The State of Active Noise Cancellation in Earbuds: A Look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Over the years, numerous earbuds have boasted impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities, yet none have set a benchmark quite like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in 2023. Recognized as the top ANC earbuds for 2025, these exceptional devices are currently available for $219.99 (down from $299) on Amazon, marking their lowest recorded price according to price tracking services. Also available is the Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition for $229.
PCMag awarded the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth earbuds an “remarkable” review, praising not only their ANC performance but also their excellent sound quality, Active Aware feature, spatial audio compatibility, and broad Bluetooth codec support with AAC and AptX, accommodating both Android and Apple users. Nonetheless, they are not without shortcomings, as they lack multipoint connectivity—an option offered by some competitors in this price range—and do not include wireless charging for the case.
What distinguishes these earbuds is their feature set. The CustomTune technology assesses the shape of your ear canal to optimize sound and create a personalized ANC experience. Adjustments can also be made via the accompanying app. Bose’s spatial audio is marketed as “Immersive Audio,” which emulates the sensation of perceiving your environment, similar to wearing open-ear headphones. In the app, you can find tools to blend ambient sounds and ANC while using Immersive Audio.