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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIf you’re choosing between Bose’s current second-generation models, buy the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) for a simpler, value-focused option; choose the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if lossless USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and Bose’s higher-tier features justify the extra cost for you. The comparison depends on the exact generation: the original standard QuietComfort launched in 2023, and a newer QuietComfort (2nd Gen) is a separate model.
Which model is the better fit?
Choose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) for value
The standard QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are the more straightforward choice if you want Bose’s core noise-cancelling modes and do not expect to use the Ultra’s premium additions. What Hi-Fi? reported a US launch price of $359 in 2026; that is a launch-price reference, not a current retail quote.
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Choose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for the added features
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) add lossless audio over USB-C and Cinema Mode, alongside an updated adaptive noise-cancellation algorithm, according to Bose. They make more sense if those features are useful to you and the current price gap is acceptable. Bose announced a US launch retail price of $449 in September 2025; What Hi-Fi? reported $450 in 2026, a one-dollar discrepancy between the sources. Neither figure establishes today’s price, and discounts can change the value comparison.
What is different between the second-generation headphones?
| Feature | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise-control modes | Quiet, Aware and ActiveSense, as reported by What Hi-Fi? | Quiet, Aware and ActiveSense, as reported by What Hi-Fi? |
| Wired USB-C audio | Lossless USB-C audio not listed in What Hi-Fi?’s comparison | Lossless USB-C audio, a feature Bose announced for this model |
| Spatial or cinema features | Immersive modes are reflected in the published battery figures; Cinema Mode not listed | Cinema Mode, which Bose describes as making video sound more lifelike with clearer dialogue |
| Wireless codecs | AAC and SBC, according to What Hi-Fi? | aptX Adaptive, according to What Hi-Fi? |
| Multipoint support | Not stated in the cited comparison | Not stated in the cited comparison |
| Volume control | Physical buttons | Touch volume strip |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours with ANC on; 18 hours in immersive modes, per figures reported by What Hi-Fi? | Up to 45 hours with ANC off, 30 hours with ANC on, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio, per figures reported by What Hi-Fi? |
| Independent testing status | What Hi-Fi? said it had not yet tested this model | What Hi-Fi? said it had tested this model |
Battery figures are published specifications reported by What Hi-Fi?, not results of a test conducted for this article. They are not directly comparable unless you account for the settings: the Ultra figure varies substantially with ANC and Immersive Audio, while the standard model’s cited figures are for ANC on and immersive modes.
#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
How much should you weigh the Ultra’s sound and noise-cancelling claims?
Bose described the Ultra (2nd Gen) as having “lossless USB-C audio for crystal-clear, low-latency sound,” a more precise adaptive noise-cancellation algorithm and Cinema Mode. These are manufacturer feature descriptions, not independent measurements. What Hi-Fi? reported testing the Ultra (2nd Gen), but said it had not yet tested the standard QuietComfort (2nd Gen); therefore, the available comparison does not establish a direct listening-test winner between the two.
For practical buying purposes, focus on the features you will use. If you watch video with headphones or want lossless wired USB-C playback, the Ultra offers a documented reason to consider spending more. If you mainly need Quiet and Aware modes, the standard model includes those modes too, according to What Hi-Fi?’s comparison.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Check the generation and current price before buying
“QuietComfort” can refer to more than one product. Bose announced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on September 10, 2025, with availability beginning October 2, 2025. The standard QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is distinct from the standard QuietComfort model launched in 2023. Compare listings by full model name and generation, not just “QuietComfort” or “Ultra.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
- Use the exact generation name when checking retailer listings; specifications and prices for earlier generations are not interchangeable.
- Compare the prices available to you now. The cited $359 and $449/$450 figures are launch-price references, not current prices.
- If you need headphones for wet conditions, note that Bose’s product page says the Ultra (2nd Gen) is not waterproof.
Sources
- Bose, “Bose Unveils the Next Generation of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones,” September 10, 2025.
- What Hi-Fi?, comparison of QuietComfort (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), August 10, 2026.
- Bose US product page for QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).
- Bose Support, “Product Specifications | Bose QuietComfort Headphones”.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
