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QuietComfort Ultra vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Reddit rates both Stay Away. The split is what you want: the QuietComfort Ultra — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose · Audio

QuietComfort Ultra

Stay Away$359.99
45% of 1,211 owners recommend
~1 in 3 failure rate — ~1 in 3 long-term owner reports mention a failure, with ear cushions and bluetooth connectivity the most cited components, typically appearing within the first 14 months. Of tracked warranty outcomes, 30 were resolved and 23 were unresolved — outcomes lean slightly toward resolution but a meaningful share lands outside coverage. That puts this headphone third-lowest in failure rate among the 10 wireless headphones we track, near the category baseline of 27% serious failures.

Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead

+ Repeatedly mentioned as best-in-class for all-day wearability across hundreds of owner reports.

− A vocal minority finds the tuning too soft or colored, especially versus Sony's profile.

Full verdict →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose · Audio

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Stay Away$299
30% of 700 owners recommend
~1 in 2 failure rate — ~1 in 2 long-term reports describe a failure, most commonly the left earbud (including buzzing and audio issues), with onset typically within the first 8 months. Of tracked warranty outcomes, 75 were resolved and 56 were unresolved — meaning a meaningful share lands outside warranty or goes unremedied. This is the highest failure report rate of the 4 wireless earbuds we track.

Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead

+ Repeatedly mentioned as reference-level audio; the single most cited reason owners keep or recommend them.

− A recurring pattern: ~1 in 2 long-term reports mention a failure, most often the left earbud, within 8 months.

Full verdict →

Questions people keep asking

Which is better, the QuietComfort Ultra or the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Reddit rates both Stay Away. The split is what you want: the QuietComfort Ultra — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — don’t buy it — get the Sony instead.

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth it?

Reddit's verdict is Stay Away. Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead. Sound and comfort hold up long-term, but ~1 in 3 long-term reports describe a failure — buy with eyes open.

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth it?

Reddit's verdict is Stay Away. Don’t buy it — get the Sony instead. Strong ANC and sound, but ~1 in 2 long-term reports describe a failure — mostly the left earbud — within the first 8 months.