The battle for noise-canceling supremacy has just taken a dramatic turn with the arrival of the Nothing Headphone (1), a pair of headphones that promise to disrupt the market with their impressive features and affordable price tag. But how do they stack up against Bose’s long-standing flagship, the QuietComfort Ultra? In this in-depth review, we’ll pit these two powerhouses against each other to determine which one comes out on top.
In terms of specs, both headphones have their strengths. The Nothing Headphone (1) boasts a sleek design with transparent panels and improved materials, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra features a more traditional look with multiple finishes. However, comfort takes precedence in this round, with the QuietComfort Ultra’s plush cushioning beating out the Headphone (1)’s slightly firmer fit.
The real showstopper here is sound quality. Unfortunately for the Nothing Headphone (1), their sound profile falls short of expectations, with an overemphasis on upper-bass and lower-mids that leave music sounding muffled. In contrast, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a rich, bass-heavy sound signature that’s pleasing to the ear.
Noise cancellation is also where the QuietComfort Ultra takes the lead, with its industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) outperforming the Headphone (1)’s efforts by a wide margin. And when it comes to battery life, the Nothing Headphone (1) takes the win, offering an impressive 80 hours of playback time without ANC.
So why does Bose’s flagship take the crown? Simply put, it’s all about the overall package. The QuietComfort Ultra may not be the cheapest option on the market, but its well-rounded feature set and superior sound quality make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a top-notch listening experience.
Ultimately, while the Nothing Headphone (1) makes some compelling arguments, they fall short in critical areas that matter most to serious audiophiles. With some tweaks to their sound profile and additional refinement, these headphones could be contenders for noise-canceling supremacy. As it stands, however, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra remains the best choice for anyone seeking a top-tier listening experience.
Rating: 82/100 (Bose), 78/100 (Nothing Headphone (1))
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/audio/over-ear-headphones/nothing-headphone-1-vs-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones