Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.3

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(1806)
amazon
3.8
(553)
amazon
4.0
(98)
amazon
3.6
(9)
United States
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3.8
(1806)
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3.8
(553)
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4.0
(98)
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3.6
(9)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 7.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    5.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra is a wired, noise-isolating in-ear headphone featuring a sealed acoustic design and proprietary StayHear Ultra tips available in three sizes (S, M, L). These 18.5g lightweight earbuds utilize TriPort technology and dynamic drivers to deliver a balanced frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, characterized by deep bass and clear vocals. Designed for durability, they are sweat- and weather-resistant, making them suitable for active use. Main pros include exceptional passive noise isolation, a secure and comfortable fit that doesn't require deep ear canal insertion, and a low-latency wired connection ideal for gaming and movies. However, notable cons include significant microphonic 'cable noise' when the cord rubs against clothing, a maximum volume level that is 10–20% lower than many competitors, and the lack of modern wireless connectivity features.

Technical Specifications of Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.9
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a technical score of 4.91 points, which is lower than that of 50.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(1806)
amazon
3.8
(553)
amazon
4.0
(98)
amazon
3.6
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(1806)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(553)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(98)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(9)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.3
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a user score of 8.33 points, which is higher than that of 69.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.9
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bose
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

17.9 g
Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear weighs 17.9 g, lighter than 87.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear vs the average headphone

  • 91.8% lower weight
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (17.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (17.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.17.9 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Water resistance
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    IPX4
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 0.17 % lower distortion
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.128 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2.15x more popular
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 91.8% lower weight
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (17.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 0.17 % lower distortion
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Fixed cable
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Fixed cable
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW

Graphic comparison of Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear?

  • Exceptional comfort with 'StayHear Ultra' tips that don't go too deep into the canal
  • Secure fit suitable for exercise and running
  • Impressive passive noise isolation for a non-powered design
  • Balanced and clean sound signature with detailed mids and highs
  • Lightweight and compact build, ideal for commuting
  • Includes a high-quality, sturdy carrying case
  • Low-latency wired connection suitable for gaming and movies

What customers dislike about Bose Soundtrue Ultra In Ear?

  • High level of microphonics (cable noise) when the wire rubs against clothing
  • Lower maximum volume sensitivity compared to competitors
  • Thin, plasticky cable feels somewhat fragile for the price
  • Straight plug design can be prone to strain compared to L-shaped plugs
  • Limited soundstage due to the sealed in-ear design
  • OS-specific variants (Android vs. iOS) limit cross-device remote compatibility
  • Lack of sweat-resistance rating despite a secure fit for sports

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
01/10/2015

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra in-ear headphones deliver a neutral, high-quality audio experience with strong bass, featuring an integrated microphone and inline volume controls compatible with select Android and Apple devices. The headphones are rated for water resistance and include three earpiece sizes for a customizable fit, along with high compatibility for portable media players....Read more

X
xander51.medium.com
05/07/2017

Alex Rowe’s Medium review highlights the Bose SoundTrue Ultra as an exceptionally balanced, detailed, and comfortable "hidden gem," praised for its clean audio signature featuring accurate, deep bass, flat mid-ranges, and snappy, distortion-free highs. The earphones, which rival the quality of premium over-ear alternatives, offer unparalleled comfort through patented StayHear Ultra...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
03/09/2016

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the Bose SoundTrue Ultra highlights a design focused on class-leading comfort and a secure fit, featuring soft silicone StayHear Ultra tips that provide effective passive noise isolation. While audio performance is characterized by a balanced, "high-end" signature with clean treble and a solid midrange, the sound is noted as leaning toward an anaemic...Read more

R
rtings.com
27/04/2018

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra In-Ear headphones offer a comfortable, stable fit with StayHear Ultra tips, a compact design, and a well-balanced sound profile with notable bass, making them suitable for neutral listening. However, their passive-only noise isolation is merely average, failing to block low-frequency rumbles like engine noise, and they lack active noise cancellation....Read more

C
cnet.com
17/10/2015

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra is the company's first noise-isolating in-ear headphone, available in Apple and Android versions for $150, £130, or AU$200. Designed with lightweight high-tech plastic, it stands out for its exceptional comfort and secure fit, utilizing specialized StayHear Ultra tips that extend into the ear canal without being forced deep inside. Performance-wise, the...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
20/04/2016

The Bose SoundTrue In-Ear headphones offer an exceptional everyday listening experience characterized by outstanding comfort and robust build quality. A standout design feature is the inclusion of proprietary silicone wings that securely mold to the ear without deep insertion, allowing users to wear them comfortably for hours without experiencing ear fatigue. Because they employ a...Read more

L
leclaireur.fnac.com
25/12/2015

The Labo Fnac review evaluates the Bose SoundTrue IIGo, a circum-aural (over-ear) headphone designed as the successor to the original SoundTrue line. Certified as "Made For iPhone" (MFI), this wired headset comes equipped with a detachable cable that features an integrated microphone and a remote control specifically optimized for Apple devices. The lab test awards the product a...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
04/02/2016

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra semi-in-ear headphones offer a lightweight plastic design featuring redesigned StayHear tips that provide exceptional comfort, a secure fit, and excellent passive noise isolation suitable for noisy environments. The included cable is highly tangle-resistant and integrates a highly functional inline remote control for full music navigation, call management,...Read more

A
audiocasque.fr
20/11/2015

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra are wired "semi-in-ear" headphones that offer a lightweight, highly stable fit using proprietary StayHear silicone tips and flexible stabilizing fins,,. Priced around €149, these compact earphones introduce a unique T-shaped cable junction designed to minimize friction noise against clothing,. They feature a 3-button inline remote control and microphone...Read more

M
medium.com
04/01/2017

The Medium review of the Bose SoundTrue In-Ear headphones highlights a lightweight design offering uncompromised, balanced audio with rich bass, optimized for Apple devices. Key advantages include the secure, comfortable fit provided by proprietary StayHear silicone tips and included accessories like a carrying case. Conversely, the 3.5mm wired connection requires adapters for...Read more

Video reviews

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