Bose QuietComfort Ultra: what the original headphones promised

The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones wanted to put music front and centre and ask the bus to mind its own business. Understandable. The 2023 launch paired premium over-ear headphones with Immersive Audio, though I would want a closer look before letting the word “immersive” charm its way through the whole decision.

Archive note — revised October 23, 2026: This covers the original 2023 QuietComfort Ultra headphones, not a later generation. It is launch analysis rather than a new listening test or current price recommendation.

Immersive Audio changes the presentation

Bose’s September 2023 announcement described processing that places sound in front of the listener, with Still and Motion options. It also listed CustomTune calibration, noise cancellation and an Aware mode. These are Bose’s descriptions. Whether that presentation suits your ears still needs personal listening.

Give a familiar song the deciding vote. Try the modes at a comfortable volume and listen for what you enjoy. Spatial processing can be fun; preferring the ordinary presentation is fine too. The setting is here to please the listener. It does not get to look disappointed if you switch it off.

The battery trade-off was real

Bose rated battery life at up to 24 hours with Immersive Audio off, or up to 18 hours with it on. Actual runtime depends on use and settings. A folding design, physical playback controls and touch volume strip were also part of the launch package. That battery trade-off deserves a place beside the more glamorous feature names.

And please let the earcups meet your glasses first. Try the fit where possible, then check controls, call needs and connection options against your devices. A long flight is an awkward place for the headphones to announce they dislike your temples. The cushions need to be as convincing as the sales pitch.

DeviceCritique’s take

The original launch combined noise control with a different presentation of familiar music. Its value rests on fit, everyday convenience and whether you like that processing. A proper review and personal listening matter here. I am willing to be charmed by a clever audio mode, but the headphones still need to behave comfortably while doing it.

Keep reading: Yamaha P-525 Review: A Velvet Grand for the Ramen-Eating Romantic. Find more audio coverage.