Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose invented consumer ANC in the 1980s and the QuietComfort Ultra (2024) remains the most comfortable over-ear headphone available for extended wear. In our 4-hour comfort test, QC Ultra was the only headphone where testers forgot they were wearing it. The earcup padding uses memory foam with a protein leather cover that distributes clamping force more evenly than any competitor. ANC performance in the low-frequency range (HVAC, aircraft cabin noise, subway rumble) is best-in-class — Sony leads on voice frequencies, Bose leads on low-frequency noise. Price: $430. The weakness: battery life at 24 hours (ANC on) trails Sony XM6 significantly. For frequent flyers and commuters where airplane/train noise is the primary use case, Bose QC Ultra may outperform the XM6 in the environments that matter most.