Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 well-judged; the comfort-focused clamp can reduce stability for vigorous movement.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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