Bose has upgraded its top-tier QuietComfort wireless headphones to a sleek Ultra model. The QuietComfort700 series of headphones have been well received, but it has been four years since its launch, and its lifespan is already amazing among consumer electronics products.
The new QuietComfort Ultra has improved sound quality and noise-canceling features, and comes with a price tag of $430. That's $20 more than Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5, but a steal compared to Apple's AirPods Max, which retail for $549.
The new over-ear headphones, which are part of a broader QuietComfort refresh, also get the Ultra designation, and carry a price tag of $299 -- the same as the WF-1000XM5 (Sony really has to play with the naming) and $50 more than the latest-generation AirPods Pro.
Bose has long established itself as the leader in over-ear headphones. The QuietComfort range, in particular, has become a ubiquitous feature on flights, although increased competition has eroded its market share in recent years. The QuietComfort 45 has been a popular alternative, and while it's hard to afford at an MSRP of $330, it delivers a great experience for $100 less than the Ultra.
BoseQuietComfort headphones have also been revised and have a simpler name. Now that there are no numbers, it's a bit confusing at first glance, but it makes sense in the larger context of the brand overhaul. The headphones cost $350, which is $20 more expensive than the previous generation.
Like the 700 headphones before it, the Ultra faces the difficult task of justifying the price difference. Bose promises an upgraded design and improved tuning via CustomTune.
In the field of earbuds, where mobile phone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung have an absolute advantage, it will be even more difficult for Bose to stand out. QuietComfortUltraEarbuds replace QCEarbudsII. They promise 6 hours of use between charges, and are available with a separate optional wireless charging case.
QuietComfort headphones will be available on September 21st. The Ultras (two models) will be available in October.
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