Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones vs Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones

ANC is consistently described as class-leading, excelling on planes, trains, and busy streets; a few note rare odd behavior with extremely loud peaks. Noise canceling is highly adjustable through modes and a 10-step slider, often with wind control, but several reviewers dislike the lack of a true ANC-off state.

Android works well for basics, but best codec features depend on compatible Snapdragon hardware and may fall back to AAC on some popular phones.

The Bose Music app is easy to navigate for modes, updates, and basic customization, but power users may find it simpler than competing apps.

aptX Adaptive/Lossless is a notable perk for supported phones, but real-world availability varies and some reviews warn of inconsistent handset support.

Bass is strong and punchy; fans call it controlled and fun, while detractors describe it as too heavy or less controlled without EQ.

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 typically described as mid-pack (around 24 hours), with Immersive Audio often cutting it to roughly 18 hours; some find it acceptable, others call it a weakness.

Bluetooth connection is generally stable with good range, with occasional reports of finickiness on some computers.

Build is seen as solid but not the most premium; a few report rattles or long-term wear concerns, while others find it durable enough for daily travel.

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.

Controls mix physical buttons with a touch strip; many like the simple layout, but some dislike multi-press functions and loud button clicks.

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 hard, zippered carrying case is frequently praised as compact and protective, usually including storage for cables and accessories.

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 performance is strong, with fast-charge claims commonly cited and the ability to top up quickly for a few hours of listening.

Clamping force is usually described as gentle and well-judged; the comfort-focused clamp can reduce stability for vigorous 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 centers on SBC/AAC plus Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive/Lossless on compatible devices; Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio readiness are mentioned, though rollout varies.

Long-wear comfort is a standout: lightweight feel, soft cushioning, and glasses-friendly fit make it easy to wear for hours.

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 understated and modern with premium touches, but several reviewers call it low-key and wish it stood out more.

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.

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.

Ear pads are widely praised as plush, but some long-term use reports mention compression/divots and concerns about thin pleather longevity.

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.

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 is available but limited (often described as a 3-band slider with modest sensitivity), so deep tuning is not a strength.

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.

Headband adjustment is smooth and fits a wide range of head sizes, helping distribute pressure for comfort.

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.

The dual-hinge folding design improves packability; most find it sturdy, though pinch points and occasional rattles are mentioned.

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 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.

Separation and imaging are strong, but a few sources mention channel matching or processing can affect spatial cues.

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.

Clarity generally holds up at higher volumes, with multiple reviewers noting strong detail retention when turned up.

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

Noise reduction for calls is often effective in busy environments, but some tests still capture background announcements or office noise.

Call quality reviews are mixed: some describe it as excellent with clear voice pickup, while others report graininess, robotic tone, or dropouts in meetings.

Midrange is generally clear and present, though some note it can sit behind the bass depending on track and tuning.

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 strong overall, working well with iOS, Android, and computers for everyday listening.

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 supported and usually reliable, enabling easy switching between phone and laptop; switching behavior can be manual depending on use.

Large, plush pads create a strong seal that boosts passive isolation and supports the overall noise-reduction performance.

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.

Fold-up-and-flat portability is a key advantage, helping the headphones and case take up less space than some rivals.

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 profiles exist (for example bass/treble focused presets), but the selection and granularity are limited compared with rivals.

Earpads are removable/replaceable according to at least one review, which is a plus for long-term maintenance, though long-term pad wear and compression are still discussed.

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

Sensors enable wear detection, auto-pause/resume, and sleep/auto-off behavior that helps conserve battery, though detection can feel slow for some.

The black finish can show fingerprints and smudges more than lighter colorways.

Setup is generally straightforward with fast pairing on supported devices; a few note slower on-head detection or reconnection in daily use.

Overall sound is widely described as rich, detailed, and engaging with a bass-forward tilt; some reviewers still prefer more neutral or more detailed rivals.

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 above average for closed-back ANC headphones, and Immersive Audio can widen it further with varying success.

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 audio can widen the presentation for some content, but many find it inconsistent or overly processed and note the battery hit.

Stability on the head is excellent for desk and travel use, but some reviewers report slipping/falling during dynamic workouts or bending.

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 strip/slider is often described as responsive and easy by feel, though some users report accidental volume jumps.

Transparency/Aware mode is repeatedly praised as natural and low-hiss, close to AirPods Max quality and especially useful for office awareness.

Treble is typically detailed and crisp without harshness, though a few describe it as slightly distant or affected by processing.

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 charging-only; lack of USB-C digital audio passthrough is a repeated complaint for a flagship-priced model.

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 typically supported via a customizable shortcut, making hands-free control convenient for many users.

Maximum volume output is described as very loud with ample headroom.

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.

There is no IP rating, and multiple reviews advise against heavy sweat or rain exposure despite the headphones handling normal daily use.

Weight is generally considered light for the class (around 250g), contributing to reduced fatigue over long sessions.

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.