Noise-canceling is a very important feature in headphones, so many companies produce noise-canceling headphones. Bose is a known brand in the headphones industry and recently launched their latest noise-canceling headphones called Bose QuietComfort Ultra. In this post, we will compare the Bose QuietComfort Ultra with the previous version of the Bose called Bose 700. As both headphones have a noise-canceling feature, we will compare all the important aspects of these headphones to understand which is better. At the end of this post, you will get the exact idea of whether you should go with the latest version or consider the old Bose 700. Another important thing is that both are over-the-ear headphones.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Bose 700 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Excellent noise cancellation. Immersive audio for a captivating listening experience. Wind Block feature reduces wind noise. Comfortable and lightweight design. Supports aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio. Multi-Point Connectivity for connecting to two devices. Improved natural sound in Aware Mode. Foldable for portability. | Impressive noise-cancellation capabilities. Adjustable noise cancellation levels. Sleek and modern design. Excellent microphone quality for calls. Integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Assistant. Quick charge feature for fast charging. Conversation mode for easy interaction. |
| CONS | CONS |
| High Price | Limited 20-hour battery life. Occasional quality control issues. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, priced at $430, represent a significant step forward in Bose’s noise-canceling headphone lineup. These headphones showcase a hybrid design between the earlier NC700s and the classic QC 35/45 models. They offer a familiar yet updated look, combining physical buttons for media playback control and a touch-sensitive strip for volume adjustment. One notable improvement over the previous models is the foldable design, making the QC Ultra headphones more portable. Moreover, Bose introduced Wind Block technology to address the issue of wind interference during windy conditions, a problem with the QC 45s. The standout feature of the QC Ultra is the immersive audio, which brings music to life, expanding the soundstage and providing a more dynamic audio experience. With still and motion immersive audio options, users can tailor their listening experience to their preferences. These headphones also feature Snapdragon Sound and support aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-quality audio. With multipoint connectivity and Bose’s improved aware mode, the QC Ultra headphones offer an all-encompassing audio experience, comfortable fit, and impressive noise cancellation.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Key Features
- Design: Combines elements of the Bose 700 and older QC 35/45 models with physical buttons and a touch-sensitive strip for controls. Foldable for better portability.
- Wind Block: Detects and reduces wind noise by cutting off microphones around the ear cups when it detects windy conditions.
- Immersive Audio: Features immersive audio technology that widens the soundstage, providing a more immersive listening experience.
- Snapdragon Sound: First Bose headphones to support Snapdragon Sound, enabling aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Can connect to two devices simultaneously.
- Aware Mode: Improved aware mode provides a natural and pleasant listening experience in noisy environments.
- Comfort: Known for their comfort with comfortable ear cups and a lightweight design.
- Bose Music App: Offers control over immersive audio settings, noise cancellation, and more.
Bose 700
The Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones, retailing for $379, stand as the next generation of noise-canceling headphones, showcasing a sleek design that redefines over-ear aesthetics. Bose has made the headband thinner and modernized the overall look, making these headphones one of the most attractive options in the market. The 700s maintain Bose’s tradition of comfort, the plush materials used for ear cups, and the headband. The Bose Music app allows users to update settings and software conveniently. The headphones incorporate intuitive touch controls, from raising and lowering the volume to playing and pausing media. The left ear cup offers easy access to different noise cancellation presets, with Bose allowing you to customize your favorite settings. The sound quality is excellent, with crisp, clear audio. Users can even adjust the equalizer settings through the app. The headphones offer excellent wireless range, allowing you to leave your phone at your desk and wander around without losing connection. The 700s also excel during work calls with top-notch microphones, making them a solid choice for remote work. The 20-hour battery life and USB-C charging add to their appeal. However, some reports of build quality issues have been reported, which can be a concern. Given the issues experienced by some users, a definitive recommendation may be challenging, though the overall user experience remains excellent.
Bose 700 Key Features
- Design: Modern and slim design with a comfortable fit, slimmed-down headband, and sleek appearance.
- Controls: Features intuitive touch controls for media playback, volume adjustment, and voice assistants. Dedicated buttons for power, noise cancellation presets, and voice assistants.
- Noise Cancellation: Offers 10 adjustable levels of noise cancellation via the Bose Music app.
- Assistant Integration: Supports Amazon Assistant and Google Assistant integration directly from the headphones.
- Battery Life: Provides up to 20 hours of battery life on a full charge and offers a quick charge feature for 3.5 hours of use with a 15-minute charge.
- Microphones: Equipped with 10 microphones for effective noise cancellation and enhanced call quality.
- Range: Offers excellent Bluetooth range, allowing you to leave your connected device and move around.
- Sound Quality: Delivers crisp and clear audio quality, with the option to customize the EQ settings.
- Conversation Mode: Easily switch between blocking out external sounds and engaging in conversations without removing the headphones.
