Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones

Noise cancelation is consistently described as top-tier and often best-in-class, with Gen 2 seen as a small refinement (more precise, fewer quirks); some outlets still give Sony a slight edge in ultimate silence. Most reviews highlight easy ANC control through modes or a slider (often 1–10) and note Gen 2 can fully disable ANC, which improves flexibility and battery options.

Android support is repeatedly described as strong, with easy pairing and the best codec features (aptX family) available on compatible Snapdragon phones.

The companion app is generally stable and straightforward for modes, ANC, immersive audio, and device management, but many reviewers describe it as basic compared with feature-rich competitors.

Reviews that discuss codecs call out aptX Adaptive and related options (including lossless/low-latency variants on compatible Snapdragon devices) as a meaningful plus for Android users.

USB-C wired audio is noted to reduce Bluetooth latency by tens of milliseconds, which can improve lip-sync for video compared with wireless use.

Bass is widely praised as deeper, punchier, and more controlled than the prior model, though a couple reviewers still describe it as warm or occasionally one-note depending on genre and settings.

Bass is generally controlled and textured, with some listeners hearing a fuller, pillowy low end and others calling it restrained or dry compared with bassier alternatives. Sub-bass is present but not the main emphasis, so slam-heads may want more weight.

Battery life is commonly reported around 27–30 hours with ANC on, which is competitive but not class-leading; immersive/spatial modes reduce runtime, and some sources note longer life with ANC off.

Bluetooth performance is often described as quick to connect and stable in daily use, but a minority report occasional connection quirks or issues.

Build quality is generally seen as durable enough for daily travel, but the heavy use of plastic and occasional rattly feel reduce the perceived premium value at this price.

Build quality is consistently described as excellent, with premium materials, tight assembly, and a refined feel. Several reviews highlight serviceability and long-term durability as part of the value proposition.

Physical buttons are serviceable but frequently criticized for doing too many functions (pairing/power, multi-press combos) and offering limited customization.

Several reviewers mention the 2.5mm analog input as less common than 3.5mm, but the included cable and USB-C option make it easy to stay connected when needed.

Cable impressions are mixed: many find the stock cable sturdy and functional, but some report microphonics or less-than-ideal ergonomics, and several note the lack of a balanced stock option.

The included case is widely appreciated for being sturdy and compact, though some reviewers find the folding orientation awkward or wish the case design were quicker to open/close.

The included hard/semi-hard case is widely praised as well-made and protective, with room for cables/adapters and a secure zipper. It supports storage and occasional transport effectively.

Charging is typically described as convenient, with quick-charge figures around 15 minutes for a few hours of playback and full charge around a few hours; USB-C also enables charging while listening.

Clamping force is usually described as gentle and fatigue-free, but a few reviewers find the fit on the snug side (great for seal) or potentially too loose for smaller heads during movement.

Clamp force is generally described as moderate and well-distributed, supporting stability without obvious pain. A handful of impressions mention the clamp feeling a bit tight out of the box, with minor adjustment/break-in helping.

Codec support is described as modern and well-rounded for 2025-era ANC headphones, with standard codecs plus aptX Adaptive family and multiple wired options; performance depends on your source device support.

Comfort is a core strength: many reviewers call it class-leading for long sessions thanks to light weight, plush pads, and an easy seal, with only occasional notes about heat buildup or fit preferences.

Comfort is a consistent strength: the self-adjusting suspension design and soft pads enable long listening sessions for most people. A few note fit quirks (small cups for some ears or clamp that starts slightly tight).

Design is largely unchanged from the previous generation, with updated glossy accents and more color options; reactions range from stylishly understated to a bit boring or too fingerprint-prone.

Design is a standout, with walnut accents and Meze’s mid-century styling repeatedly called premium-looking and distinctive. Even critics of the tuning tend to praise the aesthetics and finish quality.

The detachable dual 3.5mm system is convenient for replacement, yet recessed/narrow connector sizing can limit third-party cable compatibility compared with more universal designs. Connection security itself is generally praised.

At least one reviewer notes there is no dedicated low-latency wireless dongle, limiting plug-and-play latency solutions for gaming compared with some rivals.

