The 4 Best Bose Headphones and Earbuds Available Now — Listen Up, Audiophiles!
We tested all of the maker's products to help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.
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Bose is known for making some of the best headphones and earbuds in the business, especially with noise cancellation. The audio maker's stellar track record in this field dates back more than two decades, when Bose introduced its first QuietComfort headphones in 2000, revolutionizing the field. The rest is, well, history.
Today, the audio giant has a robust lineup of wireless headphones and earbuds, most of which rock the QuietComfort alias and noise-canceling tech. All Bose headphones and earbuds are at the top of their product categories, each featuring solid build quality, the storied manufacturer's signature understated design, and top-tier audio performance across the board. The noise cancellation of all Bose products is also a rock-solid contender for the best in the business.
So, how do you figure out which pair of Bose headphones or earbuds to get yourself or your giftee? Start by figuring out which unique features you desire the most, or that fit your recipient's lifestyle the best. For instance, the recently launched Ultra Open earbuds are the only Bose offering that skips this functionality.
To help you with this task, I extensively tested all mainstream headphones and earbuds Bose currently has on the market.
Best Bose Headphones & Earbuds
- Best Wireless Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Best Wireless Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Best Open-Ear: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
- Best Value: Bose QuietComfort Headphones
What to Consider
Cost
First, you should know that all Bose wireless headphones and earbuds available today are decidedly premium — all products cost around $300 (and up), so budget accordingly. The QuietComfort headphones and non-Ultra earbuds go on sale from time to time. Keeping a watchful eye on the market (and this guide) can land you a set for under the typical $300 price tag.
Noise Cancellation
Except for the Ultra Open earbuds, all Bose products have noise cancellation. The core feature is more sophisticated in the Ultra headphones than in the standard QuietComfort model. On the other hand, all QuietComfort earbuds available today will treat you to similar levels of serenity.
Bose Immersive Audio
The above functionality is the main reason to spend more on Ultra headphones and earbuds over the standard Bose QuietComfort offerings. Using proprietary Bose tech, the promptly named feature allows the Ultra headphones and earbuds to produce immersive spatial audio with any content, not just Dolby Atmos sound.
Remarkably, Immersive Audio gives you or your gift recipient the option to experience spatial sound with or without dynamic head tracking. The last option shifts the sound as you move your head for a lifelike listening experience. I highly recommend it for live music recordings.
Other Bits to Keep in Mind
The sound of all Bose headphones and earbuds is customizable via a companion app. As far as additional accessories go, each Bose headset comes with a carrying case, so there's no need to worry about storage. In-ear models come with replaceable tips for an optimal fit, while wireless headphones come with an audio cable for the moments when the battery runs out.
Available on all wireless headphones and earbuds on this list, Bose SimpleSync is a nifty feature that allows the headsets to seamlessly link to soundbars from the same maker. This trick will allow you to enjoy a viewing experience with powerful sound without disturbing your family or roommates, especially late at night.
How We Tested
I spent weeks with every pair of headphones and earbuds in this list, using them as my go-to daily headset. I scrutinized the comfort and the overall ergonomics of every headset by using them while working at home or in the office, as well as during my travels. These scenarios were crucial for thoroughly evaluating the noise cancellation and awareness modes of the QuietComfort products.
To put the headphones’ audio performance to the test, I streamed an eclectic selection of music styles, as well as podcasts and audiobooks. I also used every product to make telephone, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom calls.
Take a look at my Bose headphones reviews on all of the best models available today, including the brand's exciting new products and its tried and true models.
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