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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sonos Ace

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the better buy for most people: stronger noise cancelling, a lower price, and a much larger review base. The Sonos Ace is worth the extra only if you own a Sonos soundbar and want TV Audio Swap. As of November 6, 2026, the Bose is $229.00 at Dell and the Sonos is $315.92 at Amazon, so the Bose costs about $87 less.

Today the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones costs $86.92 less at its best price.

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Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

4.3(3,468 ratings)
$229.00at DellObserved Nov 5, 2026, 10:46 PM
Visit Dell

Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want the best noise cancelling and immersive spatial audio for less money.

Pros
  • Best-in-class noise cancelling
  • Immersive Audio works on any source
  • Lower price at $229.00 at Dell
  • Large, consistent review base
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
Cons
  • Bass-heavy tuning not to everyone's taste
  • Some reviewers call the earpads average build
  • Can feel hot over long sessions
  • No water resistance rating
Sonos
Sonos Ace

Sonos Ace

4.2(73 ratings)
$315.92at AmazonObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
Visit Amazon

Choose the Sonos Ace if you already own a Sonos soundbar and want to swap TV audio to your headphones at night.

Pros
  • 30-hour battery life
  • 3-minute charge gives 3 hours of playback
  • TV Audio Swap with Sonos soundbars
  • Magnetic memory-foam earcups are easy to replace
  • Premium materials and Dolby Atmos support
Cons
  • Costs about $87 more than the Bose
  • Best features need other Sonos hardware
  • Gets warm after long wear
  • Only 73 ratings so far

What separates them

Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSonos Ace
Price (as of November 6, 2026)$229.00 at Dell$315.92 at Amazon
Battery life24 hours with ANC onUp to 30 hours
Quick charge3-hour full recharge3 minutes for 3 hours of playback
Noise cancellingClass-leading ANC with Quiet and Aware modesActive noise cancelling with Aware mode
Spatial audioBose Immersive Audio, works with any contentSpatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Dolby Atmos
TV integrationNoneTV Audio Swap with Sonos soundbars
EarpadsProtein leather, average build noted by some reviewersMemory foam, magnetic and replaceable
Review base4.3 out of 5 from 3,468 ratings4.2 out of 5 from 73 ratings

Price history

$349.00$29.00
Oct 27Nov 6
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: lowest $29.00 on Oct 30 at Butterfly Nursery; $229.00 on Nov 6.
  • Sonos Ace: lowest $206.00 on Oct 28 at eBay; $315.92 on Nov 6.

Prices at every store

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • DellNew

    In stock

    $229.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 10:46 PM
    Visit Dell
  • ReCellExchangeNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $244.99Observed Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
    Visit ReCellExchange
  • BoseNew

    In stock

    $299.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 10:46 PM
    Visit Bose
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $299.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 10:46 PM
    Visit Staples

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • SearsCheck price at Sears
  • bkstr.comCheck price at bkstr.com
All 15 stores and price history →

Sonos Ace

  • SonosNew

    In stock

    $349.00Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
    Visit Sonos
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $349.00Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $349.00Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $315.92Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:18 PM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • Crate & BarrelCheck price at Crate & Barrel
All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSonos Ace
Battery Life24 hours (ANC on)30 h
Headphone Cup TypeOver-earOver-ear
Body Part UseHeadHead
Noise Cancellation TypeActiveActive
Max Battery Life24 hours30 hours
Recharge Time3 hours3 minutes (for 3 hours of playback)
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Earpad MaterialProtein LeatherMemory foam
Driver Size40 mm40 mm driver
Frequency ResponseBose doesn't provide frequency range specsUpper-bass bump, Mid-bass suppressed, Notable s…
Headphone Impedance32 ohm10 Ohm
SensitivityUnnecessary to take sensitivity measurements (r…50 dB
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSonos Ace
Sound OutputStereoStereo, Surround sound
Audio HighlightsSpatial audio, Immersive AudioSpatial audio
Total Harmonic DistortionHigher scores mean cleaner reproduction (MOS-D)No audible coloration of the sound
WaterproofNoNo
Water ResistantNoNo
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorBlackBlack, 2

What reviewers say

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • 4.3 / 53,468 ratings

Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality, noise cancelling and comfort. Some find the bass-forward tuning too strong, and a few note average build quality on the earpads and heat over long wear.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedReviewers call the sound detailed and accurate, with well-defined bass and natural mids.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say ANC blocks out background noise superbly and ActiveSense smooths sudden spikes.
  • ComfortPraisedThe cushioned earpads are widely described as comfortable for long listening.
  • Bass tuningMixedSome listeners find the bass-heavy signature too strong for their taste.

Sonos Ace

  • 4.2 / 573 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 73 ratings, the Ace draws praise for sound, comfort, noise cancelling and build. Owners say it pairs especially well with a Sonos soundbar for Dolby Atmos. The main complaints are heat buildup on long wears and controls that take getting used to.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedBuyers call the sound excellent, with clear detail across the range.
  • ComfortMixedOwners find it comfortable and light for hours, but some say the earcups get very warm on long wears.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedReviewers rate the active noise cancellation highly.
  • BuildPraised
Reviews
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET
  • The best headphones in 2026: Lab-tested by experts - All products featured are independently chosen by us
  • Best Wireless Headphones
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sonos Ace?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Reviewers consistently call its ANC superb at blocking surroundings, and it is Bose's main strength. The Sonos Ace has solid ANC but is not known as the class leader.
Is the Sonos Ace worth the extra money over the Bose?
Only if you own a Sonos soundbar. TV Audio Swap is the one thing the Bose cannot do. Otherwise you pay about $87 more for less effective noise cancelling.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Sonos Ace, at up to 30 hours versus 24 hours on the Bose with ANC on. The Sonos also charges far faster: 3 minutes gives 3 hours of playback.
Which is better for watching TV at night?
The Sonos Ace, if you have a Sonos soundbar. TV Audio Swap sends the soundbar's audio to the headphones instantly. The Bose has no equivalent feature.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
Both are praised for comfort, but reviewers of both note heat buildup over long sessions. The Sonos has magnetic memory-foam earcups that are easier to clean and replace.
Do either of these work with spatial audio on any phone?
Yes. Bose Immersive Audio works with any content and source. The Sonos Ace supports spatial audio with head tracking and Dolby Atmos, which is best with Dolby content.

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Buying guides that pick them

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Style
In-ear
On-ear
Impedance32 ohms16 ohms
Water ProtectionIPX4No ingress protection rating
Over-EarYesYes
BrandBoseSonos
FeaturesImmersive Audio, Aware Mode, Custom EQ, Touch &…Built-in Microphone, Voice-Activated, Closed Cup
Microphone HighlightsBuilt-in MicrophoneNoise Cancelling
Noise Cancelling MicrophoneYesYes
Integrated MicrophoneYesYes
Headphone TypeOver the earHeadphones
Driver40mm dynamic—
Bluetooth5.3, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, Sn…—
Standby TimeGo into sleep mode automatically (when you remo…—
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, Wireless—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Compatible DevicesiPhone, Android, Laptop—
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C, USB C PORT—
With Charging CaseYes—
With Touch ControlsYes—
Materials feel premium and the headphones are lightweight.
  • Best SwissGear headphones
  • Best wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones under $300
  • Best Bluetooth wireless earbuds for music and calls