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Verdict: The “up to 40% off” Bose headphone promotion cannot be verified as a live, range-wide offer. The available Bose and Best Buy listings show confirmed discounts closer to 11%–18% on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), while Bose lists the first-generation Ultra at $279 without clearly stating its reference price. If you want the newest model, check Best Buy’s $369.99 listing before buying; if the first-generation Ultra remains available at $279, it is the stronger value.
Prices and availability are volatile. The cited snapshot was checked August 16–18, 2026, and should be rechecked before purchase.
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What the Bose “up to 40% off” claim actually proves
The headline appears to refer to an earlier or retailer-specific Black Friday promotion, not a currently confirmed August 2026 sale. Bose’s official Black Friday page promotes limited-time discounts on headphones, earbuds and speakers, but the retrieved page does not identify a complete dated offer table or establish that Bose headphones are discounted by 40%.
The exact product, seller, country, dates and pricing basis behind the 40% figure are also unverified. “Up to” could refer to one discontinued, low-stock, refurbished or clearance product rather than the broader Bose range. It may also be calculated against MSRP or another reference price rather than a product’s usual selling price.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
For context, Black Friday 2026 falls on November 27. An undated evergreen page should not be treated as proof of a live August promotion.
Confirmed Bose prices in the available listings
| Product | Reference price | Listed price | Saving | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at Bose | $449 | $399 | $50, about 11% | The Bose page showed an August 9, 2026 deadline, so this offer appeared expired by August 16. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at Best Buy | $449 | $369.99 | $79.01, about 18% | Best Buy’s retrieved listing; confirm stock, condition and price at checkout. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, 1st Gen | Not clearly stated | $279 at Bose | Cannot calculate reliably | A current listed price was found, but the page did not establish the original-price basis or sale end date. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Not established | $299 displayed on Bose’s Black Friday page | Discount not established | Do not assume the displayed price is a sale price. |
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | $299 | $199 | $100, about 33% | Listed on Bose’s retrieved promotional page; verify current availability and terms. |
Best Buy’s category page advertises up to $100 off select Bose headphones. That banner does not mean every Bose headphone is 40% off. The related listing for the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra is $369.99 versus $449, or approximately 18% off.
Which Bose model is the best buy?
Best premium over-ear choice: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Choose the second-generation Ultra if you want Bose’s newest over-ear feature set and are willing to pay more. Bose describes it as its most advanced over-ear model, with CustomTune, noise cancellation, spatialized audio and Cinema Mode. Its stated battery life is up to 30 hours in Quiet or Aware modes and up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The product information also describes optional wired lossless listening through USB-C.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAt $369.99, the Best Buy listing is materially better than Bose’s $399 listing. Neither price demonstrates a 40% discount, but $369.99 is a reasonable trigger price if you specifically want the current generation and the retailer confirms the item is new and in stock.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Best value: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, 1st Gen
At the listed $279, the first-generation Ultra is potentially the standout deal. However, Bose’s retrieved page does not clearly show a former price, so the percentage saving cannot be verified. Treat $279 as a price signal, not as proof of a particular discount.
The first-generation model still offers the Ultra positioning, including CustomTune and immersive audio. It was introduced in September 2023 as Bose’s flagship replacement for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, with Immersive Audio, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive support and up to 24 hours of battery life with Immersive Audio disabled, according to Bose’s launch announcement.
Buy it when the lower price matters more than the newer generation’s Cinema Mode, USB-C lossless-listening feature and longer stated battery life. Do not buy it assuming it includes every second-generation feature.
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- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Best conventional comfort option: QuietComfort Headphones
The standard QuietComfort line is worth considering if it is substantially cheaper than either Ultra model and you mainly want comfortable over-ear listening and noise cancellation. The value depends on the actual final price; the available evidence does not establish a current discount for this model.
Best Bose earbuds for noise cancellation: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Choose these when portability and an in-ear fit matter more than the longer battery experience of over-ear headphones. Bose’s Black Friday page displayed a $299 price, but the retrieved evidence does not establish that it was discounted. Check the current product page, seller and return terms before treating it as a deal.
Best for awareness: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Ultra Open Earbuds are designed for listeners who need to hear their surroundings while walking, commuting or participating in other awareness-oriented activities. The retrieved Bose page showed $199 versus $299, a $100 reduction. They are not a direct replacement for sealed ANC headphones: open designs sacrifice isolation, making them a poor choice for air travel or a noisy office.
Rank #4
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Second generation versus first generation
| Consideration | QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen | QuietComfort Ultra 1st Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Price signals found | $399 at Bose; $369.99 at Best Buy | $279 at Bose |
| Battery claim | Up to 30 hours in Quiet/Aware; up to 23 with Immersive Audio | Up to 24 hours with Immersive Audio off |
| Notable features | Cinema Mode, spatialized audio, CustomTune and optional USB-C wired lossless listening | Immersive Audio, CustomTune, Aware Mode with ActiveSense and aptX Adaptive |
| Best for | Buyers who want the latest features and longest stated runtime | Buyers prioritizing value |
The price gap between $369.99 and $279 is about $90.99. That is large enough to make the first generation the sensible choice unless Cinema Mode, USB-C listening or the newer battery claim matters to you.
Should you buy now or wait?
- Buy the second-generation Ultra now only if Best Buy’s $369.99 price is still live, the item is new, and you specifically want the newest features.
- Buy the first-generation Ultra now if Bose still offers it at $279 and you accept the older feature set. Confirm the reference price, warranty and return terms first.
- Wait if you are shopping primarily for the biggest possible Black Friday saving. The 40% claim is not verified, and the Bose direct $399 offer had an August 9 deadline in the retrieved page. No later Black Friday price can be stated as fact, but waiting preserves the chance to compare future promotions.
Do not wait solely because a headline says “up to 40% off.” Wait because the specific model and final dollar price do not yet justify your purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bose direct versus Best Buy
Bose’s direct-purchase messaging includes a 90-day return policy, free shipping and returns on eligible in-stock orders of $49 or more, and a price-match promise covering select authorized Bose dealers. Restrictions and the relevant purchase window apply, so read the terms before relying on them.
Best Value
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
Best Buy may offer the lower immediate price, store pickup or different service options. Confirm whether the listing is sold by Best Buy or a third-party marketplace seller, and check whether the product is new, open-box, refurbished or imported. A lower price is not automatically the better deal if it changes the condition, warranty or return rights.
Fine print to check before paying
- Check the country, currency and exact promotion dates.
- Confirm whether a coupon, account, app or new-customer restriction applies.
- Compare the same generation, color, bundle and condition.
- Do not treat MSRP as the normal street price; compare the final dollar amount with recent prices when possible.
- Verify shipping dates, especially if buying for a holiday.
- Check Bose or retailer price-match exclusions.
- Use the return policy to account for personal fit, clamp pressure, earbud seal, ANC performance and microphone quality.
- Be cautious with marketplace listings that do not clearly identify the seller or warranty.
Last checked: August 16–18, 2026. Prices, stock and promotional copy can change without notice.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
