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On the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (the 2023 model), use Quiet for Bose’s highest noise-cancellation level, and turn Immersive Audio off when you want the longest battery life. For windy conditions, create a Custom mode and enable Wind Block. These instructions are for the original model, not the separate 2nd Gen headphones.
First, confirm which QuietComfort Ultra you have
Bose sells a 2nd Gen version with separate support instructions. The original model’s modes are Quiet, Aware, Immersion, and Custom; Cinema mode appears in Bose’s 2nd Gen guide. Check your model and its app documentation before following these steps. Bose’s original-model mode guide and 2nd Gen documentation distinguish the generations.
Which mode gives the strongest noise cancellation?
Choose Quiet for maximum cancellation
Bose describes Quiet as full noise cancellation at its highest level. It is the right choice when blocking distractions matters more than hearing your surroundings. The original headphones start in Quiet by default, although you can change startup behavior in the Bose app to use the last mode you selected. Bose’s mode and control guide.
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Choose Aware when you need to hear your surroundings
Aware is a transparency mode, not the highest-cancellation setting. Its ActiveSense feature can briefly apply noise cancellation when it detects a sudden loud outside sound, then stop when the sound ends. That can help manage transient noise while you remain aware, but it is not a substitute for Quiet when you want maximum isolation. Bose product information.
#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
What should you change for wind?
Create a Custom mode with Wind Block on
Wind Block is available only in Custom modes. Bose says it reduces disturbance from wind by automatically adjusting noise cancellation; it also describes the setting as muting the external microphones used for noise cancellation to prevent gusts from causing disruptions. The external microphones used for voice pickup remain active. Use a Custom mode with Wind Block when wind is a problem, rather than expecting the ordinary modes to provide this setting. Bose’s Custom mode guidance.
Use Custom modes to save combinations
The original-model app supports up to seven Custom modes. Each can combine a noise-cancellation level with Wind Block and Immersive Audio preferences, so you can keep separate setups for contexts such as a windy walk and a quiet commute. Bose’s mode guide.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Which setting improves battery life?
Turn Immersive Audio off when runtime matters more
Bose estimates up to 24 hours of use with Immersive Audio off and up to 18 hours with it on. These are manufacturer maximum estimates, not guaranteed everyday runtimes; your actual result can vary. Turning Immersive Audio off is the documented battery tradeoff—it does not mean noise cancellation improves. Bose battery and charging information.
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Immersive Audio is a listening preference, so choose based on whether you want spatialized sound or longer use between charges. Bose’s published runtime figures do not establish that changing the noise-cancellation level itself extends battery life.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Plan charging around Bose’s estimates
- Bose estimates a full charge can take up to 3 hours.
- A 15-minute charge is estimated to provide up to 2.5 hours of use with Immersive Audio off, or up to 2 hours with it on.
- The headphones do not charge while worn and connected to an external power source.
These are Bose’s figures for the original model, not independent test results. Bose battery and charging information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do you make your preferred modes easier to reach?
Modes need to be favorited in the Bose app to appear when you cycle modes with the headphones’ Multi-function button. Quiet, Aware, and Immersion are favorites by default. You can also set whether the headphones start in Quiet or in the last mode used. Bose’s mode and control guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
- In the Bose app, open the mode controls and favorite the modes you want available from the Multi-function button.
- For the strongest cancellation, select Quiet. For wind, choose a Custom mode with Wind Block enabled.
- Set Immersive Audio to Off when you want to prioritize Bose’s longer-runtime estimate.
- In the app’s startup behavior setting, choose Quiet or the last-used mode to match how you usually begin listening.
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