Top Bose Headphones for 2025: Noise-Canceling, Earbuds & More

Explore the top Bose headphones of 2025, featuring exquisite design, superior sound, and noise-canceling technology.

Introduction to Bose Headphones

Bose headphones combine elegant design with outstanding sound quality, and of course, active noise cancellation. It's no wonder that Bose consistently ranks among the world’s leading audio brands; back in the 1970s, the company literally wrote the book on noise-canceling technology.

Choosing the right Bose headphones for you depends on your budget, personal preferences, and whether you've read this guide, which is based on in-depth reviews of each Bose headphone listed. If we haven't evaluated them through rigorous testing, you won’t find them here; just navigate to the full review of each model if you want more details.

Our team of experts has tested hundreds of the finest headphones over the years, leading us to spend more time than we’d like to admit with headphones on, practically oblivious to the outside world (at least when it comes to Bose). That's why you can trust all our recommendations.

Bose Headphones 2025: Quick List

• Best Overall Bose Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. These are not only the best Bose headphones but also among the best available in the market today, especially if excellent noise-canceling sound and head-tracking are high on your list. Immersive sound has never sounded so good!
• Best Over-Ear Bose Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Expect incredible sound and class-leading noise-canceling capabilities. These full-sized headphones are comfortable and versatile, though the battery life is a bit disappointing. They're pricey but worth every penny.
• Best Value Bose Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024. Typically a premium brand, Bose offers fantastic sound, a comfortable fit, and intelligent noise cancellation in their latest QC Earbuds at a more reasonable price. They're not perfect, but they represent the best of Bose at a lower cost.
• Best Open-Ear Bose Headphones: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. The first open-ear earbuds from Bose are the best on the market due to their comfortable design and surprisingly minimal sound leakage. They are expensive but are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Best Budget Bose Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023). Looking for high-end Bose headphones with noise cancellation in the iconic design, lacking just a few features from the more expensive "Ultra" range, and saving some money? Look no further.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Bose Headphones for 2025

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – Best Overall Bose Headphones

Specifications:

• Acoustic Design: Closed
• Weight: 6.24 g per earbud
• Frequency Response: Not specified
• Drivers: 10 mm
• Driver Type: Not specified
• Sensitivity: 118 dB
• Total Impedance: Not specified
• Battery Life: 6 hours (earbuds); 24 hours (with case)
• Wireless Range: 9 m
• NFC: No

Pros:

• Excellent immersive sound independent of the device, with head-tracking capabilities.
• Support for lossless audio codecs.
• Still the best noise-canceling headphones available.

Cons:

• Case does not support wireless charging unless you purchase an additional case.
• Physically very similar to QCE II.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds deliver the best noise cancellation we've ever seen in earbuds, along with spatial audio features. If you need sound that immerses you in the atmosphere and drowns out the outside world, these headphones are for you. Admittedly, upon their release, we felt they had some shortcomings. However, a software update in July 2024 enabled multipoint pairing, and a price drop around the same time made them more appealing. We previously recommended the QE Earbuds II, which were released earlier because they were similar to these headphones and cheaper, but now they have been discontinued, and the Ultra headphones seem more suitable.

At first glance, the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds seem similar to their predecessors but come with some notable improvements. Firstly, they are now certified by Snapdragon Sound, offering aptX Adaptive support for higher-quality audio streaming and impressive spatial audio, independent of the device. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging out of the box; you can buy a charging case with wireless functionality, but the earbuds themselves are already expensive.

As for the sound, the Bose Immersive Audio technology is the star of the show. Expect realistic sound that envelops you in music. It’s so effective that in our review, we called it “frighteningly good.” Most of the time, the music feels alive and energetic. Regarding active noise cancellation, the Ultras prove that Bose still reigns supreme. So far, we’ve tested hundreds of headphones, and none have effectively silenced surrounding sounds like these.

Despite being very similar to the previous Bose QCE II headphones, there are a few minor differences, such as the glossy finish on the stems and updated retainers that keep the earbuds in place. These retainers ensure a secure fit, although they may feel a bit bulky for those with smaller ears.

Like most Bose devices, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones come with a hefty price tag. Additionally, they currently face serious competition from models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Technics EAH-AZ80, which offer similar premium features. However, Bose’s unparalleled ANC and captivating sound give them a unique advantage.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – Best Over-Ear Bose Headphones

Specifications:

• Acoustic Design: Closed
• Weight: 250 g
• Frequency Response: Not specified
• Drivers: 35 mm
• Driver Type: Dynamic driver
• Total Impedance: Not specified
• Battery Life: 24 hours (ANC on)
• Wireless Range: 30 ft
• NFC: No

Pros:

• Fantastic, detailed sound with rich bass.
• Class-leading noise cancellation.
• Comfortable and premium feel with a foldable design.
• Excellent smart features.