The included USB-C DAC dongle/adapter is viewed as a nice convenience for modern devices, generally adequate for casual listening. Enthusiast reviewers still expect better performance from dedicated DAC/amps.

Earpads are typically described as soft, deep, and comfortable, though some users note ears can touch the inner padding or that the surface may not feel ultra-premium to the touch.

Velour/suede pads are commonly described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, helping distribute pressure and avoid hotspots. Some users wish for a touch more ear room, but pad comfort is still rated highly.

The yoke/rotation design allows the cups to lay flat, but at least one review notes the rotation range is limited in one direction.

Cup articulation is generally sufficient for a good seal/fit, with tilt helping the pads conform, though some describe movement as limited compared with more freely articulating designs.

EQ control is repeatedly called out as limited (a simple 3-band slider), good for small tweaks but not ideal for listeners who want granular tuning.

Tonality can be shaped into a more balanced response with CustomTune and light EQ, but out of the box many characterize it as a V-shaped or slightly dark consumer tuning rather than strictly neutral.

Tonality is often described as balanced or smooth rather than strictly neutral, with a coherent frequency integration that avoids obvious bloat. Some characterize it as tastefully colored (warm-bright/W-shaped) rather than reference-flat.

The auto/self-adjusting headband system is repeatedly singled out as one of the best parts of the design, requiring little to no fiddling while spreading pressure evenly. It also helps with consistent fit and comfort over time.

Where mentioned, the metal headband/hinge structure is viewed as reassuring, even though much of the exterior uses plastic to save weight.

Build discussions suggest robust hinges and a durable chassis, with spring-steel structures and solid joints expected to hold up well over years of use.

Accessories are typically described as solid for the category, with a sturdy case plus USB-C and analog cables included for flexible connections.

Accessories are generally seen as generous for the price: a protective case, cables, and adapters (often including USB-C). The main recurring complaint is the absence of a balanced cable in the box.

Instrument separation is rated good-to-excellent, with most reviewers finding layering and placement strong; a few note busy mixes can still blur slightly.

Instrument separation and imaging are widely regarded as excellent for the price, helping complex mixes stay organized and making positional cues easy to track. Even reviewers who nitpick tuning tend to credit the Silva’s placement and delineation.

When pushed louder, reviewers who mention it report the presentation staying composed, with bass and treble control holding together without obvious strain.

Noise reduction on calls is usually effective, keeping background sounds lower while preserving speech, though some tests still let intermittent noise bleed through or add a slightly processed character.

Call quality is generally good for a premium ANC headphone, with most reviewers saying voices stay intelligible in noisy places; a few describe it as merely fine, compressed, or not exceptional.

Midrange is generally clear with solid vocal presence, but some reviews note slightly recessed or less biting mids (especially for guitars/rock) compared with top competitors.

Midrange is a highlight for many, with clear, forward vocals/instruments and an overall transparent character. A few note that certain vocal ranges can sound a bit thin, scooped, or pushed depending on recording and pairing.

Cross-platform use is a common strength, with reviewers noting smooth switching between phones and computers across iOS and Android ecosystems.

Reviewers frequently describe good compatibility across sources (phones with dongles, laptops, DAPs, and desktop amps), helped by easy drivability. Some note it scales with source quality and can reveal harshness from poor gear.

Multipoint is widely praised as seamless for two devices with smooth switching; a couple edge cases (e.g., juggling TV/phone or certain setups) can be finicky.

Passive isolation benefits from a good seal and deep cups, but a few reviewers note the foam is not the thickest; overall, it helps the ANC work even better on commutes.

As open-backs, passive isolation is low and sound leakage is expected; a couple of reviewers note mild attenuation compared to very open designs, but these are still best for quiet rooms.

Portability is strong for a flagship ANC headphone: the frame folds and articulates well, keeping the carry footprint compact for travel.

Portability is mixed: they’re easy to drive and include a protective case, but the open-back design and size make them better suited to home or quiet environments than true travel/commute use.

Preset EQ or mode profiles exist and can help (e.g., bass-reducing or treble-boosting options), but many reviewers find the presets and overall EQ ecosystem underwhelming.

