Beats Studio Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Which Premium Headphones Actually Deliver?

Based on expert measurements from RTINGS and SoundGuys, plus real user experiences from Head-Fi and Reddit

The short answer: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins this battle with superior noise cancellation, better comfort, and audiophile-quality sound (after a quick EQ tweak). It's $100-150 more expensive, but the premium is worth it if you prioritize all-day comfort and class-leading ANC. However, if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want Dolby Atmos support at a lower price, the Beats Studio Pro is a solid runner-up. Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra on Amazon for $429 →

The Fighters

	Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Price	$249 on Amazon	$429 on Amazon
Best For	Apple users, Dolby Atmos fans	Frequent travelers, comfort seekers
Weight	268g	254g
Battery	24-40 hours	24 hours (18h with Immersive Audio)
ANC Rating	8/10	10/10

Person enjoying music with over-ear headphones in a relaxed urban setting

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Noise Cancellation

This is where Bose has built its reputation over decades, and it shows. The QuietComfort Ultra eliminates 95% of external sound across the frequency spectrum, achieving up to 35dB noise reduction below 1kHz according to SoundGuys testing. On airplanes, users describe it as creating "an almost eerie bubble of silence" where engine rumble simply disappears.

The Beats Studio Pro puts up a respectable fight with solid ANC that handles office chatter and traffic noise well. However, RTINGS places it 1-2 tiers below the Bose, roughly on par with the Sennheiser Momentum 4. The Bose also offers 11 adjustable ANC levels plus a Wind Block feature, while Beats gives you just 3 modes.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8/10	10/10

Round 1 Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra — The undisputed king of noise cancellation lives up to its name.

Score after Round 1: Beats 8 | Bose 10

Round 2: Sound Quality

Here's where things get interesting. Out of the box, the Beats actually sounds more balanced—SoundGuys gave it a 4.8/5 MDAQS score with a surprisingly refined treble-forward signature that enhances vocal clarity. The Bose, meanwhile, ships with overwhelming bass that drowns out mids and highs.

But here's the twist: after a quick EQ adjustment (Bass -6, Mid +4, Treble +2), the Bose transforms into an audiophile's dream. RecordingNow rates the tuned Bose at 8.9/10 versus 8.1/10 for the Beats, praising its "beautifully-detailed treble" with micro-detail clarity. The Bose also features CustomTune technology that automatically calibrates sound to your ear shape every time you put them on.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8/10	9/10

Round 2 Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Requires EQ tweaking, but rewards you with superior detail and clarity.

Score after Round 2: Beats 16 | Bose 19

Round 3: Comfort

This is the Beats Studio Pro's Achilles heel. Multiple reviewers, including SoundGuys, report being unable to wear them for more than an hour due to the "strongest clamping force in class." The shallow 59x40mm ear cups cause ears to touch the sides, and the stiff headband padding creates pressure points. Users with glasses face additional problems—the design doesn't accommodate frames well, and the folding hinge has a nasty habit of catching and pulling hair.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra lives up to its name here. At just 254g with plush headband padding and spacious ear cups, users report comfortable wear for up to 10 hours at a time. The lighter clamping force and glasses-friendly design make these the clear choice for extended listening sessions.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
5/10	9/10

Round 3 Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra — A decisive victory for all-day wearability.

Score after Round 3: Beats 21 | Bose 28

Person commuting on a train while listening to music with headphones

Round 4: Features & Ecosystem

The Beats Studio Pro strikes back with genuine advantages here. True Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience that Bose's proprietary "Immersive Audio" can't match. The Beats also offers USB-C lossless audio (it can work as a USB DAC), one-tap pairing with Apple devices, and Find My support.

However, the Bose counters with aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound support, better multipoint connection handling, and a superior microphone for calls that works with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Both headphones frustratingly lack auto-pause/wear detection, which is inexcusable at these prices.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8/10	7/10

Round 4 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — Dolby Atmos and Apple integration give Beats the edge for feature seekers.

