The most durable headphones you won't need to replace

Headphones face a lot of wear. They get packed, dropped, twisted, and used for hours every day. Over time, hinges loosen, ear cushions peel, and batteries lose stamina. Headphones sound great when first purchased but start to fade within a few years. For Bose, durability means more than toughness. It’s about keeping sound and comfort consistent, no matter how long you’ve owned your headphones. From premium materials that resist wear to software that stays current through updates, each model is engineered to perform beyond what most headphones can sustain.

A woman wearing QuietComfort Ultra Headphones placing sticky notes on a board.

QuietComfort Headphones – built for everyday reliability

Comfort that lasts through routine

The QuietComfort Headphones are built to feel the same on year five as they did on day one. Their lightweight frame and balanced fit make them comfortable through extended days of use, full workdays, study sessions, or quiet nights at home. Soft protein-leather cushions stay smooth and resist peeling, maintaining their seal and comfort through countless wearings.

 

Reliable sound that adapts with you

Inside the earcups, an adaptive microphone system continuously measures surrounding noise and adjusts in real time. Quiet Mode shuts out distractions to focus, while Aware Mode keeps you tuned into your surroundings without removing your headphones. Both modes work seamlessly to keep audio clear wherever you go.
With up to 24 hours of battery life, you can move through days of steady listening. When power runs low, simply plug in the included audio cable to keep listening. This combination of comfort, consistency, and endurance makes QuietComfort Headphones a reliable foundation of the Bose lineup — a pair made to handle years of everyday use. 
Explore more in the Noise Cancelling Headphones collection.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones in a variety of colors.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra lineup — engineered for lasting performance

The QuietComfort Ultra lineup was created for listeners who expect long-lasting comfort and detailed sound. Each model uses aluminum pivots and protein leather for the right balance of strength and lightness.

These durable materials support Bose’s most advanced technologies: CustomTune for personalized sound, Bose Immersive Audio for spacious depth, and adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts precisely to your surroundings. Together, these innovations maintain performance over years of use. While many premium headphones lose comfort or sound balance over time, the QuietComfort Ultra lineup is engineered for steady reliability, whether through long creative hours, focused work, or quiet listening at home. Replaceable cushions and energy-efficient batteries extend longevity, ensuring a consistent premium experience.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen)

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen): Reliable immersion for everyday balance

The first-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are designed for steady, all-day listening. A 24-hour battery supports long work sessions or weekend downtime without frequent charging. Multipoint Bluetooth® lets you stay connected to two devices at once, so switching between a laptop call and your phone playlist is effortless.

CustomTune technology shapes sound to your ears, while Bose Immersive Audio adds a subtle sense of space that stays natural during light movement like stretching or walking. The goal: dependable audio that feels clear, natural, and real. For those who want comfort that lasts and sound that stays consistent, this model remains a trusted everyday choice.

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Extended endurance for modern routines

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) refine the experience even further, with longer playtime, smarter energy management, and seamless listening across any routine. Up to 30 hours of battery life gives students, creators, and travelers the flexibility to move through long schedules without stopping to recharge.

 

ActiveSense continuously adjusts to surrounding noise, keeping sound clear and steady no matter where you listen. The headphones transition smoothly between deep focus and relaxed downtime, maintaining clarity and comfort throughout the day. 

 

When it’s time to unwind, Cinema Mode brings richer dialogue and layered detail for shows and movies. You can charge and listen at once via USB-C, or connect directly for lossless audio. Every refinement, from improved power management to replaceable parts, reinforces long-term durability and daily dependability. 

 

Learn more about Cinema Mode and how to use it. 

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) floating above ice, with dancers in background.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen) in their Charging case.

Keep your headphones durable over time

Durability depends on care, and Bose designs each pair to stay strong for years. With a few simple habits, you can keep your headphones performing and feeling like new.
 Here’s how: 
  • Replace parts when needed. Ear cushions, cables, and charging accessories are designed to be easily swapped out to restore comfort and sound quality.  
  • Use the protective case. Storing your headphones when not in use prevents scratches, bending, and unnecessary wear.  
  • Charge with care. Always use approved USB-C chargers to help preserve longterm battery health.  
  • Stay updated. The Bose app automatically delivers software updates that refine performance, improve connectivity, and extend lifespan.  
With these small steps, your Bose headphones can sound and feel like new for years to come.

Experience lasting quality with Bose headphones

Durability is about lasting quality you can enjoy every day. Bose headphones are engineered to maintain comfort, performance, and balance for years. From the dependable QuietComfort Headphones to the advanced QuietComfort Ultra lineup, each model represents Bose’s long-standing commitment to reliability and thoughtful design. These headphones are made to last, both in build and in the sound that defines them. Explore the complete headphones collection to find a pair designed to perform beautifully for years.

FAQs

How long do Bose headphones last with regular use?

With proper care, most Bose headphones maintain performance for five years or more. The combination of strong materials, replaceable parts, and software updates helps them stay reliable over time. 

Can I replace worn parts myself?

Yes. Genuine Bose ear cushions, cables, and charging accessories are easy to install at home, extending comfort and keeping your headphones performing like new. 

Does Bose noise cancelling weaken over time?

No. Bose adaptive noise cancelling recalibrates automatically, keeping external sound reduction consistent even after years of use.

What makes Bose headphones more durable than others?

Each model combines stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and protein leather with replaceable components and regular software updates, reflecting a design approach built for lasting reliability, not short-term upgrades.

¹ Testing conducted by Bose with active noise cancelling on and audio playback at a loudness of 75 dBSPL. Battery life varies based on settings and usage


² Testing conducted by Bose in June 2023 using production-representative Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and a variety of music tracks using A2DP Bluetooth audio streaming at RSSI signal strength of 75dBm. Volume set to playback loudness of 75dB, 3-band EQ set, to zero in Quiet Mode (full noise cancellation). With Immersive Audio off, playback time was up to 24 hours before battery depletion. With Immersive Audio on, playback time was up to 18 hours before battery depletion. Battery life varies based on settings and usage.


³ Testing conducted by Bose in April 2025 using production-representative Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and a variety of music tracks using A2DP Bluetooth audio streaming at RSSI signal strength of 75dBm. Volume set to playback loudness of 75dB, 3-band EQ set, to zero in Quiet Mode (full noise cancellation). With Immersive Audio off, playback time was up to 24 hours before battery depletion. With Immersive Audio on, playback time was up to 18 hours before battery depletion. Battery life varies based on settings and usage.