Best Bose Wireless Headphones

TL;DR: The Bose SoundSport offers a feather‑light 22.7 g in‑ear design, 6 hours of playback, NFC pairing and IPX4‑rated sweat resistance, making it a solid budget pick for active listeners.

The earbuds tip the scales at just 22.7 g each and pack a 6‑hour battery that recharges in 2 hours via a micro‑USB port. NFC support lets you pair with a single tap, while the semi‑open design pairs with a volume‑optimized EQ that keeps the sound balanced at any level.

Weighing only 0.05 pounds, the SoundSport's noticeably lighter than the SoundLink Around Ear II (0.43 pounds) and the QuietComfort Ultra USB‑C (about 0.18 pounds). Its 6‑hour playtime is shorter than the SoundLink’s 15‑hour runtime and the QuietComfort Ultra’s up‑to‑24‑hour ANC‑on endurance, yet it matches the QuietComfort Ultra USB‑C’s 6‑hour ANC‑off duration. Wireless range sits at 30 feet, on par with the SoundLink and the QuietComfort Ultra models.

Professional reviewers praise the balanced soundstage and the secure StayHear+ silicone tips that stay put during vigorous workouts. Users love the sweat‑resistant IPX4 rating and the easy‑to‑use inline remote with a built‑in microphone. However, many note the semi‑open design provides weak noise isolation, and the micro‑USB charging port feels dated compared with newer USB‑C solutions. Build quality also gets occasional criticism for feeling less rugged than higher‑priced Bose earbuds.

Additional technical touches include simultaneous connection to two devices, an on/off switch on each earbud, and compatibility with the Bose Connect app for firmware updates and personalized settings.

Best for: Runners, gym‑goers, and fitness enthusiasts who need a lightweight, secure earbud that stays in place during workouts

Avoid if: You need strong noise isolation for commuting or long‑duration travel, or you prefer a more durable build and modern charging connector

TL;DR: The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers 22 hours of ANC‑powered playtime, a 30‑ft Bluetooth range and quick‑charge capability in a lightweight 0.98‑lb over‑ear design, but its premium $359 price may deter budget‑focused buyers.

What sets the QuietComfort 45 apart is its solid battery performance: 22 hours of playback on a single charge and a 15‑minute quick‑charge that adds about 3 hours of listening. The headphones weigh 0.98 pounds, and the included case is just 180 g, making them easy to stash in a bag for travel. The package also includes a 42‑in (12 cm) audio cable for wired listening.

Compared with the other five Bose models in this roundup, the QC45 sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum. Its 22‑hour battery is a couple of hours shy of the original QuietComfort’s 24‑hour claim, while the QuietComfort Ultra still offers up to 24 hours with ANC on. Bluetooth range matches the 30‑ft (9 m) reach of the Ultra and SoundLink Around Ear II, but exceeds the original QuietComfort’s listed 9 m range. At 0.98 pounds, the QC45 is noticeably heavier than the Ultra USB‑C Black (0.176 pounds) and the ultra‑light SoundSport (0.05 pounds), though still lighter than many over‑ear competitors.

User sentiment consistently highlights the headphones’ “industry‑leading” active noise cancellation, especially in the mids and highs, and the plush synthetic‑leather padding that lets users wear them for hours without fatigue. Professional reviewers note the six‑microphone ANC system and the TriPort acoustic design as key contributors to the quiet experience. On the flip side, many listeners mention that the sound signature lacks the detail and bass punch of higher‑end rivals, and the lack of high‑resolution Bluetooth codecs is a common complaint among audiophiles.

Additional technical touches include adjustable EQ via the Bose app, three ANC modes (Quiet, Aware, plus two custom profiles), and SimpleSync compatibility that lets you link the headphones to Bose soundbars and speakers within the same 30‑ft range. Multi‑point pairing lets you switch between two devices smoothly, and the six built‑in microphones ensure clear voice calls.

Best for: Frequent travelers, commuters, and office workers who need strong noise cancellation and all‑day comfort.

Avoid if: You have a tight budget, need the longest possible battery life, or require high‑resolution Bluetooth audio – it’s priced at $359.00.

