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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerBose QuietComfort SC vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.2★
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Bose QuietComfort SC
★4.6
(16,733)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:AAC, SBC
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
★4.2
(8,908)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
Bluetooth Version:5.3
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
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Comparison: Bose QuietComfort SC vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
★4.6(16,733)Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
★4.2(8,908)Amazon
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort SC | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.3 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
ANC | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) | Custom-designed proprietary drivers |
Frequency Response | Not disclosed by manufacturer | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) |
Microphones | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable | Advanced array (12 microphones total) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) |
Weight | 8.5 oz (240 g) | 254 g (0.56 lb) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) |
Extras | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Bose QuietComfort SC
Rating:★4.6(16,733)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:AAC, SBC
ANC:Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block)
Transparency:Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Drivers:Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary)
Frequency Response:Not disclosed by manufacturer
Microphones:Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable
Battery Life:Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC)
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Standard SBC/AAC latency)
Wired Mode:Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:8.5 oz (240 g)
Controls:Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button)
App Eq:Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings)
Extras:Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Rating:★4.2(8,908)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
Bluetooth Version:5.3
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
ANC:Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune)
Transparency:Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Drivers:Custom-designed proprietary drivers
Frequency Response:N/A (Not published by manufacturer)
Microphones:Advanced array (12 microphones total)
Battery Life:Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source)
Wired Mode:Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included)
Water Resistance:None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent)
Weight:254 g (0.56 lb)
Controls:Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode)
App Eq:Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings)
Extras:Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Bose QuietComfort SC is stronger in quality and performance, but Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Bose QuietComfort SC suits buyers who need World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block, Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones suits buyers who want Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise, Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort SC excels if you value world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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