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It's been almost a year and a half since Bose released its latest flagship over-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. I was loyal to the QC Ultra from their Oct. 2023 release until the new, shiny Sonos Ace stole my attention last June. But later that fall, I took my QC Ultra from their case, threw them on, and wondered why I ever forgot about them.
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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are still my favorite, from their sporty and casual design to their excellent sound and advanced noise-canceling properties. Since their fall 2023 release, Bose has implemented a series of app software updates and one headphone firmware update that's enhanced the QC Ultra's performance, but there's always room for improvement.
All of the heavy hitters -- Bose, Beats, Apple, Sony, and Sonos -- have released flagship headphones within the last three years. They're all great in their own right, but Bose's check every box. If you're in the market for a new pair of premium headphones, let me explain why the QC Ultra are still a worthy candidate in 2025. If you already own these cans, consider holding onto them for a few more years.
Immense comfort and convenient design
As their name suggests, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones won't disappoint in comfort. They sport thick, plushy, breathable ear pads that provide a dense cushion while managing heat buildup.
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The QC Ultra's ear pads are so thick that bespectacled folks like me shouldn't feel much pressure or discomfort while wearing these headphones with glasses. They also carry their weight very well; they're not too heavy, and the aluminum headband extenders provide a premium and elevated look without making them too weighty.
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