Cons:

• 24-hour battery life is somewhat limited.
• Some might prefer a more neutral sound.
• No USB-C audio input.
• No audio file support (though promised).

By now, it’s clear that every pair of headphones and earbuds on this list excels at active noise cancellation because Bose is a leader in this area. But the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are exceptional. In our review, we stated that they “set a new standard for active noise cancellation.” If you enjoy the fit and design of over-ear headphones, these premium headphones are not only the best Bose has to offer but also the best active noise-canceling headphones available on the market.

Like the Bose QC Ultra earbuds described above, these headphones feature Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, which creates a dynamic, active soundstage. As we pointed out, they come with effective active noise cancellation. You'll also find Snapdragon Sound and aptX Adaptive support for high-resolution audio; however, this won’t work with all aptX devices, meaning they may not be suitable if you need high-resolution sound. The 24-hour battery life is the only specification that seems a bit weak compared to competitors.

In our review, we declared these headphones deliver “absolutely captivating listening.” Indeed, the Immersive Audio feature is one of the main attractions that immerses you in spatial sound, enhanced by class-leading noise cancellation. But that’s not all these headphones deliver. In our review, we mentioned: “They produce the liveliest, most engaging, textured, detailed, and deeply captivating music I’ve ever heard in wireless headphones.” This is attributed to several factors, including the unique angled drivers in the ear cups that optimize performance, considering the shape of our heads.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature an elegant premium design, made from high-quality materials. They fit snugly on the head and are perfect for long listening sessions. Even though they look like a high-end model, they are slightly lighter and sleeker compared to previous Bose QC models and come with a durable case to protect them during transport.

The price tag here is high, competing with other premium-quality headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, but they justify their cost and still outperform competitors in noise cancellation.

3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 – Best Value Bose Earbuds

Specifications:

• Acoustic Design: Closed
• Weight: 69 g
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 10 mm
• Battery Life: 8.5 hours (earbuds); 31.5 hours (with case; ANC off)

Pros:

• Fantastic noise cancellation.
• Comfortable fit.
• Excellent sound quality.

Cons:

• Bulky case.
• Voice control could be disabled.
• Lacks some codecs.

Bose excels in noise cancellation, sound, and design, but often at a high price. Introducing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024, which offer the best of Bose but not at a budget price—rather, they are mid-range, making them more appealing. Here you’ll find everything you need from earbuds and more.

These earbuds feature all the essential functions: multipoint pairing, customizable touch controls, a low-latency gaming mode, battery prediction, and voice control. However, during our testing, we found the voice control to be overly sensitive. So much so that we had to disable it entirely. The earbuds also support SBC and AAC codecs for streaming music, but unfortunately, audiophiles will be disappointed by the absence of aptX, FLAC, and WMA. Battery life isn’t the best on the market, but it exceeded Bose’s projections—lasting 9 hours of playback even with ANC enabled.

As with many Bose headphones, ANC is the star of the show regarding sound. The ANC here is genuinely one of the best in this price range—it can even compete with some premium headphones. In our review, we stated, “It completely eliminates all background noise apart from the loudest and most persistent.” Additionally, it comes with a truly good Aware mode that isolates and amplifies voices while masking other sounds. Overall, they sound fantastic. In our review, we noted that they have a “crisp warm sound with rich and punchy bass” and plenty of nuances that prevent the bass from ever sounding too heavy. We also praised the earbuds for their impressive soundstage.

The earbuds fit snugly against the ears, are sturdy, and are incredibly comfortable for extended listening. We never worried about them falling out during our testing, even when we took them on an 8 km run. Much of this is due to the improved stabilizing fins and the design that provides a good balance in the ear. They are rated IPX4 for protection, making them suitable for workouts. The only downside we found regarding the design is the charging case. It's not bad, just a tad bulky, especially if you prefer to carry it in your pocket.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 still carry a higher price tag than many alternatives. However, we believe the cost is quite fair given all factors. They are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a top-notch noise-canceling mode and if finding the right earbuds is often a challenge.

4. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds – Best Open-Ear Bose Headphones

Specifications:

• Acoustic Design: Open
• Weight: 6 g (per bud)
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 12 mm
• Driver Type: Not specified
• Sensitivity: Not specified
• Total Impedance: Not specified
• Battery Life: 7.5 hours (playback mode), 48 hours (standby mode)
• Wireless Range: 9 m
• NFC: Yes

Pros:

• Very minimal sound leakage.
• Intuitive to wear and use.
• Engaging sound capabilities.

