Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The DT 1990 Pro MKII features Beyerdynamic’s Tesla driver technology and a robust open‑back design, offering a spacious soundstage and low distortion for critical listening. Swappable earpads let you switch between balanced reference pads and more isolating studio pads for personalized comfort. Built with a high‑impedance 250 Ω driver and a detachable gold‑plated cable, these headphones provide accurate, flat frequency response ideal for mixing, mastering, and professional audio production. The steel headband and reinforced hinges ensure durability for daily studio use.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones combine Bose's renowned noise cancellation with a new Immersive Audio mode that adds spatialization and head tracking to any content, creating a more three-dimensional listening experience for music and movies. An updated CustomTune sound calibration technology automatically adjusts audio and noise cancellation to the specific fit and shape of the wearer's ears each time the headphones are put on. With up to 24 hours of battery life (18 hours with Immersive Audio active) and a lightweight, plush design, they are built for all-day comfort during long listening or travel sessions.
Around $429 MSRP.
- Accurate, flat frequency response
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Durable construction with replaceable parts
- High-quality Tesla drivers for low distortion
- Exceptional noise cancellation quality
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Immersive Audio is a genuinely novel feature
- Strong build quality
- Open‑back design leaks sound
- Requires a quality headphone amp
- Higher price point than many consumer headphones
- Premium price point
- Immersive Audio reduces battery life
- Case is fairly large
What reviewers say
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Reviews
No reviews yet.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Reviews
4.5 (2)Highly recommend Bose QuietComfort Ultra
I picked up Bose QuietComfort Ultra a while back and haven't looked back. Very comfortable for long sessions. One minor gripe: immersive audio reduces battery life, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been a regular user of Bose QuietComfort Ultra for a while now. Exceptional noise cancellation quality. No major complaints so far. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
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Studio‑grade, closed‑back headphones with precise sound and comfort for critical listening.
Alternatives to Bose QuietComfort Ultra
View all →Wireless active noise-canceling headphones with signature Sennheiser sound.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe DT 1990 Pro MKII offers studio‑grade, open‑back accuracy for critical listening, while the QuietComfort Ultra provides wireless convenience with top‑tier noise cancellation.
Key differences
- •Open‑back wired headphones vs. closed‑back wireless headphones with ANC
- •Flat, reference‑grade sound vs. customizable sound with CustomTune
- •Requires headphone amp vs. built‑in battery (up to 24 h)
- •Higher price ($599) vs. lower price ($429) but includes ANC hardware
- •Swappable earpads and replaceable parts vs. fixed design
Key features
DT 1990 Pro MKII provides calibrated flat response and Tesla drivers; QuietComfort Ultra focuses on ANC and spatial audio.
Battery life
QuietComfort Ultra offers up to 24 h of playback; DT 1990 Pro MKII is wired and has no battery.
Ecosystem & compatibility
QuietComfort Ultra integrates with Bose Music app, iOS/Android, Bluetooth; DT 1990 Pro MKII is purely wired.
Comfort & design
Both are described as very comfortable for long sessions.
Durability
DT 1990 Pro MKII has steel headband, reinforced hinges, swappable earpads; QuietComfort Ultra durability not specified.
Price & value
QuietComfort Ultra costs $429 vs. $599 for DT 1990 Pro MKII, offering lower upfront cost.
Choose Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
Audio engineers needing precise, flat response for studio work.
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…
Travelers or audiophiles wanting wireless ANC and long battery life.
Common questions
Can I use the DT 1990 Pro MKII without an amp?
It requires a quality headphone amp for optimal performance; not specified as usable directly from consumer devices.
How long will the QuietComfort Ultra last on a single charge?
Up to 24 hours of battery life per charge.
Which model is cheaper?
QuietComfort Ultra is priced around $429 MSRP, while DT 1990 Pro MKII is $599 MSRP.