Score after Round 4: Beats 29 | Bose 35

Round 5: Build Quality & Design

The Beats Studio Pro looks sleek but feels disappointing in hand. Multiple reviewers describe it as looking "cheap compared to competitors" like the Sennheiser Momentum 4. The brushed metal headband is sturdy, but the earcups, controls, and headband padding are all lower-grade plastic that creaks and shows dirt quickly. The carrying case is soft-sided, offering less protection.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra presents a more premium package with superior construction throughout. The hardshell case provides better protection for travel. However, neither headphone has an IP rating, so both should be kept away from sweat and rain.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
6/10	8/10

Round 5 Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra — More premium materials and a protective hardshell case.

Score after Round 5: Beats 35 | Bose 43

Round 6: Value for Money

At $249 street price versus $429, the Beats Studio Pro offers significant savings. You're getting solid ANC, surprisingly balanced sound, true Dolby Atmos, excellent Apple integration, and up to 40 hours of battery life without ANC. For budget-conscious buyers or those who prioritize specific features like Spatial Audio, the Beats delivers genuine value.

But value isn't just about price—it's about what you get for your money. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra commands a premium but delivers class-leading ANC, superior comfort for extended wear, and better sound quality after EQ adjustment. If comfort and noise cancellation are your priorities, the extra $180 is money well spent.

Beats Studio Pro	Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8/10	7/10

Round 6 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — The price advantage is real and meaningful for many buyers.

Score after Round 6: Beats 43 | Bose 50

Gold, silver, and bronze trophies displayed on a champion's podium

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra	50/60	WINNER
Beats Studio Pro	43/60

The Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes this death match with a convincing 7-point victory. Its dominance in the categories that matter most for daily use—noise cancellation and comfort—creates an experience the Beats simply can't match. The ANC is genuinely class-leading, creating that "bubble of silence" that makes long flights and noisy commutes bearable. The all-day comfort means you can actually enjoy that silence without pressure points or ear fatigue.

Yes, you need to spend 30 seconds adjusting the EQ to unlock the Bose's full sound potential. And yes, you're paying a $180 premium. But for anyone who values comfort during extended listening sessions or needs the best possible noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the clear choice.

The Beats Studio Pro isn't a bad product—it's a competent pair of headphones with genuine strengths in Apple integration and Dolby Atmos support. But the aggressive clamping force, smaller ear cups, and plasticky build quality hold it back from truly competing at the premium level.

Ready to buy the winner? Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra on Amazon →

When the Loser Actually Wins

The Beats Studio Pro isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're invested in Apple's ecosystem — One-tap pairing, Find My support, and seamless device switching make the Beats feel native to iPhone and Mac users
Dolby Atmos is a priority — True spatial audio with head tracking creates an immersive experience Bose can't replicate
Budget matters — At $180 less, the Beats delivers 80% of the experience at 60% of the price
You need USB-C audio — The Beats can function as a USB DAC for lossless wired listening

Beats Studio Pro might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Person relaxing on a couch with laptop, enjoying a peaceful work-from-home setup

Which has better battery life?

The Beats Studio Pro wins on battery with up to 40 hours without ANC (24 hours with ANC on), compared to the Bose's 24 hours (18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled). Both offer fast charging—Beats gives you 4 hours from a 10-minute charge, while Bose provides 2.5 hours from 15 minutes.

Are either good for phone calls?

Neither excels here, but the Bose has a better microphone according to RTINGS testing. The Bose's mic also works with gaming consoles. However, both headphones have received criticism for call quality—if calls are your primary use case, consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead.

Can I use them at the gym?

Neither is ideal. The Beats Studio Pro's tight clamping force keeps them secure during movement, but both lack water resistance ratings. The Bose's lighter clamp means they may slip during dynamic activities. For workouts, dedicated sports headphones like the Beats Fit Pro or Bose Sport Earbuds are better choices.

Do they work with Android?

Yes, both work with Android phones. The Beats supports Android Fast Pair for quick setup. The Bose offers full functionality through the Bose Music app. However, the Beats' Spatial Audio features are limited to Apple devices, while the Bose works equally well across platforms.