Bose SoundTrue Ultra In-Ear: Specs, Features & Buying Guide

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra in-ear is a discontinued wired classic — and still one of the most comfortable in-ear designs Bose ever shipped. Launched in 2015 as Bose’s first noise-isolating in-ear, it paired deep, rich sound with StayHear Ultra tips that seal gently at the opening of the ear canal instead of jamming deep inside it. The catch: Bose no longer makes it. In 2026, only renewed, refurbished, or third-party marketplace listings remain — and availability comes and goes. This guide breaks down the specs, the two variants, what to check before buying used, and whether it’s still worth hunting down.

The short version: the SoundTrue Ultra earns its reputation for comfort and warm, full sound — but it’s a 3.5mm wired earphone with no active noise cancellation. Buy it for what it is, a legacy comfort pick, not a modern feature-packed upgrade.

How we score: SoundMavericks scores are editorial judgments based on published specifications, performance characteristics, design analysis, and marketplace availability — we did not physically test this unit.

Why the SoundTrue Ultra Still Gets Talked About

Most wired earphones from the mid-2010s have faded into obscurity. The SoundTrue Ultra hasn’t, for one reason: fit. Bose designed the StayHear Ultra tip to create its acoustic seal by resting gently against the outside of the ear canal rather than wedging deep inside it — a secure fit without the pressure and fatigue that deep-insertion buds cause over long sessions.

It was also a milestone product: Bose’s first in-ear built around passive noise isolation rather than the active noise cancellation the brand was famous for. No batteries, no charging, no pairing — just a 3.5mm plug, a sealed acoustic chamber, and tips that block a meaningful amount of ambient sound. If your priority is comfortable, great-sounding wired audio with zero fuss, the formula still works.

Specifications

Bose SoundTrue Ultra in-ear headphones (Charcoal, Apple variant) — image via Amazon

Sound Quality: Warm, Full, and Easy to Listen To

The SoundTrue Ultra’s tuning is classic Bose from this era: warm and full, with deep, impactful bass and a smooth, non-fatiguing top end. The sealed acoustic design gives low frequencies real weight without bleeding into the midrange, so bass hits with satisfying depth while vocals stay clear.

The overall character leans neutral-warm rather than analytical — treble is polite and rolled off at the very top, which makes the Ultra forgiving of harsh recordings and easy to wear for hours. Independent lab testing has rated its sound quality in the “very good” range with strong bass impact: a musical, enjoyable tuning rather than a reference-monitor one.

One thing to set straight: despite the “Ultra” name and Bose’s noise-cancelling reputation, there is no active noise cancellation here. Isolation is entirely passive, delivered by the StayHear Ultra seal. It’s effective — noticeably quieter than standard earbuds on a train or in an office — but it won’t erase engine drone the way Bose’s ANC models do.

Fit & Comfort: The Headline Feature

This is where the SoundTrue Ultra earns its keep. The StayHear Ultra tips combine a soft silicone seal with a flexible wing that tucks into the bowl of your ear. Because the seal forms at the opening of the canal rather than deep inside it, there’s almost no inward pressure — the single biggest comfort complaint with conventional in-ears.

Three tip sizes are included, and sizing matters: too small and the seal (and the bass) suffers; too large and the wing presses uncomfortably. Once dialed in, the 18-gram build disappears in the ear and stays put through commutes and light exercise. The sweat- and water-resistant tip material also stands up well to perspiration and rainy commutes.

Design, Cable & Durability

Bose sweated the small annoyances with this one. The cable uses a T-joint splitter instead of the usual Y-split, which keeps the left and right runs from twisting together and reduces cable microphonics — that irritating rustling transmitted to your ears when a cable rubs against clothing while you move.

The three-button inline remote handles calls, playback, and volume. Build quality is solid Bose: strain reliefs, a tangle-resistant cable jacket, and dense-feeling housings. The carrying case is compact and genuinely protective, and the clothing clip keeps the cable from swinging. On any decade-old wired earphone bought used, inspect the plug and splitter for cable wear — that’s where failures happen.

Apple vs. Android Versions: Which One Do You Need?

Bose sold the SoundTrue Ultra in two variants with identical audio hardware — only the inline remote differs:

• Apple version (model 741629-0010): inline remote and microphone tuned for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Full button functionality with Apple devices.
• Samsung / Android version (model 741629-0070): three-button inline remote designed for Samsung Galaxy phones and select Android devices, with call and track controls.

Note: most current phones lack a headphone jack, so you’ll need a USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.

