100% I thought it was me... but certainly every now and then, depending on the movement I do hear this cracking mechanical sound. This is a no no in a Premium product.
Complaint
Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Best Comfort ANC
The Bose QuietComfort delivers the same legendary comfort and strong ANC as the Ultra at $100–$150 CAD less. It drops Immersive Audio but keeps 24-hour battery, multipoint connection, and the plush fit that made QuietComfort a travel staple.
9 mentions · 5 threadslast mention May 20255.7/ 10
ClearPick Score
Buyer Beware
Score informed by 9 owner mentions across 5 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
4 positive0 mixed5 negative
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Best Comfort ANC
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
~$349 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
I think bose did a good job of using plastic where it would save weight
Mention
I also found the ear cups more shallow on the Ultra than the previous generations and the leatherette more coarse / less supple.
Comparison
These are very comfortable in my opinion and I experience no issue with the ANC. Much more comfortable than the XM5 I used to have.
Praise
Yeah, I have those and the Ultras, and the Ultras are definitely not as comfortable!
Comparison
the earpad stitching is non-existent but glued with something that comes open within 2 months while I'm only using them at home.
Complaint
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is superior, but it's bumping, yay! It bumps as I face with Technics EAH-A800s. Every step I take, every touch I make to the ear cups, they produce a bump picked up by the mics, which is awful for outdoor use and active use.
Complaint
Within all the wireless headphones that I have bought, bose has always nailed it with comfort imo. Not surprising since they're pretty much a airline company before a consumer company, comfort plays a part for long flights. The Bose QuietComforts are in the same design range as the 45s and 35s so that soft boobiesque cushions on your ears all fluffed
Praise
The ear cups feel shallow and not as sturdy as the QC45 (which used glass-filled nylon). The headphone is really soft, the the lining seems very thin, wondering how it's going to hold.
Complaint
✅ What Works
- Comfort is consistently praised, with several owners calling it their favorite Bose headphone
- Rated more comfortable than both the Sony XM5 and Bose's own QC Ultra by some owners
- Thoughtful use of lightweight plastic in the construction
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- ANC reportedly produces an audible "bumping" sound tied to movement, which multiple owners find distracting for a premium product
- Ear cups feel shallower and less sturdy than the older QC45, with a "cracking" mechanical sound reported during use
- Earpad stitching has come loose within as little as two months of light, at-home use for some owners
ClearPick Verdict
Owner sentiment on the QuietComfort is unanimously negative in this sample, 5 of 9 mentions critical, with ANC and build durability the main issues. Several owners report the ANC produces an audible "bumping" sound tied to movement or touch, which one calls a "no no in a premium product." Build quality complaints follow closely — ear cups feel shallower and less sturdy than the older QC45, and one owner reports earpad stitching coming loose within about two months of light home use. On the positive side, comfort is consistently praised, with several owners calling it their favorite Bose headphone and more comfortable than both the Sony XM5 and Bose's own QC Ultra. Worth considering for comfort-first buyers on a good deal; those prioritizing rock-solid ANC and long-term build durability should look elsewhere or budget for possible early wear.
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