Cons:

• Premium price tag.
• Uneven weight distribution in feel.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature an open design—meaning there are no tips that fit into the ear canal, nor do they have cups that fully cover the ears. Instead, they “hook” onto the outer ear. This design is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to hear what's happening around them, whether they're running or exercising outdoors, needing to stay alert in an open office, or simply going for a walk and wanting to feel safe.

These open-ear earbuds use dual drivers aimed at your ears, utilizing Bose’s Immersive Audio technology found in most devices described in this guide. There are a couple of listening modes: “Still” and “In Motion,” which we enjoyed during testing. The “In Motion” mode allows you to turn your head and move within the soundstage. In our review, we described the resulting sound as “incredible.” This is no surprise for Bose, but it is surprising for open-ear earbuds. What’s equally impressive is how little sound escapes. Think about it: you would expect that such an open design would leak sound, but it’s hardly noticeable.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds belong to the open-ear headphone category, yet they differ from other open-ear models that feature large hooks that go behind the ear. Instead, they attach to the edge of the ear, with the battery pack behind it. During testing, we noted they felt a bit wobbly and the weight seemed unevenly distributed, but they never fell out, even when we were running with them.

Unfortunately, these headphones come with a hefty price tag. This means we only recommend them if you genuinely like this form factor. If you dislike the look of in-ear or over-ear headphones, or if you believe that better awareness of your surroundings can be enlightening and help you feel safer, these may be worth considering.

5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) – Best Budget Bose Headphones

Specifications:

• Acoustic Design: Closed
• Weight: 240 g
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 40 mm
• Built-in Battery: Up to 24 hours

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable.
• Portable, stylish, and lightweight.
• Top-tier ANC.

Cons:

• Limited EQ settings.
• Still not “cheap.”
• Ultras are superior.

If Bose headphones often come with a high price tag, their full-sized models typically fall into the consumer price segment—and for good reason: they’re excellent. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones were released in 2023, shortly before their Ultra counterparts, to address this. And in some ways, they succeeded.

You get outstanding Bose headphones with active noise cancellation for slightly less than the flagship models—though don’t get too excited, as they’re still not “entry-level.” But again, neither the sound nor the feature set…

What you need to know is that these headphones offer buyers all the basic Bose features, including high comfort levels, sound, and Bose ANC technology. However, if you expect the Ultra headphones to have a more retro design, you’ll be disappointed. It’s best to view the headphones with the Ultra suffix as a significant step up from the QuietComfort headphones you’re currently considering.

The appeal of the standard QuietComfort headphones lies in their simplicity: they’re as easy and pleasant to set up and use as they are to listen to. These headphones use Bose’s proprietary audio technology, and while it’s not revolutionary in 2025, that’s the charm—they don’t complicate the process. The controls are also pleasantly simple (instead of awkward touch panels, you get reliable mechanical buttons on the headphones), and don’t worry if you need more settings—a companion app is available. Nevertheless, we feel it’s unnecessary (we never felt the need to tweak various features we didn’t like or would never use), while the interface is straightforward and offers only a few modes to choose from.

Looking for headphones that simply work without needing to read a manual from cover to cover? Check out the QuietComfort headphones in the mid-range price segment.

Conclusion

With their focus on sound quality, comfort, and innovative features, Bose headphones truly stand out in the audio market. Whether you're after immersive sound, exceptional noise cancellation, or a comfortable fit, there's a model for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do Bose make the best ANC headphones? Bose headphones are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and design. But it's the high-tech solutions, particularly noise cancellation, that set them apart from the rest. Bose offers class-leading active noise-canceling headphones that we’ve ever tested.
• Which Bose headphones have the best sound quality? For us, it has to be the full-sized Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Not only do they sound amazing, but they also feature class-leading active noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio technology, providing rich, detailed, and realistic sound without interference from the outside world.
• Are Bose better than Sony? It depends on what you’re looking for. Bose and Sony are both leading manufacturers of premium headphones, but they tend to excel in different areas. As noted in our guide, Bose wins in noise cancellation. However, if you need headphones that allow you to escape the outside world and envelop you in near-silence, most options in the guide above offer such immersion, especially the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and headphones ranked at the top.
• Which headphones are better for outdoor activities? The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are an excellent choice due to their design that ensures you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. They’re great for outdoor activities without compromising on sound quality.
• Will Bose headphones work with my device? Most Bose headphones are compatible with a variety of devices. However, if you’re looking for specific features like high-resolution audio, check the technical specifications of the model you're interested in to ensure compatibility.

Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a stylish addition to your space! Check it out here.