Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

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 Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

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.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

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.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

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 commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

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.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

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 connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

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 repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

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.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

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

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

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.

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

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.

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

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 commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

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.

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

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 generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

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.

Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

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.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

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.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

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.

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

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

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

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.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

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.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

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

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

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

Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

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

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

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 usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

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 widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

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.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

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

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

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 is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

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.

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

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

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

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 called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

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

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

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

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

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

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

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

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

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.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

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

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

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.

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

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 considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

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 performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

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.

USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

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.

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

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.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

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

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

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 cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.

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