What it gets right
- Excellent noise cancellation for travel and offices
- Very comfortable during long sessions
- Rich, easy-listening sound
- Simple physical controls for important actions
The compromises
- Expensive beside Sony and Sennheiser alternatives
- Battery life is unremarkable at this price
- Immersive audio will not appeal to everyone
Buy it—or leave it?
- You are sensitive to headphone pressure
- Travel noise is a major problem
- You prefer rich, relaxed sound
- You want the best battery life
- Value for money is the priority
- You already own the first QuietComfort Ultra and are satisfied
What would you like to do now?
Choose the route that matches how confident you feel. The free review stays free whichever route you choose.
Check today’s price
£370.72 at launch
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Retailer link last checked 8 August 2026These are Amazon affiliate links. UKTechExpert may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. How this worksSee whether the Sony XM6 offers better value
Compare Bose's comfort-first approach with Sony's noise cancellation, smart features and lower typical price.
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Browse reviewed audioFree UKTechExpert guidanceWhat it is actually like
Open any section for the detail behind our verdict.
01Comfort
The name is justified: soft cushioning, sensible weight distribution and a secure fit make these easier to wear for hours than many tightly clamped rivals. Glasses, heat and individual head shape still affect comfort, so trying them in a shop is worthwhile when possible.
02Quiet and sound
Bose remains excellent at reducing engine, ventilation and office noise. Music is presented with generous bass and smooth vocals rather than strict studio neutrality. Immersive processing can make recordings feel wider, but ordinary stereo is often the more natural setting.
03Battery and ownership
Battery life is enough for several commutes or a long flight, but it is no longer a premium result. The battery is not user replaceable, which matters when comparing long-term ownership with Sennheiser's Momentum 5.
Price and value
At £370.72, Bose sits above the Sony WH-1000XM6 launch price and well above the Sennheiser Momentum 5. Regular sales can change that comparison, so comfort-focused buyers should wait for pricing nearer £349 when possible.
Price last checked 17 August 2026This price check is more than two weeks old. Use the retailer link for the latest price; this review is temporarily excluded from the buying finder until the price is refreshed.
Who will notice the difference?
Long flights
Comfort and sustained-noise reduction are exactly what Bose does best.
Open-plan offices
Useful quiet and clear everyday calls help concentration.
Maximum ownership life
A replaceable-battery model provides more reassurance.
What else should you consider?
£370.72 · Sony offers the strongest all-round blend of noise cancellation, sound and smart features. Sennheiser wins on battery life and value. Bose remains the easiest recommendation for anyone who has already found competing earcups uncomfortable.
Our review process
This research-based review combines Bose's published operation and battery details with independent comfort, sound and noise cancelling testing. Value is judged against current Sony and Sennheiser models, not against Bose's previous price alone.
Read our editorial standards