Bose Ultra Earbuds Review: Chunky Design, Incredible ANC
▼ Summary
– Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen earbuds feature phenomenal noise canceling that excels at blocking low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and reducing loud conversations.
– The earbuds offer adjustable noise canceling intensity through the app with 11 steps and customizable listening modes, a feature not available on AirPods.
– Call quality has improved from previous models, effectively blocking loud external noises, though it may add slight compression and raspiness to the user’s voice.
– The sound profile is bass-heavy with emphasized high frequencies, and the Immersive Audio option adds depth but may not be preferred by all users.
– The design remains bulky and unchanged from previous generations, with an IPX4 rating for splash resistance and up to 6 hours of battery life per charge.
For anyone seeking a genuine escape from the world’s constant noise, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen deliver phenomenal active noise cancellation that sets a new benchmark. Priced at $299, these earbuds aim to reclaim Bose’s leadership in the ANC arena, while also addressing past criticisms around call quality and sound performance. They represent a meaningful step forward, even if their physical design remains largely unchanged.
Bose has somehow managed to push noise-canceling performance even further, despite the narrowing gap between top competitors. The attenuation of low-frequency sounds is particularly outstanding, virtually erasing the persistent drone of airplane engines. When combined with music or a movie soundtrack, the effect is total immersion. It also takes the sharp edge off loud environments like busy cafes, significantly reducing surrounding chatter without introducing the high-end hiss sometimes found in other models. The highest ANC setting can feel almost disorientingly isolating, but the Bose music app provides welcome flexibility. You can adjust the noise canceling intensity across 11 distinct levels, a level of control not available with Apple’s AirPods.
The transparency feature, called Aware Mode, has been intelligently refined. Unlike most earbuds that simply pipe in all ambient sound, the Ultra 2nd Gen still suppresses low-end frequencies. This allows your ears to focus more clearly on human voices, making it noticeably easier to understand a barista’s question over background music.
Call quality, a historical weakness for Bose, shows clear improvement. Earlier models struggled with wind and distant noises, but the new earbuds handle these situations much more capably. While the noise suppression can introduce slight audio compression that affects vocal clarity, especially outdoors, the person on the other end reported that it still sounded like me. The compression was noticeable enough for a professional contact to discern my location, but not so distracting that it interrupted our conversation. For most daily calls, the performance is more than adequate.
Musically, the signature Bose sound remains: bass-forward and with a slight emphasis on higher frequencies. Tracks with a lot of metallic or industrial elements can become fatiguing at high volumes. The built-in EQ offers only a basic 3-band adjustment for bass, mids, and treble. Reducing the treble can tame harshness but also tends to sap some energy from the music.
An Immersive Audio option aims to add depth and a virtual soundstage, with settings for either static placement or head-tracking that keeps the “front” of the music aligned with your gaze. In practice, it adds some forward depth but doesn’t dramatically transform the listening experience; many users will likely prefer it turned off.
The most significant drawback is the familiar, chunky design. The earbuds themselves are bulbous and protrude noticeably from the ears, lacking the sleek, low-profile appearance of rivals from Sony and Apple. Handling them can be awkward, and removing them from the charging case is sometimes a fumble. The large capacitive touch surface is also prone to accidental taps during adjustment. On the plus side, the case now supports wireless charging. The earbuds come with three sets of ear tips and stability wings to ensure a secure, comfortable fit for most people, though they can cause some discomfort during extended listening sessions.
Battery life is average, offering up to six hours of use with ANC enabled. A 20-minute quick charge provides two hours of listening, and the case holds an additional 18 hours, for a total of 24. They carry an IPX4 rating for splash resistance, making them suitable for light exercise but not intense workouts.
Ultimately, the Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are an excellent choice for frequent travelers and anyone who prioritizes world-class noise cancellation above all else. While the design is dated and the battery life is merely decent, the incredible ANC, improved call quality, and useful Aware Mode keep them firmly in the conversation for best noise-canceling earbuds. For non-Apple users and those who demand the utmost in quiet, they are a compelling option.
(Source: The Verge)