Buying a Discontinued Classic in 2026

Let’s be direct: Bose discontinued the SoundTrue Ultra years ago. On Amazon, the only live listings we could verify are Amazon Renewed units — refurbished, not new — and even those show no current featured offers at the time of writing. Stock fluctuates, so check back if the listing is temporarily unavailable.

If you decide to hunt one down, buy smart:

• Prefer Renewed over random third-party used listings — Renewed products go through inspection and carry a return policy, which matters for decade-old earphones.
• Check the tips. Silicone degrades over time, and replacements for a discontinued model are hard to find. Confirm all three sizes are included.
• Test the cable for crackling at the plug and splitter — a sign of worn wiring.
• Confirm the variant. Sellers sometimes mix up the Apple and Android versions; check the model number (741629-0010 vs. 741629-0070).
• Set expectations. You’re buying a comfortable, great-sounding wired earphone — not modern ANC, not wireless, no app, no updates.

Pros and Cons

• Comfort: the StayHear Ultra fit remains one of the best in-ear designs ever made
• Sound: warm, full Bose tuning with deep, satisfying bass
• Effective passive noise isolation with no batteries to charge
• T-joint cable reduces tangles and microphonics
• Sweat- and water-resistant tips; solid build quality

• Discontinued — only renewed or used units, and stock is unreliable
• No active noise cancellation despite the Bose badge
• Wired 3.5mm only — needs an adapter for jack-less phones
• Apple vs. Android remote versions differ
• Replacement tips are hard to source

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the renewed-only availability gives you pause, the honest alternative depends on what drew you to the Ultra. For comfort-first wired listening, current wired in-ears from established audio brands deliver similar passive isolation with new cables, fresh tips, and full warranties. For Bose sound with modern convenience, Bose’s current wireless earbuds are the natural successor: true wireless and real active noise cancellation.

And for wired reliability with no charging, a new pair of well-reviewed wired earphones is almost always the smarter buy than a refurbished Ultra. But if you find a clean Renewed unit and comfort is your top priority, the SoundTrue Ultra remains a pleasant listen — few earphones disappear in your ears like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bose SoundTrue Ultra discontinued?

Yes. Bose discontinued it years ago and major retailers list it as no longer available. In 2026, renewed/refurbished programs and third-party or second-hand sellers are the only sources, and availability fluctuates.

Does the SoundTrue Ultra have noise cancelling?

No. There is no active noise cancellation — isolation is entirely passive, via the StayHear Ultra seal. It’s effective for an office or commute, but it won’t cancel low-frequency drone like Bose’s ANC models.

What’s the difference between the Apple and Android versions?

Only the inline remote. The Apple version (741629-0010) is tuned for iPhone, iPad, and iPod controls; the Samsung/Android version (741629-0070) has a three-button remote for Galaxy and select Android phones. The earphones and sound are identical.

Will it work with a phone that has no headphone jack?

Yes, with an adapter. The 3.5mm plug needs a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for most modern Android phones or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for recent iPhones. Inexpensive adapters work fine — there’s no digital handshake involved.

What’s included in the box?

Originally: the headphones, three pairs of StayHear Ultra tips (S, M, L), a protective carrying case, and a clothing clip. When buying renewed or used, verify all accessories are included — replacement tips are hard to source.

Is the SoundTrue Ultra good for exercise?

Reasonably so. The tips are sweat- and water-resistant, the fit is secure, and the T-joint cable minimizes movement noise. It’s not a dedicated sport earphone, but it handles gym sessions and runs better than most casual in-ears of its era.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundTrue Ultra in-ear is a comfort classic that still sounds good a decade on — warm, full, and easy to wear for hours. Its StayHear Ultra fit remains a benchmark, and the no-batteries simplicity has its own charm.

Buy with eyes open, though: it’s discontinued, there’s no ANC, and you’re shopping the renewed and second-hand market. Find a clean unit and it’s still a lovely listen; want new and modern, and current wired in-ears or Bose’s wireless lineup are the smarter pick.

SoundMavericks verdict: 8.4/10 — a genuinely great-wearing earphone held back by discontinued status and a dated feature set.

Mark Folksman

I am the founder of Sound Mavericks, where I provide the polite truth about audio equipment. I started this site because consumer electronics reviews are often too technical. Instead of using a silent lab, I test headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers in the real world – like on a noisy subway or in a busy coffee shop.

To stay independent, I buy my own review units (mostly from the United States) rather than accepting free gifts from brands. Once I finish testing a product, I sell it locally to our community. My goal is to help you understand sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and battery life without the marketing hype.