Bose SoundSport
Score: 65/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 84/100Rankings
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) offers best-in-class ANC, CustomTune personalization and Spatial Immersive Audio in a lightweight over-ear package with up to 24 hours of playtime. It lacks water resistance and a dedicated EQ app, and its bulkier design may not suit active use. Ideal for commuters, travelers and audiophiles who prioritize ANC and comfort.
Bose SoundSport Wireless earbuds provide a sweat-proof, secure fit with up to six hours of playback and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. They lack active noise cancellation and have a short battery life with an outdated micro-USB charger. Targeted at runners and gym-goers who need a lightweight, water-resistant earbud.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 hours | 24 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 22.7 gbest | 250 g |
| ↓ lower better | — | 15 minutesbest |
9 mbest | 9 mbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 24 hours |
Features(1) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 30 ft m | 9 m |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 22.7 g | 250 g |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the SoundSport Wireless as good sports headphones with above-average sound quality, a comfortable and stable fit, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, but they criticize the short battery life, poor noise isolation, and outdated charging and Bluetooth standards compared with newer Bose offerings.
Everyday users appreciate the secure StayHear+ fit, easy pairing, balanced sound and sweat resistance, while repeatedly noting the limited 6-hour battery, lack of noise isolation, and concerns about the durability of the micro-USB charging port.
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