Replaceable earpads are highlighted as a practical perk for long-term ownership, cleaning, and swapping for third-party pad options.

Where discussed, earpads are replaceable and intended for long-term ownership, with guides or documentation supporting pad swaps and maintenance.

Sensors and automation (on-head detection, auto pause, low-power modes) are often praised for making the headphones feel effortless day to day.

Glossy accents look more premium to some, but multiple reviewers mention they pick up fingerprints and dust more easily than matte finishes.

Setup is generally described as simple, with fast pairing and reliable auto-connect behaviors that reduce daily friction.

Across reviews, the sound is described as enjoyable and travel-friendly, with a consumer-leaning tuning and strong bass; several reviewers say it improves on Gen 1, but a few still find it only fine or a bit dark versus audiophile-leaning rivals. Wired playback (especially over USB-C) is frequently described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, with the bonus of charging-while-listening; analog wired is also supported for older sources.

Across reviews, the 105 Silva is described as an engaging open-back with a premium “Meze” presentation: natural timbre, strong technicalities for the price, and a tuning that favors musical enjoyment over strict neutrality. A minority find the voicing less competitive on pure sound-per-dollar versus cheaper rivals without EQ.

Soundstage is repeatedly called wide and open for a closed-back ANC headphone, helping music and movies feel less claustrophobic.

Soundstage impressions vary: some describe it as expansive, airy, and three-dimensional, while others find it only moderately wide or a touch narrow with limited depth/layering. Imaging is commonly cited as more consistent than sheer stage size.

Immersive/spatial features (including cinema mode) get mixed reactions: some love cinema for clearer dialogue and a bigger movie feel, while others dislike the processing and prefer stereo for music.

Fit stability is good for desk work, commuting, and light movement, but several reviewers caution it is not ideal for more dynamic workouts due to the lack of an IP rating and comfort-first clamping.

Fit stability is usually strong thanks to moderate clamp and the suspension design, with reports of little slippage and secure positioning. One review flags potential fit issues for smaller heads due to the frame geometry.

Sustainability is repeatedly tied to Meze’s serviceable approach: parts can be replaced rather than discarding the headphone, supporting longevity and repairability over time.

The touch volume control is divisive: some find it responsive and sleek, while others call it imprecise or too easy to trigger large volume changes, especially without tactile feedback.

Transparency mode is commonly rated among the best and natural-sounding, though several reviewers mention a faint hiss/white noise or slightly reduced openness versus the very best implementations.

Treble is typically smooth and cleaner than Gen 1, avoiding harshness; however, multiple reviewers wish for more sparkle or micro-detail and often add treble via EQ.

Treble is typically praised for clarity and refinement, but several reviews note peaks/extra air that can sound a little spicy, sizzly, or less forgiving on bright or compressed tracks. Others hear it as smooth and well-balanced for long sessions.

USB-C is a key Gen 2 upgrade, enabling digital audio input (often described as lossless/hi-res) in addition to charging, and allowing simultaneous charge-and-listen use cases.

USB-C support comes via an included adapter/dongle, enabling plug-and-play use with phones and computers lacking a headphone jack. It’s positioned as convenience rather than a high-end solution.

Voice assistant access is supported via shortcuts or touch-and-hold actions in the app, making it easy to trigger assistants without pulling out your phone.

Volume output is generally ample, and at least one reviewer reports slightly higher output when using USB-C wired audio.

Multiple reviews call the 105 Silva very easy to drive (high sensitivity, modest impedance) and capable of reaching loud listening levels from phones, dongles, laptops, and DAPs. Higher-quality sources can still improve refinement and control.

Multiple reviews emphasize there is no official water or sweat rating, making these a poor choice for rain, heavy workouts, or sweaty gym sessions.

Weight is repeatedly highlighted as a major comfort advantage versus heavier rivals, making it easier to wear for travel and workdays.

At roughly mid-300g, the Silva isn’t ultra-light, but reviewers frequently say it feels lighter on-head due to excellent weight distribution. Most report minimal fatigue from weight during extended sessions.