Bose

QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)

Excellent ANC and comfort make these compelling on sale, despite tuning, connectivity, and durability caveats.

Summed up from 4 published reviews

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

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What reviewers like

Exceptional ANC remains effective for commuting and flying 1 2 3 4
Lightweight comfort suits extended listening sessions 1 2 3 4
App EQ can produce balanced, clearer sound 2 3 4
Fast charging delivers about 2.5 hours in 15 minutes 1 2 3
On sale, the first generation offers strong value 2 4

What they don't

At full price, newer models offer better value 1 2 4
EQ helps, but limited tuning cannot fully fix bass-heavy sound 2 4
Occasional Bluetooth, multi-point, and channel-matching issues occur 1 3
Some early units show pad-separation or hinge durability concerns 1 3

Best for

Travelers and commuters prioritizing ANC, comfort, and flexible sound.

Skip it if

Skip if paying full price or needing newer-generation features.

Where it fits

use: MusicWorkTravel
fit: Over-ear
connection: Wireless
noise cancelling: Noise cancelling

Specs

Fit: Over-ear
Connection: Wireless
Noise cancelling: Yes
Best for: Music, Travel, Work & calls
Microphone: Built-in mic
Ear cups: Closed-back

Also worth a look

Questions

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) worth it?

Excellent ANC and comfort make these compelling on sale, despite tuning, connectivity, and durability caveats.

What do reviewers like about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)?

Exceptional ANC remains effective for commuting and flying. Lightweight comfort suits extended listening sessions. App EQ can produce balanced, clearer sound. Fast charging delivers about 2.5 hours in 15 minutes. On sale, the first generation offers strong value.

What are the downsides of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)?

At full price, newer models offer better value. EQ helps, but limited tuning cannot fully fix bass-heavy sound. Occasional Bluetooth, multi-point, and channel-matching issues occur. Some early units show pad-separation or hinge durability concerns.

Who should buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)?

Travelers and commuters prioritizing ANC, comfort, and flexible sound. Skip it if skip if paying full price or needing newer-generation features.

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 4 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.