSport Free review
We can't believe how long the 700 have been around for. Released in the middle of 2019, they're certainly some of the brand's most recognisable over-ears, featuring that sweeping headband construction which loops all the way over the cups for a more out-there, almost industrial look.
A breakaway from the QuietComfort range, the 700 were the beginning of a more premium series of Bose noise-cancellers, with redesigned acoustics and digital signal processing taking things to new levels. They also sport an eight-microphone system (six to cancel noise, two for voice pick-up), with noise-cancelling controllable by increments from 0-10. That's still impressive, even in 2024.
Both the silencing effect and the call quality are impressive, and definitely a step up on a lot of what the QuietComfort range was offering at the time. Voices are intelligible during phone calls, while high levels of noise cancelling make your experience feel subtle and less like listening in a vacuum. Even if you're not playing music, just activate the ANC to block out the hubbub of everyday life.
Comfort and aesthetics are spot-on, while the neutral-to-lean character makes for an uncomplicated, uncluttered listening experience. They can be beaten by the energy and life of the newer QC Ultra Headphones, but that's understandable considering the differences in age and price. If you want a potential bargain, the 700 are worth a punt.
Read the full Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review
If you want a set of robust, travel-friendly wireless over-ear headphones that can largely extinguish the outside world for up to 24 hours, the Bose QC 45 have the edge over most of the competition at the price. Even after all this time, the QC 45 remain a hugely popular pair of cans courtesy of their usability, likeable sound and lightweight, foldable design.
Thanks to Bluetooth 5.1, the Bose QuietComfort 45 offer true multi-point pairing, and sport better microphones than their predecessors, the QC35 II (remember them?), offering up excellent voice pickup when taking phone calls.
Sound is delivered with excitement and zeal across the frequencies. Mids are pleasingly three-dimensional and bass is weighty, but timing isn't as cohesive as we'd like, with just a little something missing in the mid-to-upper ranges. With that being said, the overall outline and impression offered is one of fun, enthusiasm and spark, all of which make for a pleasing, pulse-racing experience.
Settings are basic, and if you want truly great noise-cancellation, you'll need to opt for the company's former flagship Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 or the QC Ultra Headphones (both above). Still, there's plenty to like about the Bose QC45, especially now that prices are plummeting courtesy of newer models emerging in the past few years.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort 45 review
We've seen a recent uptick in the number of brands attempting to implement a so-called 'open' design into their respective wireless earbud stables. Huawei attempted it with the FreeClip buds, Sony had a go with the Linkbuds and now Bose has officially joined the party with its take on the increasingly popular format.
Instead of burrowing into the ear canal, the earpiece for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is made up of three parts: the pill-shaped bud itself, the battery cylinder and a silicone band known as a 'flex joint' connecting the two sections. That makes the Open Earbuds rather comfortable, as they don't rely on sitting inside your ears to deliver that signature Bose sound.
Speaking of sound, these really do feel like a pair of Bose buds. Slightly hollow bass aside, the sonic reproduction of the clever buds is far better than we had expected, with weight, solidity and enthusiasm that manages to stray away from ever feeling thin, removed or uninvolved. If you think the Open Earbuds make excessive sonic sacrifices, you might be surprised by what they can do.
No, there's no noise cancelling, nor are there pure touch controls, but if you're keen on something different, there's a lot to recommend these innovative and unique Bose trailblazers.
Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review
I lived with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for nearly a month, so I know exactly what they're like on a day-to-day basis. That open design is great if you hate the intrusion of in-ears, even if you might experience a touch of minor discomfort where the tip of the bud meets your ear. Their musical, engaging personality makes them well-suited to exercise and sport, even if the bass does tend to feel just a smidge artificial. Are they worth the money? Well, if you're hunting for an unobtrusive pair of sporty earbuds or you struggle with traditional in-ears, they're a solid option, but if you don't need that open configuration, seek out the Bose QC Ultra or the Sony WF-1000XM5 instead.
Also consider
NB: The models listed below are all non-Bose products. Despite not being Bose-made, we feel they're superb alternatives for anyone seeking those key characteristics - great sound, features and build - as found in the main list above.
Sony WF-1000XM5: The main rivals to Bose’s QC Ultra Earbuds, the XM5 are Award-winning buds that, while they don’t quite have the punch and weight of their Bose rivals, make up for it with greater spaciousness, detail and insight.
Sony WH-1000XM5: Just as the WF-1000XM5 above rival Bose’s Ultra Earbuds, the WH-1000XM5 over-ears are best compared with the Ultra Headphones, albeit at a slightly more affordable price point. Also Award-winners, these superb headphones are an outstanding alternative to the Bose Ultra Headphones.
