Bose QuietComfort Ultra NZ: Price, Specs & Where to Buy

The QuietComfort Ultra range is Bose's flagship noise-cancelling lineup, sold in NZ as both over-ear headphones and true wireless earbuds. Here's what they cost and how to choose between them.

Two products, one name

Bose sells the "QuietComfort Ultra" name across two different form factors: over-ear QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and true wireless QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Both sit above the standard QuietComfort (non-Ultra) models, adding Bose's Immersive Audio spatial sound feature and generally stronger active noise cancellation than the base range.

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The over-ear Ultra headphones are widely regarded as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones available, competing directly with Sony's WH-1000XM series. Key specs include adjustable ANC with a dedicated "Immersive Audio" mode that adds a spatial, room-filling effect to music and movies, up to around 24 hours of battery life (less with Immersive Audio switched on), and Bose's typically excellent call microphone quality. Noel Leeming stocks both the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the newer 2nd Gen model, which added improved ANC and battery life. NZ pricing for the Ultra headphones has ranged from around $425 at the low end (per PriceSpy comparison) up toward $500+ at full retail depending on colourway and whether it's the original or 2nd Gen model.

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The true wireless Ultra earbuds bring the same Immersive Audio spatial feature to an in-ear form factor, alongside CustomTune sound calibration that adjusts EQ based on your individual ear shape, detected automatically on first use. Battery life is shorter than the headphones, as expected for true wireless earbuds — typically around 6 hours per charge with ANC on, closer to 24 hours total with the charging case. They compete most directly with Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Pro.

Where to buy in NZ

Noel Leeming carries the widest range of colourways and both generations of the Ultra headphones, plus Afterpay-style payment options. Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi NZ also stock the range, and PB Tech is worth checking for the earbuds specifically. Because Bose runs regular promotional pricing (including direct-from-Bose NZ sales), it pays to compare before buying rather than assuming RRP is the real price — one recent Bose NZ promotion had the standard QuietComfort headphones (non-Ultra) down to $349.95 delivered.

Headphones or earbuds — which to buy

• Best possible noise cancellation and longest battery life: the over-ear Ultra Headphones.
• Portability and all-day wearability without a headband: the Ultra Earbuds.
• Budget-conscious but still want strong ANC: look at the standard (non-Ultra) QuietComfort Headphones, which regularly go on sale well under the Ultra models.

Bose vs the obvious alternative

Sony's WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 are the closest rivals at similar price points. Bose generally has the edge on outright noise cancellation and comfort for long wear; Sony tends to edge ahead on app features and multi-point Bluetooth handling. Both are safe buys — it mostly comes down to fit and which companion app you prefer.