TL;DR: The Bose QuietComfort delivers 24 hours of ANC‑enhanced listening, a 15‑minute quick‑charge boost, and a comfortable over‑ear fit, but its premium price and lack of water‑resistance may limit budget‑oriented buyers.

What really stands out is the 24‑hour battery life paired with a 15‑minute quick‑charge that adds roughly 4 hours of playback. Combined with active noise cancellation and Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint support for two devices, the headphones stay powered through long flights or full‑day commutes without a cable.

At about 0.52 lb (238 g), they sit lighter than the Bose QuietComfort 45 (0.98 lb) and the QuietComfort Ultra (0.55 lb), yet they’re heavier than the Ultra USB‑C Black (0.18 lb), the SoundLink Around Ear II (0.43 lb), and the SoundSport (0.05 lb). Battery‑wise, the 24‑hour runtime matches the QuietComfort Ultra’s ANC‑on endurance and exceeds the QuietComfort 45’s 22 hours, the SoundLink’s 15 hours, and the SoundSport’s 6 hours.

Reviewers consistently praise the plush leather ear cushions and adjustable headband for comfort during workouts or marathon listening sessions. Professional testers note that the ANC effectively reduces ambient noise and that the audio signature is warm‑toned. The only recurring complaint is the absence of a dedicated microphone‑mute button, which forces users to mute manually. Because the headphones lack water‑resistance, keep them dry.

For those who still prefer a wired fallback, the included USB‑C cable measures 304.8 mm and ends in a 2.5 mm connector. The case dimensions (51 mm × 211 mm × 145 mm) comfortably house the over‑ear design, and the Bluetooth range reaches up to 9 m (about 2,952.8 ft), matching the range of other Bose models in this lineup.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need water‑resistance, or only require basic headphone functionality

TL;DR: The Bose SoundLink Around‑Ear II delivers up to 15 hours of wireless playback, a 30 ft Bluetooth range, and quick 15‑minute charging, all in a comfortable, over‑ear design for $169.99.

What really stands out is the 15 hours of battery life, backed by a quick‑charge feature that adds roughly 2 hours of listening after just 15 minutes on the charger. Bose pairs that endurance with a solid 30 ft (9 m) wireless range and Active EQ plus TriPort technology that keeps bass deep and detail clear at any volume. The headphones also pack dual‑mic HD Voice with adaptive wind‑noise reduction, so calls stay crisp even on a windy commute.

When you line the SoundLink Around‑Ear II up against the other five Bose models in this roundup, a few trade‑offs emerge. It’s heavier than the SoundSport’s feather‑light 0.05Pounds, but it more than doubles the SoundSport’s 6‑hour battery life. The QuietComfort Ultra USB‑C weighs 0.1763698096Pounds and also offers only 6 hours of playback, so the SoundLink’s 0.43pounds and 15‑hour runtime are a clear upgrade in endurance. The larger QuietComfort Ultra (0.551155655pounds) and the standard QuietComfort (0.52470018356pounds) are both heavier, yet they push battery life up to 24 hours, outlasting the SoundLink. The QuietComfort 45, at 0.98Pounds, is the heaviest of the lot and provides 22 hours of playback, still more than the SoundLink but at a higher weight cost. Wireless range across the QuietComfort line sits at 9 m, matching the SoundLink’s 30 ft, so you won’t lose distance coverage by choosing the around‑ear model.

Real‑world feedback lines up with the specs. Users repeatedly praise the comfort of the Alcantara‑wrapped headband and soft earcups, noting that the 200 g (0.43pounds) build feels stable for all‑day wear. The deep bass and clear mids from Active EQ earn frequent compliments, while professional reviewers highlight the dual‑mic system for delivering “superior call quality.” On the flip side, the lack of active noise cancellation shows up in many reviews, with listeners mentioning that passive isolation can fall short in busy cafés or planes. Listeners commonly gripe about sound leakage at higher volumes, and a handful of owners have flagged occasional multipoint Bluetooth glitches.