- Smart Multipoint: Connect two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Bose 700 Specs
| Features | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Mode | Stereo | Stereo |
| Connection Type | Wireless, Wired | Wireless, Wired |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| True Wireless | No | No |
| Maximum Wireless Range | 30 feet | 33 feet |
| Water Resistant | No | Yes |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Features | Noise cancelling | Noise cancelling |
| Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Battery Charge Time | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Sound Isolating | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental Noise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Limiting Function | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Number Of Devices Connectable Simultaneously | 2 | 2 |
| Connector Size | 3/32 in. (2.5mm) | 3/32 in. (2.5mm) |
| Detachable Cord | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Talk Time | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Design and Build Quality
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra exhibits a sleek and modern design from the previous Bose NC 700 and the classic QuietComfort 35 and 45 models. The design departs from Bose’s traditional look with more streamlined lines and a more contemporary appearance. The QC Ultra retains the touch-sensitive controls of the Bose 700 but adds physical media playback buttons for convenience. Notably, these headphones are foldable, making them more portable than the 700s.
One significant design improvement is adding Wind Block technology, addressing a previous issue with the 45s that made them less usable in windy conditions. Wind Block automatically detects and reduces wind noise by shutting off the microphones around the ear cups when it senses wind, ensuring a more pleasant listening experience.
The Bose 700 headphones introduced a new design direction for Bose, featuring a minimalist, sophisticated look with smooth lines and touch-sensitive controls. They do not fold, which might make them less portable. The touch controls on the ear cups offer a futuristic and intuitive way to manage audio playback and calls.
In terms of comfort, the Bose 700 headphones are known for their excellent ergonomics, with plush ear cups and a comfortable headband that enables extended listening sessions. The design is a break from the classic Bose aesthetic but delivers a fresh, premium look.
Immersive Audio Experience
The standout feature of the Bose QC Ultra is its immersive audio technology. Immersive audio creates a three-dimensional soundstage that mimics the experience of sitting between two high-quality stereo speakers. This technology transforms your listening experience, providing depth and dimension to your music. You can choose between “still” and “motion” modes, with motion tracking your head movements for a more dynamic audio experience.
When immersive audio is turned off, the QC Ultra retains Bose’s signature sound quality, which is already excellent. However, the real magic happens when you switch on immersive audio, making your music come alive with a wider soundstage and captivating depth.
The Bose 700 headphones deliver a rich and detailed sound signature that many users find highly satisfying. They offer great audio quality with impressive clarity. However, they do not feature the immersive audio technology found in the QC Ultra, which sets the latter apart regarding the listening experience.
Connectivity and Features
The QC Ultra headphones come with Snapdragon Sound, enabling aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio streaming. They also offer multipoint connectivity, pairing them with two devices simultaneously. This feature is handy if you frequently switch between your phone and laptop for work and entertainment.
The Bose Music app, available for Android and iOS, provides an intuitive interface for managing your headphones. It allows you to control noise cancellation levels, set up custom modes, and toggle Wind Block for windy conditions.
The Bose 700 headphones have impressive features, including pairing with multiple devices and intuitive touch controls for audio playback and call management. They also support virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Bose Music app for the 700 headphones lets you customize your noise-cancellation preferences and adjust EQ settings, ensuring you get the desired sound profile.
Noise Cancellation
Bose has a long-standing reputation for delivering top-tier noise-cancellation technology, and the QC Ultra continues this tradition. While specific comparisons to the 700s require side-by-side testing, you can expect industry-leading noise cancellation that effectively blocks out ambient noise, creating a cocoon of silence for your listening pleasure.
The Bose 700 headphones are known for their excellent noise-cancellation capabilities. Bose made significant advancements with these headphones, often considered among the best in the market. The noise cancellation is effective, allowing you to focus on your music or enjoy peace in noisy environments.
Microphone Quality
The Bose QC Ultra features an impressive microphone setup, which enhances call quality and delivers clear and precise voice communication. While it may not surpass the microphones of the 700 headphones, it ensures your voice is heard with clarity in calls and voice commands.
The Bose 700 headphones have a microphone array with adaptive four-microphone technology. This advanced setup is designed to isolate your voice from background noise and provide excellent call quality, making it a superb choice for conference calls or hands-free voice commands.
Battery Life
The QC Ultra headphones boast a battery life of up to 24 hours with active noise cancellation enabled. However, when you activate immersive audio, it reduces the battery life to 18 hours. Charging is convenient with USB-C, which has become a standard for modern devices.
The Bose 700 headphones provide a similar battery life, offering up to 20 hours on a full charge. They also support fast charging, with a 15-minute quick charge providing approximately 3.5 hours of listening time. Like the QC Ultra, they charge via USB-C.
Final Thoughts
Both the headphones are from Bose and have many similar features, but the choice between them depends on your priorities and preferences.
If you want an unparalleled immersive audio experience, multipoint connectivity, wind block technology, and a fresh and modern design, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. If you seek top-tier noise cancellation capabilities, excellent microphone quality, and stylish design, choose the Bose 700.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bose 700 headphones offer fantastic audio quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. The decision comes down to your specific needs and priorities.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.