Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones.
For the best possible combination of active noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, you don’t have to look any further than the newly released Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Although it’s expensive – and although we give Sony the edge in ANC quality by a margin – its sturdy build and excellent performance are sure to carry you through years of use.
The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have been one of our favorite headphones since they were released in 2023, so the second-generation headphones had a lot of room to fill. While the upgrades aren’t amazing, Bose is working to fix the most glaring issues with the first-generation earbuds.
For the most part, noise cancellation and voice coil remain unchanged. There are slight improvements in both: the sound profile comes out a little richer, the adaptive noise cancellation is a little more effective, and the 10 levels of adjustable noise cancellation are easier to access through the companion app. Although we find the ANC technology in the Sony XM6 headphones to be a bit more effective, the adjustability of the Bose headphones can’t be beat.
The design also remains aesthetically similar, with the main changes coming in the form of a shiny piece of metal in the headband. They are also, in some ways, more comfortable than the first generation Ultras, especially in the ear cup area. Like the first generation headphones, the earcups are still removable, making them easier to clean and replace for many years.
In addition to the features mentioned above, the Ultras’ foldable ear cup design has long made them one of the best headphones for travel, but Bose has made it even better this time. Battery life is now 30 hours, up from 24 hours, and the headphones support passive playback using the auxiliary cable, meaning they don’t need to be turned on to play audio. The USB-C charging cable can also be used to stream audio, although the headphones need to be powered on in order to use this feature.
Bose has also improved the wear detection of these headphones and added Flat Mode, which automatically disconnects the headphones from Bluetooth and puts them in low power mode when placed on a flat surface. Overall, these headphones feel more premium than the previous generation, and for the same price, the first generation was available for $449.