Beyond the headline specs, the headphones sport impact‑resistant glass‑filled nylon, stainless‑steel accents, and a 46‑inch (117 cm) backup audio cable for wired listening. The earcup dimensions—96 mm cushion height, 74 mm cushion width, 98.1 mm earcup height, and 75.7 mm earcup width—contribute to the snug, sealed fit that many reviewers cite as a comfort win.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers industry‑leading ANC, up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on, and a quick‑charge burst in 15 minutes, all for $299.99.

What really sets the Ultra apart is its battery endurance: Bose claims up to 24 hours of listening when active noise cancellation is engaged, and a rapid 15‑minute charge that adds roughly two hours of playtime. At 250 g (about 0.55 lb) the headphones feel solid yet manageable, and the protein‑leather ear cushions add a plush feel for marathon commutes. CustomTune automatically tailors the sound and ANC to your personal hearing profile, while Immersive Audio with head tracking creates a 3‑D soundstage.

Compared with the other five Bose models in this roundup, the Ultra is heavier than the Ultra USB‑C Black (which tips the scales at roughly 0.18 lb) but sits close to the original QuietComfort’s 0.52 lb. It outlasts the SoundSport’s six‑hour runtime and the SoundLink Around Ear II’s 15‑hour battery, matching the QuietComfort’s 24‑hour claim and edging out the QuietComfort 45’s 22‑hour spec. All six models share a similar Bluetooth range of about 30 ft, so you won’t lose connectivity when moving around a room.

Reviewers consistently highlight the comfort of the over‑ear design and the effectiveness of the ANC in noisy environments like planes or open‑plan offices. Professional testers note that CustomTune keeps the frequency response balanced even if you wear glasses or have a full head of hair. The main complaints focus on the bulkier frame, which can slip during moderate movement, and the lack of an IP water‑resistance rating, making the Ultra less suited for sweaty workouts or rainy days.

Beyond the headline specs, the Ultra offers Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint pairing for two devices, a USB‑C charging port, and a 50 cm wired cable for wired listening. SimpleSync lets you pair the headphones automatically with Bose soundbars, and the programmable button lets you switch between Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes without reaching for your phone.

Best for: Value‑conscious buyers seeking quality at $299.99

Avoid if: You need water resistance or a lightweight design for intense sports

TL;DR: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra USB‑C earbuds blend AI‑driven CustomTune sound tuning with industry‑leading ANC, offering 6 hours of playback (4 hours with Immersive Audio) and a quick‑charge boost in just 20 minutes.

What really sets these earbuds apart is the CustomTune personalization paired with ActiveSense AI‑Enhanced ANC, which professional reviewers say delivers the best Bose‑level noise cancellation in a truly wireless form factor. The case holds a modest 61.23 g, and the earbuds themselves weigh only 7.7 g, contributing to a comfortable fit for long commutes. Battery life clocks in at 6 hours when ANC is off and drops to 4 hours with Bose Immersive Audio enabled, while a 20‑minute quick‑charge session adds roughly 2 hours of listening.

Compared with the other five Bose models in this roundup, the Ultra USB‑C is noticeably lighter than the QuietComfort Ultra (≈0.55 lb) and the standard QuietComfort (≈0.52 lb), yet it’s heavier than the ultra‑light SoundSport (≈0.05 lb). Its 6‑hour runtime sits below the 24‑hour battery life of the QuietComfort Ultra and the 22‑hour life of the QuietComfort 45, but matches the SoundSport’s 6‑hour figure. All of the peers share a 9 m (≈30 ft) wireless range, so the Ultra’s range is on par with the rest of the lineup. The case’s 3‑hour full charge time is slower than the 15‑minute quick‑charge cycles listed for the other models.

User sentiment highlights the earbuds’ ability to cut ambient noise by up to 40 dB, a figure that resonates with the “industry‑leading” praise in expert reviews. Reviewers also commend the multipoint Bluetooth connection, allowing two devices to stay linked at once—handy for remote workers juggling calls and music. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3, Snapdragon Sound certification, and an IPX4 splash rating rounds out a technically solid package, even though the codec list stops at SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive.

Best for: Commuters and travelers who need smooth device switching and strong ANC in a compact, comfortable package.

Avoid if: You need longer battery life while using spatial audio, or you prioritize the widest possible codec support.