When it comes to high-quality over-ear headphones, the competition is fierce. In 2025, two models that have been capturing attention are the Nothing Headphone (1) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Both promise exceptional audio experiences, but they cater to different user needs and price brackets. If you're on the hunt for your next pair of premium headphones, this detailed comparison will guide you through every feature, performance metric, and value proposition of these two impressive audio devices.
1. Price and Value
One of the first things most buyers consider is price.
Nothing Headphone (1) comes in at a competitive price of $299. For a brand that's still relatively new in the audio market, this is a bold move. But it's one backed by a strong set of features and a unique design aesthetic that promises value beyond just specs.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra, on the other hand, retails at a steeper $449 but can often be found on sale around $429. While Bose is a long-established brand with a reputation for excellence, the higher price tag reflects its premium heritage and performance expectations.
Winner: Nothing Headphone (1) scores for affordability and strong feature-to-price ratio, though Bose's price is justified by its refined performance.
2. Design and Build Quality
Nothing Headphone (1) features a bold, transparent design with a retro-futuristic appeal. Its aluminum accents and squared-off ear cups give it a distinctive identity in a sea of uniform-looking headphones. However, the design isn't just about looks; it feels solid and premium in hand. At around 11 oz, it does carry some heft, which might not be ideal for extended use.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra opts for a more traditional, minimalist aesthetic. The build quality is top-tier, with ultra-soft padding and a lightweight 8.8 oz body that prioritizes comfort. Its muted design makes it ideal for professional and casual settings alike.
Winner: Bose for superior comfort and lightweight build; Nothing gets points for originality and visual appeal.
3. Controls and Usability
One of the standout features of the Nothing Headphone (1) is its physical control system. It includes a tactile volume roller, a multi-directional paddle for track control, a power switch, and a customizable button. These controls are intuitive, satisfying, and make for a superior user experience, especially for those who dislike touch-sensitive controls.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra combines a multifunction button and a touch-sensitive strip for volume control. While functional, the touch strip can sometimes be finicky or prone to accidental triggers.
Both models come with companion apps. The Nothing X app offers robust EQ customization and firmware updates. The Bose Music app is sleek, with essential features like adjustable noise cancellation levels, customizable shortcuts, and a 3-band EQ.
Winner: Nothing wins this round for intuitive physical controls and greater customization.
4. Audio Performance
Here's where the rubber meets the road.
Nothing Headphone (1) is tuned by audiophile-favorite brand KEF. It features a darker audio profile, emphasizing upper bass and lower mids. While this creates a warm and immersive soundstage, the highs are slightly recessed, which might disappoint those who prefer bright and detailed treble. The sound out of the box isn't perfectly balanced, but the Nothing X app allows for tweaking to achieve your preferred signature.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a well-balanced, crisp, and slightly bass-boosted audio experience. It offers rich clarity, detailed mids, and just the right amount of low-end punch right out of the box. Its spatial audio features and Immersive Audio mode add a sense of dimension and space that is hard to beat.
Winner: Bose for overall sound fidelity and superior out-of-the-box experience.
5. Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Noise cancellation is a critical component of any premium headphone.
Nothing Headphone (1) includes adaptive ANC, which intelligently adjusts to your surroundings. It performs admirably in moderately noisy environments, such as cafes or public transport. However, in very loud settings or windy conditions, its effectiveness starts to wane.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra continues its legacy of best-in-class ANC. Whether you're on a plane, walking through a bustling city, or working in a noisy office, the noise cancellation is consistent, immersive, and impressive.
Winner: Bose, hands down. It continues to lead the ANC category.
6. Features and Connectivity
Both headphones come loaded with premium features:
Nothing Headphone (1):
- Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC
- USB-C wired audio support
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Spatial audio support
- Multipoint connectivity
- Customizable EQ via app
- Passive mode (wired)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra:
- Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD
- Immersive Audio (spatial audio)
- Snapdragon Sound support
- Multipoint pairing
- No USB-C audio or 3.5mm jack
While Bose offers more advanced codec support (aptX HD, Snapdragon Sound), Nothing provides more flexibility with its wired modes and input options.
Winner: Tie. Nothing wins for versatility, while Bose excels in codec quality and spatial audio tech.
7. Call Quality
Call performance is often overlooked, but it's essential for many users.
Nothing Headphone (1) delivers decent call clarity with multiple microphones and noise suppression. However, background noise can still creep in, especially in outdoor settings.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra excels with crystal-clear voice pickup, excellent background noise isolation, and consistently reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
Winner: Bose for outstanding call quality.
8. Battery Life
Nothing Headphone (1) offers an impressive battery life:
- Up to 35 hours with ANC on
- Up to 80 hours with ANC off
- Fast charging: 5 hours of playback in just 5 minutes
- Around 24 to 27 hours with ANC on
- Fast charging: 2.5 hours of playback from 15 minutes of charging
Winner: Nothing clearly takes the lead here with nearly double the battery life and faster charging.
9. Companion Apps and Customization
The Nothing X app is refreshingly feature-rich. Users can customize ANC levels, fine-tune EQ, assign button functions, and activate spatial audio. Its interface is sleek and user-friendly.
The Bose Music app is equally polished, though it offers fewer deep customization options. It covers all the essentials and ensures seamless firmware updates and device management.
Winner: Nothing, for providing deeper control and more advanced tuning options.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both the Nothing Headphone (1) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra deliver high-quality audio experiences, but they cater to slightly different audiences.
Choose Nothing Headphone (1) if you:
- Love bold, unique design
- Want great value for money
- Prefer physical controls
- Need long battery life and wired listening options
- Don't mind tweaking the EQ to suit your taste
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you:
- Want the best-in-class ANC
- Need a balanced and ready-to-go sound signature
- Prioritize comfort and build quality
- Frequently take calls and need excellent mic performance
- Prefer polished features and top-tier audio codecs
Score Summary (5-point Scale)
| Category | Nothing Headphone (1) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price & Value | 4.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 |
| Design | 4.7 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Controls | 4.0 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 |
| Sound Quality | 3.0 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| ANC | 4.3 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Call Quality | 3.0 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Connectivity | 5.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Battery | 4.5 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 |
| Overall Score | 3.9 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, headphone buyers are spoiled for choice. The Nothing Headphone (1) brings a much-needed dose of style and innovation to the over-ear category. It's perfect for users looking to stand out without compromising on features.
Meanwhile, Bose QuietComfort Ultra remains a stalwart in the high-end audio world, continuing its tradition of exceptional ANC, comfort, and sonic balance.
Whether you're driven by design or sound quality, this comparison makes one thing clear: both of these headphones are excellent. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities. Budget-savvy audiophiles may lean toward Nothing, while purists and professionals may still prefer Bose.