When they’re not left out of a rare discount like right now with a Prime Lightning Deal, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise-canceling headphones have fallen to $284. That’s $145 less than the $429 list price, a 34% discount on a model that’s frequently lauded by audio reviewers as the current benchmark for active noise cancellation.
The battery in the QuietComfort is user-changeable since it’s accessible through a small flap on the headphone ear cup. ©2020 Reviewed, part of Iceflow Media LLC. Don’t be fooled: The combination of how these headphones sound and their functionality means that you’re still getting an industry-leading product. Whether you have been cautiously waiting for the right moment to upgrade your traveling or office configuration, this is the kind of short-window deal we don’t often see on flagship cans.
Why this Prime Lightning Deal on QuietComfort Ultra matters
Premium ANC headphones (that’s audiophile speak for >$350) have wavered in range from $350 to $550 over the past two years. Even on sale, the Sony WH-1000XM5 frequently drops to around the low $300 range and Apple’s AirPods Max usually costs far more than that. When a class-leading pair drops to $284 it becomes increasingly tougher for tight-fisted value-seekers — especially those who travel (or commute) often and prefer silence over extras — to ignore.
The discount is valid even with the Deep Plum colorway, a finish that was first introduced as a limited release exclusively on the manufacturer’s website. And that makes this sale more than a standard price reduction, but also an opportunity to get a standout edition that has been comparatively difficult to locate at some serious savings.
What makes the QuietComfort Ultra different from rivals
Noise cancellation remains the headline. Independent lab testing from publications such as Rtings and SoundGuys has shown that the QuietComfort Ultra can attenuate low-frequency hum (think aircraft cabins, bus engines) by about 30 to 40 dB, with strong attenuation carrying into the mids where chatter can be found. What that creates is a level of quiet that’s really uncommon in scenarios where other models might leave the faintest hiss of the outside world.
The headphones also offer Bose Immersive Audio, a type of spatial processing that gives you an even soundstage in front of you versus inside your head. You can toggle between Quiet (full ANC), Aware (transparency), and Immersion modes, and create custom profiles for scenarios such as commuting or open offices. It’s pure usability, not a gimmick: the immersion effect can also widen imaging on live tracks and movies while keeping vocals centralized.
Connection is easy and solid with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint pairing, so you can be connected to your laptop and to a phone at the same time. And should you need it, there’s also a wired option for lag-free use on flights or when saving battery matters most.
Battery life and all-day comfort for QuietComfort Ultra
Bose rates its Ultra model at up to 24 hours of playback per charge, with a quick-charge top-up that provides several hours of listening from a brief plug-in.
In reality, most users should expect to see several workdays or a round-trip flight on tap without having to hunt for a charger — even with ANC switched on.
Comfort is another strong suit. With smooth, soft ear cushions and a moderate amount of clamping force, the headset evenly distributes its weight without any hotspots during prolonged periods. For remote workers and frequent travelers, that matters as much as decibel stats. Reviewers at Consumer Reports and elsewhere consistently list the line’s fit and passive isolation as a strong point along with ANC performance.
How it compares with rivals like Sony and Apple models
That puts it significantly below the going rate for Apple’s AirPods Max and well below most deals for Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones. The still-top Sony set is known for custom EQ and smart features, and Apple’s AirPods Max offer wonderfully seamless integration with iOS. But if the paramount feature for you is the most profound silence on planes and in open-plan offices, then according to a couple of different laboratory charts, there’s still a noticeable difference in low-frequency suppression that favors Bose.
Its sound is tuned for a clean, slightly warm profile, with good sub-bass extension and laid-back treble that doesn’t fatigue. It’s not a studio-neutral monitor, but it does juggle an array of genres with talent. Immersive mode adds width without wrecking the tonal balance, as it does sometimes with other models’ spatial effects.
What to know before you buy during this Lightning Deal
Lightning Deals are limited-time, limited-quantity offers exclusive to Prime members on Amazon. The deals stop when the inventory is claimed. If you’re looking for high-end ANC, it’s great at that. Its long-wear comfort and good battery life make this a winner. Only if you prioritize codec support at the highest bitrates or specific platform benefits should you keep in mind what features best match your own devices when making that decision.
Because the discount is relatively large and the model stands out among reviewers, it’s one of the better chances you have this season to snag a flagship noise-canceling headset without paying a flagship price.