Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800S lands at 95 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sennheiser HD 800S if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sennheiser HD 800STuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 90).
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 93).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 94).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($449 vs $1,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800S | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | — |
| Release year | 2016 | — |
| Driver | — | 35 mm |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 8-mic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound |
| Codecs | — | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 hr (24 with ANC) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
Sennheiser HD 800S
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 800S vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800S or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 800S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Does Sennheiser HD 800S or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Sennheiser HD 800S or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 800S or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 93). ANC strength for commute and travel.