Sennheiser True Wireless Momentum 4: The buds that broke the Sony/Bose duopoly within the premium wireless earbuds space, the Momentum 4 are a superb alternative, boasting a vivacious, energetic sound that never lacks for excitement.
How to choose the best Bose headphones for you
The good news is that Bose has won a string of Awards for its noise-cancelling headphones. The company is known for its tech, which blocks out ambient noise – aeroplane engines, the rumble of a train, office chatter – and offers a neat solution to your personal audio problems.
Bose has also diversified into other types of headphones, including sporty true wireless earbuds and premium wireless headphones. So, whether you’re looking to shut out the world, bring your favourite songs to life or smash your fitness goals, Bose has a pair of headphones to suit your needs.
Since most of the best Bose headphones are wireless, you'll want to pay close attention to battery life. After all, what's the point of going wire-free if you have to stay close to a power point? Also look at how durable the headphones are, as a poor IP rating can stymie your plans to head outside with your new cans or in-ears.
Speaking of going outside, decide what you want your headphones to do. If you run a lot, wireless buds are far better than over-ear headphones, and those that have helpful design features for a better fit, such as the QC Ultra Earbuds or the Ultra Open Earbuds, are worth considering.
If you're still deciding which way to go, check out our how to choose the right pair of headphones guide, and don't forget that while Bose is a great brand, it isn't the only player in town. Cross-referencing with our general best buys and more bespoke pages will give you a better idea of exactly where Bose's best fit within the wider market.
How we test Bose headphones
We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door, including headphones.
Of course, testing headphones don't often require such facilities (though we do always try audiophile headphones plugged into our reference hi-fi system). What is important in our headphones reviewing process is that each pair is compared to the best in its price and style class – whether that's one standout pair or a few we favour the highest among the 100+ pairs we listen to each year for reviews and What Hi-Fi? Awards judging. What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, and we keep class-leading products in our stockrooms so we can always compare new products to ones we know and love.
We are always impartial and do our best to make sure we're hearing every product at their very best, so we'll try plenty of different types of music and give them plenty of listening time (and time to run in), while the wired headphones that might warrant being used with a DAC are tested with a suitable one. It's not just about sound quality, of course. If a pair, like Bose's many headphones, has active noise cancellation – increasingly the case these days – we'll ensure part of our testing involves using them in different environments to test their effectiveness. We also try out all the additional features, and gauge how comfortable a pair is to wear for longer listening sessions.
All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible, too. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.
FAQ
Which is better: Bose or Sony?
If we're going by current Award-winners, the team over at Sony will likely be the ones sitting smugly as they stare happily at their bulging trophy cabinet (we assume that our trophies are proudly displayed by all who are lucky enough to receive them). As we noted at the time, Sony's clean sweep of the wireless headphones (and earbuds) category in 2023 was nothing short of remarkable.
Bose isn't far behind, though, and while we prefer the detail, balance and insight offered by the likes of the Sony WF-C700N and the WH-1000XM5, your preferences may be different. To generalise, the best Bose buds go heavier on dynamism, punch and enthusiasm, and while Sony's finest are superbly well-made and crammed with effective features, Bose still rules the roost when it comes to noise cancelling.
It's not always possible to compare like for like, either. Bose doesn't really make many budget wireless buds, for instance, while the US brand's premium Ultra Earbuds don't precisely match up with the XM5s in terms of price (tested at £300 / $299 / AU$450 versus £259 / $299 / AU$419).
How much should you spend on headphones?
Bose headphones and earbuds rarely come cheap, and while Sony tends to have most bases covered, Bose is usually more interested in leaning towards the middle and upper ends of the market.
That said, Bose's models still vary in price, from around £120 $ 130 for the SoundSport running buds to around £450 / $429 / AU$649 for the five-star QC Ultra Headphones. More generally, you can find a decent pair of wireless earbuds or headphones from around £100 / $100 / AU$200 or £60 / $80 / AU$120 respectively – we haven't come across many recommendable pairs below those prices, with cheaper, off-brand models tending to sacrifice too much in terms of build, sound and longevity to be worthy of your time.
Do make sure to shop around, though. Whether you're dead-set on Bose's best or you want to spread your wings, it's always worth checking out our deals pages and best buys to stay informed. That way, you'll know the landscape far better and you'll be in a far stronger position when it comes to finding a deal or a discount.
Recent updates
- March 2024: Added FAQs and an "Also Consider" section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
- November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.
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Our pick of the best headphones for all budgets
Shop smart with our best headphones deals
Check out our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review